Buying guide: Mercedes-Benz CLS (C 257) – problems, versions and prices

The Mercedes-Benz CLS is an elegant and dynamic four-door comfort coupé. Autovisie goes into detail about the problems, versions and prices in this buying guide.

The first generation Mercedes-Benz CLS was marketed as a “Jaguar hunter”. The third generation also combines elegant design with a high level of comfort, a large selection of customization options and undisputed first-class workmanship.

Mercedes-Benz CLS body

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS with the model code C 257 comes onto the market in 2017 and carries the brand’s new design style. The design harks back to the original from 2004 with sober shapes and a new “shark mouth front” with sharp-looking full LED headlights. The new CLS is only available as a four-door coupé. The Shooting Brake will not have a sequel. For a sporty appearance, the AMG Line and the Night package are on the options list.

The top model Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a more lavish sports package and four exhaust pipes. An open roof and multi-beam LED headlights are other options. A new hood with two “powerdomes” is part of the minor facelift from 2019. A major refresh will follow in early 2021. In the Netherlands, the AMG Line package is now standard. Malfunctions that sometimes occur include a stalled active air intake (Airpanel) and an overactive parking camera.

Interior Mercedes-Benz CLS

The interior of the CLS gives the occupants the feeling of being in a special car. The design is impressive and even if the headroom in the rear isn’t at S-Class levels, the materials and workmanship are. The CLS comes standard with five seats (four of which are comfortable), a three-spoke steering wheel, a 12.3-inch media display, adjustable ambient lighting with illuminated round ventilation grilles, Pre-Safe driver assistance systems and Mercedes Me Connect services.

For a real feeling of pampering, additional options such as the fully digital widescreen cockpit, the energizing package and semi-autonomous Intelligent Drive functions are indispensable. This is just a very small selection from the options list, which also includes active multi-contour seats with massage function, Burmester audio, numerous upholstery materials and colors as well as design or manufactory customizations. The 2021 facelift brings new MBUX infotainment with touchscreen operation and augmented reality navigation display.

engine

Under the hood are four or six-cylinder engines with direct injection and supercharging. In addition, the 48 V mild hybrid technology dubbed “EQ Boost” is making its debut. The petrol engine is the CLS 350 with a 2.0 four-cylinder (299 hp, 400 Nm) and the CLS 450 with a 3.0 in-line six-cylinder (367 hp, 500 Nm). The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has a 3.0 inline six-cylinder with a turbocharger and an electrically driven compressor (435 hp, 520 Nm).

The CLS 200d with 2.0 four-cylinder (194 hp, 400 Nm) and the CLS 300d with biturbo 2.0 four-cylinder (245-265 hp, 500-550 Nm) are available as diesel options. The CLS 350 d/400 d has a 3.0 in-line six-cylinder (286-330 hp, 600-700 Nm). In four- and six-cylinder diesel engines, a possible water pump leak is a problem. On versions with EQ Boost, the 48V system may sometimes malfunction. Sometimes a reset or update helps, sometimes a repair is required. A recall has been initiated for 2021 to 2023 models due to a manufacturing defect in the fuel pump.

Gearbox Mercedes-Benz CLS

The CLS combines rear-wheel or all-wheel drive (4Matic) with a 9G-Tronic nine-speed automatic transmission with a torque converter. In combination with the six-cylinder engines, 4Matic is standard. The most powerful four-cylinder diesel engine also comes with 4Matic. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 has an AMG Speedshift TCT 9G transmission with an AMG-adapted torque converter, supplemented by the 4Matic+ all-wheel drive with variable drive force distribution. The nine-speed automatic transmission should shift smoothly and smoothly – at least in Comfort mode. Preventive oil changes extend the service life.

suspension

The C 257 has a four-way multi-link front axle and a five-way multi-link rear axle as standard in combination with steel comfort suspension. Various adaptive suspensions are available at an additional cost. Dynamic Body Control with adaptive dampers places greater emphasis on sportiness. The Air Body Control air suspension with Dynamic Select combines adaptive damping with level control and offers the choice between more comfort and more rigidity.

Improved direct steering is also available at an additional cost. Wheel sizes start at 18 inches and end at 20 inches. The CLS is a heavy car. Control arms, suspension rubbers, ball joints, shock absorbers/struts and tires can wear out more quickly.

Which one should I have?

While the four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines perform well, the six-cylinder engines are much more fun. The same applies to design and equipment. The CLS is a pampering car and that also includes the most extensive options list.

When buying, the premium rule is that more options are always better than many options. The Dutch used car offering of the CLS is modest and dominated by AMG Line versions. It can be difficult to find a specific combination of engine, options and color. In Germany the offer is larger and more diverse.

Should it be the Mercedes-Benz CLS?

With its design, decoration and driving characteristics, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a dynamic alternative to the S-Class and an exciting alternative to the E-Class. With the exception of some AMG versions, it is a very comfortable car that makes its driver and passengers feel like they are driving something special.

The powerful engines, the first-class equipment and the high-quality workmanship are also reasons to buy this extravagant Benz. It’s a shame that the CLS adventure won’t be continued for the time being, but the model says goodbye in style in keeping with its market positioning.

That’s what they cost

On Gaspedal.nl the used asking prices for the Mercedes-Benz CLS with a petrol engine start at 54,000 euros for a richly decorated CLS 350 AMG Line (2019, 101,000 km). A less luxurious CLS 350 with fewer kilometers (2019, 50,000 km) costs 54,950 euros.

The cheapest CLS with a six-cylinder petrol engine is a CLS 450 4Matic AMG Line (2018, 154,000 km). The facelift model starts at 59,000 euros for a CLS 350 (2019, 89,000 km) and 72,500 euros for a CLS 450 4Matic AMG Line (2020, 85,000 km). Prices for the Mercedes-CLS AMG 53 are between 69,000 euros (2019, 47,000 km) and 138,000 euros (2022, 3,000 km).

The CLS with a diesel engine costs at least 42,000 euros (CLS 350 d 4Matic AMG Line, 2018, 238,000 km) and a maximum of 97,000 euros (CLS 400 d AMG Line, 2020, 7,450 km).

Parts prices

Front brake pads, €90.32 per set
Front brake discs, €360.40 per set
Front axle wishbone, with air suspension, €144.06 each
Bilstein, strut air suspension front axle, €1,761.57 each
Pirelli P Zero PZ4, 275/35 R19 100Y MO, each from €233.50
Electric water pump, from €308.94

The prices apply to a Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4Matic from 2017 and include VAT and exclude assembly.

Maintenance costs

Minor maintenance from €400
Major maintenance from €500

The maintenance interval (CLS 450 4Matic) is 20,000 kilometers/1 year.

Plus points Mercedes-Benz CLS

+ Exterior design
+ Interior design
+ Customization options
+ Done

Negative Mercedes-Benz CLS

– Duration
– Difficult