Mercedes-Benz CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS (initially called the CLS-Class) is a series of executive cars produced by Mercedes-Benz from October 2004 to August 2023.

The original model was a four-door sedan based on the Mercedes E-Class platform, marketed as a four door coupé. An estate (shooting brake) model was later added to the model range with the second generation CLS. All models are available as a high performance AMG variant, although it wasn't until the second generation CLS that 4MATIC all-wheel drive was offered.

The CLS range is positioned between the E-Class and the S-Class within the Mercedes model range, and models tend to be less practical than the E-Class it is based on. It primarily competes with other fastback sedans like the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera and Audi A7. Production of the CLS ended on 31 August 2023 to prepare for the launch of the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W214).

First generation (C219; 2004)
Marketed from Mercedes as a four-door coupé, the CLS was designed by Michael Fink in 2001 who also styled the first generation CLK, the C-SportCoupé, and Maybach 57 and 62. In Europe, the CLS is recognized as a four-seat coupé and justly named the C219, while in the US, it is commonly referred to as the W219. The C219 CLS is based on the W211 E-Class platform, and shares major components including the engines, transmissions, and has an identical wheelbase of 2854 mm. IVM Automotive, a subsidiary of German roof system specialist Edscha, developed the entire vehicle from the Vision CLS concept on which the CLS is based, to the production version which debuted at the 2004 New York International Auto Show.

Second generation (C218; 2010)


The C218 CLS is the second generation model, and was sold from 2011 to 2018. The body styles of the range are a 4-door coupé (C218 model code for Europe/ W218 for US market), and a 5-door estate (X218 model code, marketed as 'Shooting Brake'). The design of the CLS was based on the Mercedes F800 concept and featured design cues from other models including the Mercedes SLS AMG. Unlike its predecessor, the C218 CLS is available with all-wheel drive and can be optionally configured on CLS 63 AMG models as well. In 2014, the CLS underwent a facelift and featured design changes, engine enhancements, and the adoption of the Mercedes 9G-Tronic automatic transmission.

Third generation (C257; 2018)


The C257 CLS is the third model and was previously available only as a four-door coupe and in rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4MATIC) configuration. The Shooting Brake body style was in development for the C257 CLS, but was shortly discontinued due to poor and declining demand overseas for the last generation model. The range of engines consist of a 2.9-litre straight six turbocharged diesel engine and a 3.0-litre straight six turbocharged petrol engine. The latter equips the CLS 53 AMG with features such as a mild hybrid system and an Panamericana radiator grille, which pays tribute to 300 SL model. The CLS is also now a five-seater car, instead of being a four-seater as with the previous two generations.