2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
MSRP range: $70,300 - $81,550
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
byRyan ZumMallen
Reviews Editor
Ryan ZumMallen has worked in the automotive industry since 2012. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career.Pros
- Powerful engines deliver decisive acceleration
- Pleasing balance of handling performance and comfort
- Long list of available advanced safety features
- Sleek exterior and impeccable interior
Cons
- Interior and trunk space are compromised by styling
- More expensive than the related E-Class sedan
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
Are traditional luxury cars too staid and dull for your taste? A good remedy is to consider a coupe-like sedan with a sporty fastback roofline. The Mercedes-Benz CLS started the trend nearly two decades ago, and it remains an excellent alternative to more conventional sedans. Based on the Mercedes E-Class, the CLS puts a trendy twist on luxury vehicles. Yes, you sacrifice some rear headspace and overall practicality, but it'll be worth it if you find the CLS' look appealing.
The 2021 CLS is the last model year before a refreshed version arrives in 2022. To keep the current offering relevant, Mercedes-Benz has updated the CLS to include the company's excellent MBUX infotainment system as standard this year. It's now armed with an advantage in the tech department over competitors including the Audi A7, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Porsche Panamera. What else is there to like? Read our in-depth Expert Rating below to find out more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
8.3 /10
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.
Rated for you by America’s best test team.
Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below
Compare dealer price quotes
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class pricing
in Ashburn, VA
CLS 450
3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$72,370
CLS 450 4MATIC
3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A
Edmunds suggests you pay$75,103
AMG CLS 53
3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9...
Edmunds suggests you pay$84,004
Which CLS-Class does Edmunds recommend?
Go for the AMG CLS 53 to make the most of the stylish and powerful ethos of the CLS. This top-level version comes with a serious bump in horsepower over the base model, plus sporty upgrades and AMG interior trimmings to add an air of exclusivity. If you're already considering a luxury sedan big on personality, why not go all the way?
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class models
The CLS is a four-door luxury sedan with a fastback roofline. It comes in one of two trim levels: the CLS 450 or the AMG CLS 53. Both models use a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine. Rear-wheel drive is standard on the CLS 450, with optional all-wheel drive (Mercedes' 4Matic). All-wheel drive is standard on the AMG CLS 53. Highlight features include:
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Sedan Features & Specs
- Total MSRP
- $71,350
- MPG & Fuel
- 23 City / 30 Hwy / 26 Combined
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 21.1 gal. capacity
- Seating
- 5 seats
- Drivetrain
- Type: rear wheel drive
- Transmission: 9-speed shiftable automatic
- Engine
- Inline 6 cylinder
- Horsepower: 362 hp @ 5500 rpm
- Torque: 369 lb-ft @ 1600 rpm
- Basic Warranty
- 4 yr./ 50000 mi.
- Dimensions
- Length: 196.4 in. / Height: 56.3 in.
- Overall Width with Mirrors: 81.5 in.
- Overall Width without Mirrors: 73.9 in.
- Curb Weight: 4134 lbs.
- Cargo Capacity, All Seats In Place: 11.9 cu.ft.
Safety
Our experts’ favorite CLS-Class safety features:
- 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.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. the competition
2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
2021 Audi A7
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Audi A7
The Audi A7 comes standard with all-wheel drive, and its wide hatchback design translates to cavernous rear cargo space. Both the A7 and the CLS are excellent to drive and offer high-performance variants. We prefer the CLS' infotainment system to the Audi's, which is more distracting to use while driving.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe
The 8 Series Gran Coupe is a little bigger than the CLS but still fits the mold as a sport-inspired sedan. It has a roomier rear seat and a bigger trunk than the CLS, plus available V8 power. But you'll likely pay more to get the 8 Series Gran Coupe, which makes the CLS the better value pick.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class vs. Genesis G80
Sleek, luxurious and affordable — wait, what? The Genesis G80 is redesigned for 2021, and we've found it's vastly improved over the previous generation. The G80 is comfortable over most road surfaces and offers lots of standard features. It doesn't quite match the CLS in refinement, but the lower price easily compensates.
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FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
The Edmunds experts tested the 2021 CLS-Class both on the road and at the track, giving it a 8.3 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the CLS-Class has 11.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Learn more
What's new in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class:
- 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
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class reliable?
To determine whether the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the CLS-Class. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the CLS-Class's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2021 CLS-Class and gave it a 8.3 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2021 CLS-Class is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
The least-expensive 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $70,300.
Other versions include:
- CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $70,300
- CLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $72,800
- AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A) which starts at $81,550
What are the different models of Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
If you're interested in the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, the next question is, which CLS-Class model is right for you? CLS-Class variants include CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), CLS 450 4MATIC 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A), and AMG CLS 53 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Twincharger gas/electric mild hybrid 9A). For a full list of CLS-Class models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
