2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
Price Range: $32,500 - $36,990
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The CLS is a well-executed sedan. Refinement pervades every aspect, 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.
Price & Payment
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Average price: $35,341
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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
- Significantly more expensive than the E-Class sedan
What's new
- A new system notifies you if the car is damaged while parked
- Some previously optional features are now standard
- Part of the third CLS generation introduced for 2019
Overview
With its CLS, Mercedes-Benz asks customers to give up practicality (space) in exchange for a shapely four-door body with a low roof and high waistline. Think of the CLS as a more sharply styled alternative to the practical E-Class sedan upon which it's based. As it has done since its 2005 debut, the CLS gives up headroom and trunk room but gains the striking lines of a four-door coupe.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
11 listings
- 72,833 miles
- 1 accident, 3 owners, personal use
- 24 City / 31 Hwy MPG
- Exclusive Motor Cars (43 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
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Located in Randallstown, MD
This 2020 Gray Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 RWD is well equipped and includes these features and benefits:. RWD 24/31 City/Highway MPG 24/31 City/Highway M...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (24 City/31 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDD2J5JB7LA049171
Stock: 784
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-31-2026- $32,500good price$1,313 below market
- 51,561 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 23 City / 30 Hwy MPG
- Safford Mazda Fairfax (15 mi away)
- AWD/4WD
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
Close
Located in Fairfax, VA
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 4MATIC® Priced below KBB Fair Purchase Price! Clean CARFAX.Polar White 2020 CLS CLS 450 4MATIC® 4MATIC® 9-Speed Automatic...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
26 Combined MPG (23 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WDD2J5KB8LA050943
Stock: T1484
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-11-2026
The latest generation CLS, which Mercedes redesigned just last year, uses one of two six-cylinder engines that are either turbocharged or turbocharged and supercharged. Both engines are assisted by a mild hybrid system that uses an electric motor-generator to add torque to the wheels, recharge the relatively small hybrid system battery, and restart the gas engine during stop-start operation.
As of last year, all CLS models come with five-passenger seating, which was not available in the two previous generations. The CLS is extremely well equipped with tech and safety features. A standard 12.3-inch infotainment screen is now supported by the Mercedes-Benz COMAND infotainment system with navigation. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard as are a variety of driver-assist safety systems.
The end result is a highly impressive sedan. You do
Edmunds Expert Rating
edmunds TESTED
by the Edmunds Experts
Great
8.3
out of 10
We drove the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class on our test track and on real roads. Our Edmunds team conducts rigorous independent vehicle testing, driving 500,000 miles a year.
Performance
8.5/10
How does the CLS-Class drive? The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a well-rounded sport luxury sedan that stands out both for its power and its extreme refinement. There are no flat spots in the power delivery. We tested the AMG 53 version and recorded a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds, which is impressive.
The CLS' handling is capable and secure, and it's overall a more rewarding car to drive than the lower-trim E-Class sedans. Precise steering gives you a clear sense of the on-center position. Even if you're just cruising around town, the CLS provides a sporty and refined driving experience.
The CLS' handling is capable and secure, and it's overall a more rewarding car to drive than the lower-trim E-Class sedans. Precise steering gives you a clear sense of the on-center position. Even if you're just cruising around town, the CLS provides a sporty and refined driving experience.
Comfort
9/10
How comfortable is the CLS-Class? The CLS is extremely comfortable on long drives thanks to minimal noise, outstanding seat comfort, and an excellent climate control system. The engine is impeccably smooth too. The front seat's combination of soft leather and firm padding provides great long-distance support and comfort.
At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional isolation from wind noise. There's little engine noise aside from a muted growl during hard acceleration. Engine vibration is nearly nonexistent. The only minor demerit is that tire noise over seamed or ridged pavement is more noticeable than we expect for a car like this.
At highway speeds, the CLS provides exceptional isolation from wind noise. There's little engine noise aside from a muted growl during hard acceleration. Engine vibration is nearly nonexistent. The only minor demerit is that tire noise over seamed or ridged pavement is more noticeable than we expect for a car like this.
Interior
8/10
How’s the interior? The CLS' controls are easy to use thanks to intuitive and straightforward interfaces. The screen menus can seem overly complicated at first, but they are well organized. The many ways to interface with the infotainment screen (hard keys, knob, touchpad, steering wheel touch nubs, voice) make it easier to use.
As for interior space, the CLS provides plenty of elbow room and legroom in front. But headroom is compromised a bit compared to the related E-Class. That's especially true in the back seat because of the sloped roofline.
As for interior space, the CLS provides plenty of elbow room and legroom in front. But headroom is compromised a bit compared to the related E-Class. That's especially true in the back seat because of the sloped roofline.
Technology
8.5/10
How’s the tech? The CLS' display screen is large and impressive, and the infotainment interface has a lot of capability even if it isn't Mercedes' latest MBUX system. Sound quality from optional Burmester premium audio is exceptional and requires little if any EQ tailoring. Using the knob is natural and effective, or use the nubs on the steering wheel (they take a brief period to learn).
The driver aids constitute a long list and work quite well. Our test car was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package that includes every assist feature imaginable. All are extremely well calibrated, and false positives are rare.
The driver aids constitute a long list and work quite well. Our test car was equipped with the optional Driver Assistance package that includes every assist feature imaginable. All are extremely well calibrated, and false positives are rare.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? The CLS' trunk has less storage space than the E-Class sedan's as well as most other midsize luxury sedans' trunks. Still, there's enough room here to swallow a few weekend-luggage bags. The 40/20/40-split folding rear seatback and helps improve utility though so practicality remains decent for a sedan whose very existence is predicated on style. In the cabin there's adequate small-item storage with huge door pockets and a divided center console.
Fuel Economy
8/10
How’s the fuel economy? The AMG CLS 53 we tested gets an EPA-estimated 23 mpg combined. This is above-average fuel economy for a performance-oriented luxury sedan.
Value
8/10
Is the CLS-Class a good value? The CLS is impeccably built. It looks and feels special. This is not an inexpensive car, but owners will be satisfied that they got their money's worth every time they get in. That said, it's hard to justify buying a CLS over a regular E-Class sedan considering it costs thousands of dollars more and has less rear headroom.
Wildcard
8.5/10
Plenty of power and a delightfully refined driving experience underscore this sedan's appeal. It's quite capable even on fast drives, though it stops short of hooliganism. Stylewise, the CLS stands out.
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class trim level differences
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a five-passenger four-door sedan, though Mercedes markets it as a coupe. Two versions are available: the CLS 450 and the AMG CLS 53. Compare the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class trim levels in-depth.
Which CLS-Class trim does Edmunds recommend?
If you've opted for the CLS over the E-Class sedan, odds are that you value both looks and performance. For that reason we recommend the AMG CLS 53, which is more powerful, offers a more sophisticated all-wheel-drive system and comes standard with an air suspension. It's also quite fast, hitting 60 mph in only 4.3 seconds in our testing.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$190/mo for CLS-Class CLS 450
CLS-Class CLS 450
vs
$220/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 5 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #25 out of 48 among Luxury Fullsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating 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
$733/yr
vs. $729/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Frequency
1.83x/yr
vs. 1.74x/yr
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
Severity
16.3%
vs. 14.7%
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
for Average Luxury Fullsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
5 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 22V733000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022100009
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 19968
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2019-2022 CLS450 Coupe and AMG E53, 2019-2021 AMG CLS53 Coupe, and 2021-2022 E450 vehicles. The 12-Volt battery in the trunk may not be properly secured, which, in the event of a crash, can cause electrical connection failure, disabling various safety features including, emergency call (eCall) system, electric seat adjustment, hazard warning lights, and automatic door locks.
- Defect Consequence:
- The inability to operate safety features (eCall system, hazard lights, electric seats, or automatic door locks) can increase the risk of injury during a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will secure the 12V battery, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 20, 2023. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022100009.
- Recall Number:
- 22V365000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060005
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 234918
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2022 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, AMG GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, SL-Class, GLC-Class, CLS-Class, GLB-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. An error in the communication module's SIM card software can cause a mobile network connection failure, disabling the emergency call (eCall) system.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting the emergency services call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- The communication module software will be updated through an Over-the-Air (OTA) update or by a dealer, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 8, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060005.
- Recall Number:
- 22V232000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2022060007
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 126443
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2018-2021 CLA-Class, GLE/GLS-Class, A-Class, C-Class, E-Class, E-Class Coupe/Convertible, GLA/GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and CLS-Class vehicles. Please refer to MBUSA's recall report for specific vehicle model details. The rearview camera may not display the rearview image due to a software error. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
- Defect Consequence:
- An inoperable rearview camera display reduces the driver's rear view, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will update the rearview camera software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 15, 2022. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2022060007.
- Recall Number:
- 21V072000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 58
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2017-2019 C300, E300, 2018-2020 CLA250, 2020 CLS450, AMG E53, AMG GT53, GLE450, 2018 AMG E63, AMG GTA, 2017-2020 GLA250, GLC300, 2019 GLC350, AMG GLC43, 2017-2018 GLE350, 2019 AMG GLC 43, GLC350, GLE400, 2017 GLS450, S550, C300 Cabrio, and 2018-2019 S560 vehicles. The communication module might have been inadvertently deactivated during a service visit, which could have disabled the Emergency Call (eCall) function.
- Defect Consequence:
- A disabled eCall system would prevent a vehicle occupant from contacting emergency services through the call center in an emergency, potentially delaying emergency responders and increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the communication module and activate it, if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 13, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-800-367-6372.
- Recall Number:
- 21V058000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 2021020025
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 1292258
- Defect Description:
- Mercedes-Benz USA, LLC (MBUSA) is recalling certain 2016 - 2021 CLA-Class, GLA-Class, GLE-Class, GLS-Class, SLC-Class, A-Class, GT-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class, CLS-Class, SL-Class, B-Class, GLB-Class, GLC-Class, and G-Class vehicles. Please refer to the Part 573 report for specific vehicle model details. The software design of the communication module may fail to communicate the correct vehicle location for the emergency call system (eCall) in the event of a crash.
- Defect Consequence:
- Failure of the eCall system may result in emergency responders being dispatched to the wrong location, increasing the risk of injury following a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- MBUSA will notify owners, and the communication module software will be updated by a dealer, or through an over-the-air (OTA) update, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 6, 2021. Owners may contact MBUSA customer service at 1-877-762-8267. MBUSA's number for this recall is 2021020025.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(80%)
4(10%)
3(0%)
2(10%)
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!
2020 CLS 450C
4 out of 5 starsAndy R., 09/26/2023
2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS 450 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 9A)
My 2020 CLS-450 is loaded. Only options I don't have are soft-closing doors and AIRMATIC. Wish I did. The car has 19 inch wheels and run-flat tires. The steel spring suspension can not be adjusted and is too stiff. The car is uncomfortable over bumps and pothole repairs. Lots of noise when the rear wheels go over a pothole repair. This is not what one would expect from a model year 2020 … car with an MSRP at $93,000+. The original Continental tires that came with the car are the worst I've ever had. The tires are down to wear limits at 15,000 miles. The car has been mostly driven on local roads using the Steering assist, Distronic and Economy mode, which is 'very kind' on the tires. Part of the problem is that the car has staggered wheels that can not be rotated, which results in more wear. One may question the sanity of MB to put staggered wheels on a car that is not designed nor intended for racing. That plus low quality runflats. Obviously not in the customers' best interest. Other than that, the car is OK.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CLS-Class since its last redesign.
2020 CLS-Class Features & Specs
Sedan
CLS 450
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $69,950 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Mild hybrid |
| Combined MPG | 26 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $190/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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