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Mercedes-Benz CLS

2004: the CLS put a coupe roofline and 4 doors on E-Class underpinnings.1

Researched October 28, 2026 from 33 sources

At a glance

0300600
168–577 hpPower
0510
3.6–8.3 s0–100 km/h
0150300
207.6–252.7 km/hTop speed
0400800
300–800 N·mTorque
01,0002,000
1,660–1,980 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.13791516

Engine
I4/V6/I6/V8; CLS 55: 5.4 L supercharged; CLS 63: 6.2 L NA, then 5.5 L biturbo1467
Layout
Front-engine; RWD or 4MATIC, introduced in generation 210
Gearbox
CLS 55: 5-speed; CLS 63 MCT: 7-speed; Mk3: 9-speed automatic71415
Built at
First 2 generations: Sindelfingen, Germany7
Units built
C219: 170,0001

The story

Mercedes built the original CLS to mix coupe elegance with sedan usability, using E-Class underpinnings. Positioned between E-Class and S-Class, it sacrificed rear-seat room for a low, sloping roof.123

2003: Vision CLS debuts in Frankfurt20032004: October launch, V8 and 7 speeds20042006: M156 V8 and 7 speeds for CLS 63 AMG20062010: Second generation brings adaptive LEDs20102012: Shooting Brake adds a wooden cargo floor20122014: MULTIBEAM LEDs meet 9-speed gears20142018: 5 seats, 48 volts, no Shooting Brake20182021: Facelift and 300-car CLS 53 edition20212023: Production stops on August 312023 Vision CLS concept: 2003Mercedes-Benz CLS (first generation) (C219): 2003–2010C219Mercedes-Benz CLS (second generation) (C218/X218): 2011–2017C218/X218Mercedes-Benz CLS (third generation) (C257): 2018–2023C257 20052010201520202025
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones171025
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
2003Vision CLS concept
2003–2010Mercedes-Benz CLS (first generation) (C219)
2011–2017Mercedes-Benz CLS (second generation) (C218/X218)
2018–2023Mercedes-Benz CLS (third generation) (C257)
2003Vision CLS debuts in Frankfurt
2004October launch, V8 and 7 speeds
2006M156 V8 and 7 speeds for CLS 63 AMG
2010Second generation brings adaptive LEDs
2012Shooting Brake adds a wooden cargo floor
2014MULTIBEAM LEDs meet 9-speed gears
20185 seats, 48 volts, no Shooting Brake
2021Facelift and 300-car CLS 53 edition
2023Production stops on August 31
  1. 2003

    Vision CLS debuts in Frankfurt

    The Vision CLS concept paired a coupe roofline with a 4-door chassis at the Frankfurt motor show.1

  2. 2004

    October launch, V8 and 7 speeds

    The CLS arrived in October; the original CLS 500 paired a 302 hp 5.0 L V8 with a 7-speed automatic.145

  3. 2006

    M156 V8 and 7 speeds for CLS 63 AMG

    The CLS 63 AMG replaced the CLS 55 with a naturally aspirated 6.2 L M156 V8 and a 7-speed automatic, up from 5 ratios.16

  4. 2010

    Second generation brings adaptive LEDs

    Unveiled in Paris, generation 2 offered all-LED headlights with every adaptive function of regular xenon systems, a production-car first.47

  5. 2012

    Shooting Brake adds a wooden cargo floor

    The estate went on sale in October. Its CLS 63 AMG offered an optional designo cherrywood cargo floor with hand-laid veneers.78

  6. 2014

    MULTIBEAM LEDs meet 9-speed gears

    The facelift brought MULTIBEAM headlights and an 8-inch dashboard display; UK 350 BlueTEC versions gained a 9-speed automatic.79

  7. 2018

    5 seats, 48 volts, no Shooting Brake

    The third CLS added a fifth seat and EQ Boost sixes. The Shooting Brake was dropped after weak overseas demand for the previous estate.410

  8. 2021

    Facelift and 300-car CLS 53 edition

    A new grille, bumper and steering wheel marked the refresh. The CLS 53 4MATIC+ Limited Edition was capped at 300 cars.1112

  9. 2023

    Production stops on August 31

    The CLS ended to free capacity for the new E-Class and simplify the range, closing a run that began in December 2003.1013

Every generation

  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class
    W211
  • Vision CLS concept
    Vision CLS concept2003
  • Mercedes-Benz CLS (first generation)
    C2192003–2010
  • Mercedes-Benz CLS (second generation)
    C218/X2182011–2017
  • Mercedes-Benz CLS (third generation)
    C2572018–2023

Power over the years

From 302 hp to 577 hp in 9 years.

0200400600 20042006200820102012201420162018 hp 2004 · 302 hp · CLS 500 (5.0 L V8)2004 · 469 hp · CLS 55 AMG (supercharged 5.4 L V8)2006 · 507 hp · CLS 63 AMG (M156 V8)2007 · 382 hp · CLS 500 / CLS 550 (5.5 L V8)2011 · 402 hp · CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (4.7 L V8)2011 · 518 hp · CLS 63 AMG (M157 twin-turbo)2011 · 550 hp · CLS 63 AMG Performance Package2013 · 577 hp · CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC2014 · 168 hp · CLS 220 BlueTEC2018 · 335 hp · CLS 400 d (diesel)2018 · 362 hp · CLS 450 (EQ Boost adds 21 hp)2018 · 429 hp · AMG CLS 53 (3.0 L I6) 577 hp CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC 302 hp CLS 500 (5.0 L V8)
14715
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
2004302CLS 500 (5.0 L V8)
2004469CLS 55 AMG (supercharged 5.4 L V8)
2006507CLS 63 AMG (M156 V8)
2007382CLS 500 / CLS 550 (5.5 L V8)
2011402CLS 500 BlueEFFICIENCY (4.7 L V8)
2011518CLS 63 AMG (M157 twin-turbo)
2011550CLS 63 AMG Performance Package
2013577CLS 63 AMG S 4MATIC
2014168CLS 220 BlueTEC
2018335CLS 400 d (diesel)
2018362CLS 450 (EQ Boost adds 21 hp)
2018429AMG CLS 53 (3.0 L I6)

Versions

12 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Second-generation standard / AMG Sport / AMG Line

    Standard

    Second-generation standard / AMG Sport / AMG Line

    2011–2018

  • Standard

    CLS 450 / CLS 450 4MATIC (third generation)

    362 hp
  • CLS 55 AMG

    Performance

    CLS 55 AMG

    2004–2006

    469 hp
  • CLS 63 AMG (first generation)

    Performance

    CLS 63 AMG (first generation)

    2006–2010

    507 hp
  • CLS 63 AMG / S (second generation)

    Performance

    CLS 63 AMG / S (second generation)

    2011–2018

  • CLS Edition 1 (second-generation coupe)

    Special

    CLS Edition 1 (second-generation coupe)

  • Special

    CLS Edition 1 (third generation)

    2019

  • Special

    CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake Edition 1

    2012

    550 hp
  • CLS Grand Edition

    Limited

    CLS Grand Edition

    2009

    560 built

  • Limited

    CLS 550 Diamond White Edition

    2008

    382 hp

    550 built

  • Limited

    AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ Limited Edition

    2021

    300 built

  • Limited

    CLS 55 AMG IWC Ingenieur Edition (U.S.)

    2006

    469 hp

    55 built

How to spot one

Look for

  • Original CLS: one gentle arc flows over the hood and roof into a drooping tail.24
  • Original CLS: thick rear pillars and a blacked-out center pillar create the coupe-like roof profile.25
  • Second-generation Shooting Brake: a five-door wagon with a sloping roof.610
  • Third generation: very low, wide headlights flank a grille that widens toward the bottom.2
  • Third generation: split taillights, trunk-lid star and a license plate mounted in the rear bumper.2

Year by year

  1. 2006 / 2007 model year

    CLS 63 AMG replaces the 55; CLS 500 becomes CLS 550 in the U.S. and Canada.114

  2. 2008

    First generation: two-bar grille, bigger arrow-indicator mirrors and LED taillights; inside, a three-spoke wheel and white dials.1020

  3. 2014 / 2015 model year

    Second generation: diamond grille on AMG-packaged cars, MULTIBEAM LEDs, freestanding 8-inch screen and a new three-spoke wheel.79

  4. 2018 / U.S. 2019

    Third generation arrives with low, wide headlights, a grille that flares toward the bottom and two-piece taillights.2

  5. 2021 / U.S. 2022

    CLS 450 4MATIC: star-pattern grille and new front bumper; redesigned steering wheel inside.11

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Mercedes-Benz CLS
    CLS
    Photo of a Audi A7 (second generation)
    Audi A7 (second generation)

    Audi A7 (second generation)

    Triangular rear-pillar windows and a hatchback distinguish the second A7; the contemporary CLS has a separate trunk.16

  • Mercedes-Benz E-Class (W211)

    The W211 E-Class is taller and narrower; the original CLS has a lower roof and no hood-mounted star.15

Against its rivals

  • BMW 645Ci

    CLS vs BMW 645Ci

    Base price lower is better

    CLS$66,920
    BMW 645Ci$70,595
    5
  • Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

    CLS vs Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG

    Skidpad grip

    CLS0.9 g
    Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG0.8 g
    3

  • CLS vs Audi A7 (2019)

    Price as tested lower is better

    CLS$94,540
    Audi A7 (2019)$83,240
    16

Prices

Value today $24.5K–$32.0K1823

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$25K$50K$75K$100K 20052010201520202025 Value today: $24,500–$32,000 2006 · $66,920 · US base, CLS5002006 · $74,500 · US tested, CLS5002008 · $82,000 · US CLS550 Diamond White (+$11,950)2012 · $100,000 · US base estimate, CLS63 AMG2019 · $72,695 · US base, CLS450 4MATIC2019 · $94,540 · US tested, CLS450 4MATIC 2006 · $66,920 · US base CLS500, 2006 model year 2012 · $24,750 · 2006 CLS 550, Fort Lauderdale2025 · $24,500 · 2006 CLS55 AMG, 39,252 miles, Baldwin, NY2025 · $32,000 · 2006 CLS55 AMG IWC Ingenieur, 36,005 miles, The MB Market2025 · $9,600 · 2008 CLS550, 57k miles, BaT2025 · $53,000 · 2019 AMG CLS53 4MATIC, 22k miles, BaT2025 · $40,000 · 2006 CLS55 AMG Brabus K8, 29k miles, BaT2026 · $13,250 · 2014 CLS550 4MATIC, 91k miles, BaT2026 · $52,000 · 2023 CLS450 4MATIC, 9k miles, BaT $53.0K BaT, 2025
51618222327282930313233
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
2006Launch price$66,920US base CLS500, 2006 model year
2006Price when new$66,920US base, CLS500
2006Price when new$74,500US tested, CLS500
2008Price when new$82,000US CLS550 Diamond White (+$11,950)
2012Price when new$100,000US base estimate, CLS63 AMG
2019Price when new$72,695US base, CLS450 4MATIC
2019Price when new$94,540US tested, CLS450 4MATIC
2012Auction sale$24,7502006 CLS 550, Fort Lauderdale
2025Auction sale$24,5002006 CLS55 AMG, 39,252 miles, Baldwin, NY
2025Auction sale$32,0002006 CLS55 AMG IWC Ingenieur, 36,005 miles, The MB Market
2025Auction sale$9,6002008 CLS550, 57k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$53,0002019 AMG CLS53 4MATIC, 22k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$40,0002006 CLS55 AMG Brabus K8, 29k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$13,2502014 CLS550 4MATIC, 91k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$52,0002023 CLS450 4MATIC, 9k miles, BaT
2026Value today$24,500–$32,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 12 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “365.7 km/h at Nardo”
    • “Fink's 2001 sketch, Wagener's next generation”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 5 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 33 sources
  1. Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C219) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  3. Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG caranddriver.com
  4. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  5. Tested: 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 caranddriver.com
  6. 2013 Mercedes CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake review and pictures | evo evo.co.uk
  7. Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C218) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  8. CLS 63 AMG Shooting Brake: à l'avant-garde des tendances et de la performance media.mercedes-benz.fr
  9. Mercedes CLS 2015 prices revealed | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  10. Mercedes-Benz CLS - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  11. Mercedes-Benz USA Media Newsroom media.mbusa.com
  12. Limitiert auf 300 Stück: “Limited Edition” für den CLS 53 4MATIC+ mbpassion.de
  13. Used Mercedes-Benz CLS: Common problems, reliability, and what to look for   - BreakerLink Blog breakerlink.com
  14. 2006-11 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  15. Used Mercedes CLS (Mk3, 2018-2023) review: expensive, but a joy to drive | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  16. 2019 Audi A7 vs. 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 4Matic – Luxury-Coupe Battle caranddriver.com
  17. Used Mercedes CLS review | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  18. 39k-Mile 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG — Sold | PCARMARKET pcarmarket.com
  19. 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG For Sale by Auction themarket.co.uk
  20. Officially Official: Mercedes-Benz CLS gets new look - Autoblog autoblog.com
  21. Hoogwaardige Mercedes-Benz CLS | autokopen.nl autokopen.nl
  22. 13k-Mile 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Diamond White Edition For Sale | The MB Market thembmarket.com
  23. 36k-Mile 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG IWC Ingenieur For Sale | The MB Market thembmarket.com
  24. Is the original CLS the coolest Merc coupe of all? goodwood.com
  25. Concept to reality: Mercedes-Benz Vision CLS to Mercedes-Benz CLS | Auto Express autoexpress.co.uk
  26. Brabus Rocket bests own speed record - Autoblog autoblog.com
  27. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG First Drive - Motor Trend motortrend.com
  28. 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550 | Fort Lauderdale 2012 | RM Sotheby's rmsothebys.com
  29. No Reserve: 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $9,600 on November 1, 2025 (Lot #217,704) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  30. No Reserve: 22k-Mile 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $53,000 on October 13, 2025 (Lot #214,734) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS450 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $52,000 on June 15, 2026 (Lot #247,692) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. No Reserve: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4MATIC for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,250 on September 16, 2026 (Lot #263,311) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. No Reserve: Brabus-Modified 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS55 AMG K8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $40,000 on April 18, 2025 (Lot #188,043) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.mbusa.com
  • caranddriver.com
  • evo.co.uk
  • media.mercedes-benz.fr
  • autoexpress.co.uk
  • mbpassion.de
  • breakerlink.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • pcarmarket.com
  • themarket.co.uk
  • autoblog.com
  • autokopen.nl
  • thembmarket.com

Photo credits

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