2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
Price Range:Â $41,000 - $43,998





+331
Great
8.3
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-executed sedan. Every aspect is refined, from the cabin to the infotainment system to its innovative mild hybrid engine. The only downside is that the E-Class does it all for less money.
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
by the Edmunds Experts
What's new
- MBUX infotainment system and digital instrument panel now standard
- Surround-view camera system and power rear sunshade standard on AMG CLS 53
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.74 per gallon for premium unleaded in Florida.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Florida
$179/mo  for CLS-Class CLS 450
CLS-Class CLS 450
vs
$188/mo
Avg. Large Car
See Edmunds pricing data
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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Average
#25 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class from 2008-2022.$733/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.83x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).16.3%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(70%)
4(10%)
3(0%)
2(20%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fast, Stylish, the happy marriage of sport/sedan
5 out of 5 starsAKALOVE, 03/07/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
I went from a 2016 cla 45 to a 2020 cls 53 amg and couldn’t be happier. I weighed all of my options before upgrading between many amg models 53, 63, the GT etc. I needed a daily driver but like my cla one that was still quick, fun to be in, all wheel drive/4 matic (I live in New York, winter can be tuff lol), stylish with coupe like features and just an overall joy to own and be in. The … 2020 CLS hits all those markers half coupe half sedan with an attitude; she’s fun drive, quick from the start and can also be comfortable and quite (dynamic select). I’ve had nothing but amazing experiences with Mercedes and worked hard to earn every dollar to be able to afford in my opinion such a luxury. Can you put your 6 foot friend in the back seat yeah is it a tight fit yeah but I don’t buy my cars for the comfort of others. I buy them for me! Take care of your car and she’ll take care of you (service appointments, oil changes, etc). If you want the best of both worlds; power, performance, luxury, comfort, speed, 4 matic, daily driving but totally worthy of bringing her to the track for a little fun then the CLS is for you. Fast enough to get in trouble, comfortable enough to drive daily or support your family yet not to fast your life insurance policy goes up lol then the CLS is a no brainer. This is obviously my opinion but I’ve been a proud and happy Mercedes Benz owner now for 5 years and smile every-time i open the man-door to my garage and see my beautiful 2020 cls 53 waiting for me :) life is great work hard play harder. Many best wishes to health, success and happiness to all.
Rolling Technology Display
5 out of 5 starsJim Collum, 09/12/2019
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 9A)
Just leased this car after previously leasing a 2016 CLS400. Huge leap ahead. Other than seats that are too aggressively bolstered for a everyday sedan, I love this vehicle. Best parts are an amazing powertrain with effortless and endless power, beautiful interior, great stereo and safety features and a 5th seat. Technology isn’t always intuitive but learning curve isn’t steep. Truck … shrunk a bit as well from the last generation. It may not have a ton of personality as most cars are just snout perfect nowadays but it’s truly a fantastic vehicle I’d recommend to anyone and makes a great family vehicle for my wife, me and our 2 year old.
Classy car
5 out of 5 starsPapi, 02/20/2020
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
If you are looking for a car that brings a bit of excitement to you every time you approach it, this is your type of vehicle. Aside from great lines and looks, it is smooth, quiet, luxurious and sporty at the same time! A pleasure to drive!
Love my 2019 CLS 53
5 out of 5 starsBob Friedman, 04/26/2020
2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric hybrid 9A)
I love love this car and I traded a 2016 Bentley V8s convertible for it. My car is matte selenite grey and one report said it is difficult to care for. I generally wash it my self and it is the easiest car I’ve ever had to keep clean. If the wheels are clean the car alwa6s looks clean no matter how dirty I might be
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CLS-Class since its last redesign.
2021 CLS-Class Highlights
Sedan
CLS 450
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $70,300 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $179/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 11.9 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the CLS-Class models:
- Active Brake Assist
- Warns if a front collision is imminent and applies the brakes if the driver doesn't react in time.
- Active Blind Spot Assist
- Alerts you if a vehicle is in your blind spot and beeps if you signal in that direction. It also steers you away if you drift toward it.
- Car-to-X communication
- Automatically transmits and receives safety updates to and from other appropriately equipped vehicles, then alerts drivers about hazards they can't yet see.
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