DecodedCars2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2018 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cls 550 4matic 4dr Sedan, Cls 63 Amg 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)
- 21 combined · 18 city / 26 hwy
- Length
- 194.5–196.9 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 21 MPG combined, 22% below the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 38 similar 2018 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2018 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 4,277 lb (Cls 550 4matic 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 21 MPG combined (18 city / 26 highway), 22% worse than the 2018 compact car average of 27 MPG, for an estimated $3,900 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 2018
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2017 CLS-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2017; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2017 CLS-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cls 550 4matic 4dr Sedan | 194.5 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 64.2 in | 4,277 lb | 51/49 |
| Cls 63 Amg 4dr Sedan | 196.9 in | 74 in | 55.9 in | 113 in | 62.6 / 64.2 in | 4,123 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 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -22% | $3,900 | 425 |
| CLS550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -26% | $4,100 | 444 |
| AMG CLS63 S 4matic | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 22 / 18 | -33% | $4,550 | 495 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2018 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Similar 2018 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (this car) | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 BMW 5 Series | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2018 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2018 Tesla Model 3 | 310 mi | ★★★★★ | 19 |
| 2018 Audi A6 | 28 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
| 2018 Lincoln Continental | 21 MPG | ★★★★★ | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2018 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 2018 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 |
| 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 |
| 2012 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 →