DecodedCars2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cls 63 Amg 4dr Sedan, Cls550 4matic 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 20 combined · 17 city / 25 hwy
- Length
- 194.5 in
- Curb weight
- 4,123–4,277 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 20 MPG combined, 22% below the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a compact car offered with 2 engines (4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
It measures about 195 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 113-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,123 lb (Cls 63 Amg 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 20 MPG combined (17 city / 25 highway), 22% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,100 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
- New body dimensions: 0.8 in longer, wheelbase +1.2 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
- Engines added: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 5.5L 8-cyl and 6.3L 8-cyl
- All-wheel or four-wheel drive now available
- Best combined MPG up from 16 to 20
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 CLS-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cls 63 Amg 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 64.2 in | 4,123 lb | 51/49 |
| Cls550 4matic 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 64.2 in | 4,277 lb | 51/49 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS550 | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -22% | $4,100 | 444 |
| CLS550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -26% | $4,350 | 468 |
| CLS63 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -26% | $4,350 | 468 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (this car) | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 BMW 5 Series | 27 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Lexus LS | 20 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Jaguar XJ | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Porsche Panamera | 25 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CLS-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 CLS-Class | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 CLS-Class | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 CLS-Class | 21 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 CLS-Class | 21 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 CLS-Class | 24 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 CLS-Class | 24 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 CLS-Class | 20 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 CLS-Class | 20 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 CLS-Class | 16 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →