Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 Sedan (2018-2021)

75% Neofiliac74% External
Keywords: awdexecutive-carmercedes-benzmild-hybridmulti-linkrwdsedanturbocharged

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Product Overview

Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 is an executive sedan in production from 2018 to 2021, whereupon it received a facelift. It was available with a range of inline-4 and inline-6 engines that displaced 1.9 to 3.0 liters.
Compared to the horrible C218, the C257 can be considered a temporary relief, even though it received downsized engine lineup. Indeed, mild hybrid has become the normal for the C257. Still, Mercedes made the vehicle less ugly.
Mercedes-Benz has made a good effort in aerodynamics, with a decent 0.26 coefficient of drag to show for it. Drivers who appreciate handling will be pleased to know that the Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 comes with multi-link suspensions at all four corners.

Ratings

What we found**

Neofiliac score 75% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Regained multi-link front suspension
  • Good 0.26 drag coefficient
  • Less ugly than the C218, though worse than the C219
Cons
  • Lots of AWD nonsense
  • Horrible complexity from mild hybrid
  • Less practical than the E Class, but more expensive

What external reviewers found***

External score 74% (not directly comparable across industries)
Pros
  • Excellent infotainment system
  • Excellent handling
  • Excellent infotainment
  • Excellent interior materials
  • Comfortable ride
  • Comfortable interior
Cons
  • Lack of standard air springing
  • Lack of tech options
  • Lack of theatre
  • Lack of driver assistance tech
  • Lacklustre low-speed ride
  • Not as fast as the 400 d
Read More

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Specifications

AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+CLS 220dCLS 300dCLS 350CLS 350d 4MATICCLS 400d 4MATICCLS 450 4MATIC

Capacity

Cargo Capacity490 L / 17.3 cu-ft520 L / 18.4 cu-ft520 L / 18.4 cu-ft490 L / 17.3 cu-ft520 L / 18.4 cu-ft
Coolant Capacity14.0 L / 14.8 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt9.0 L / 9.5 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt13.0 L / 13.7 qt12.0 L / 12.7 qt
Engine Oil Capacity8.5 L / 9.0 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.0 L / 6.3 qt6.6 L / 7.0 qt8.0 L / 8.5 qt8.5 L / 9.0 qt8.5 L / 9.0 qt
Fuel Capacity66.0 L / 17.4 gal50.0 L / 13.2 gal50.0 L / 13.2 gal80.0 L / 21.1 gal50.0 L / 13.2 gal50.0 L / 13.2 gal66.0 L / 17.4 gal
Passengers
Payload570 kg / 1257 lbs695 kg / 1532 lbs695 kg / 1532 lbs645 kg / 1422 lbs685 kg / 1510 lbs685 kg / 1510 lbs720 kg / 1587 lbs

Chassis

Brakes | FrontVentilated discs
Brakes | RearVentilated discs
Offroad | Approach Angle12.8 deg13.4 deg13.4 deg11.9 deg13.4 deg13.4 deg13.4 deg
Offroad | Breakover Angle11.6 deg8.6 deg8.6 deg8.5 deg8.6 deg
Offroad | Departure Angle14.0 deg12.2 deg12.2 deg11.5 deg12.2 deg12.2 deg12.2 deg
Power SteeringElectric Steering
Suspension | FrontMulti-link
Suspension | RearMulti-link
Tire SizeFront wheel tires: 245/40 R19 Rear wheel tires: 275/35 R19Front wheel tires: 245/45 R18 Rear wheel tires: 275/40 R18Front wheel tires: 245/45 R18 Rear wheel tires: 275/40 R18245/40 R19, 275/35 R19Front wheel tires: 245/45 R18 Rear wheel tires: 275/40 R18
Turning Circle12.3 m / 40.3 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft11.6 m / 38.0 ft

Construction

Body Style4-door mild-hybrid Coupe4-door Coupe4-door Coupe4-door mild-hybrid Coupe4-door Coupe4-door Coupe4-door mild-hybrid Coupe

Dimensions

Ground Clearance120 mm / 4.7 in93 mm / 3.7 in93 mm / 3.7 in94 mm / 3.7 in93 mm / 3.7 in93 mm / 3.7 in93 mm / 3.7 in
Size | Height1422 mm / 56.0 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1436 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in1435 mm / 56.5 in
Size | Length5001 mm / 196.9 in4988 mm / 196.4 in4988 mm / 196.4 in4996 mm / 196.7 in4988 mm / 196.4 in4988 mm / 196.4 in4988 mm / 196.4 in
Size | Width1890 mm / 74.4 in | 2072 mm / 81.6 in (mirror unfolded)1890 mm / 74.4 in1890 mm / 74.4 in1896 mm / 74.6 in | 2069 mm / 81.5 in (mirror unfolded)1890 mm / 74.4 in1890 mm / 74.4 in1890 mm / 74.4 in
Track Width | Front1647.0 mm / 64.8 in1618.0 mm / 63.7 in1618.0 mm / 63.7 in1619.0 mm / 63.7 in1618.0 mm / 63.7 in1618.0 mm / 63.7 in1618.0 mm / 63.7 in
Track Width | Rear1637.0 mm / 64.4 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in1634.0 mm / 64.3 in
Weight1980.0 kg / 4365.2 lbs1715.0 kg / 3780.9 lbs1750.0 kg / 3858.1 lbs1775.0 kg / 3913.2 lbs1860.0 kg / 4100.6 lbs1860.0 kg / 4100.6 lbs1865.0 kg / 4111.6 lbs
Wheel SizeFront wheel rims: 8.0J x 19 Rear wheel rims: 9.0J x 19Front wheel rims: 8J x 18 Rear wheel rims: 9J x 18Front wheel rims: 8J x 18 Rear wheel rims: 9J x 1819 inFront wheel rims: 8J x 18 Rear wheel rims: 9J x 18
Wheelbase2939 mm / 115.7 in

Performance

Acceleration | 0 - 100 km/h4.5 sec7.5 sec6.4 sec6.0 sec5.7 sec5.0 sec4.8 sec
Acceleration | 0 - 60 mph4.3 sec7.1 sec6.1 sec5.7 sec5.4 sec4.8 sec4.6 sec
CO2 Emission199 ~ 202 g/km124 ~ 133 g/km137 ~ 142 g/km162 g/km148 ~ 156 g/km148 ~ 156 g/km178 ~ 184 g/km
Coefficient Of Drag0.26
Fuel Economy8.7 L/100km / 27.0 MPG (combined) | 11.4 L/100km / 20.6 MPG (urban) | 7.1 L/100km / 33.1 MPG (highway)4.7 L/100km / 50.0 MPG (combined) | 5.5 L/100km / 42.8 MPG (urban) | 4.2 L/100km / 56.0 MPG (highway)5.2 L/100km / 45.2 MPG (combined) | 6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (urban) | 4.3 L/100km / 54.7 MPG (highway)7.9 L/100km / 29.8 MPG (combined) | 9.3 L/100km / 25.3 MPG (urban) | 5.6 L/100km / 42.0 MPG (highway)5.6 L/100km / 42.0 MPG (combined) | 6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (urban) | 4.9 L/100km / 48.0 MPG (highway)5.6 L/100km / 42.0 MPG (combined) | 6.5 L/100km / 36.2 MPG (urban) | 4.9 L/100km / 48.0 MPG (highway)7.5 L/100km / 31.4 MPG (combined) | 9.8 L/100km / 24.0 MPG (urban) | 6.1 L/100km / 38.6 MPG (highway)
Top Speed250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph237.0 km/h / 147.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph249.0 km/h / 154.7 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph250.0 km/h / 155.3 mph
Towing Capacity750 kg / 1653 lbs (w/o brakes) | 1900 kg / 4189 lbs (w/ brakes @ 12% gradient)

Powertrain

Drivetrain LayoutFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), Rear-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel driveFront-engine (longitudinal), All-wheel drive
Emission StandardEuro 6d-TEMPEuro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISCEuro 6Euro 6Euro 6Euro 6Euro 6
EngineM 256.930OM 654.920OM 654.920M 264.920OM 656.929OM 656.929M 256.930
Engine | Bore83.0 mm / 3.3 in
Engine | Compression Ratio10.5:110.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:110.0:1
Engine | Displacement3.0 L / 183.0 cu-in / 2999.0 cc1.9 L / 119.0 cu-in / 1950.0 cc1.9 L / 119.0 cu-in / 1950.0 cc2.0 L / 121.5 cu-in / 1991.0 cc2.9 L / 178.5 cu-in / 2925.0 cc2.9 L / 178.5 cu-in / 2925.0 cc3.0 L / 183.0 cu-in / 2999.0 cc
Engine | Power435.0 hp / 324.4 kW @ 6100 rpm + 22.0 hp / 16.4 kW (electric motor)194.0 hp / 144.7 kW245.0 hp / 182.7 kW @ 4200 rpm299.0 hp / 223.0 kW @ 5800-6100 rpm + 14.0 hp / 10.4 kW (electric motor)286.0 hp / 213.3 kW340.0 hp / 253.5 kW367.0 hp / 273.7 kW + 22.0 hp / 16.4 kW (electric motor)
Engine | Specific Output145.0 hp/L / 2.4 hp/cu-in99.5 hp/L / 1.6 hp/cu-in125.6 hp/L / 2.1 hp/cu-in150.2 hp/L / 2.5 hp/cu-in97.8 hp/L / 1.6 hp/cu-in116.2 hp/L / 1.9 hp/cu-in122.4 hp/L / 2.0 hp/cu-in
Engine | Stroke92.4 mm / 3.6 in
Engine | Torque520 Nm / 383.5 lb-ft @ 1800-5800 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 1600-2800 rpm500 Nm / 368.8 lb-ft @ 1600-2400 rpm400 Nm / 295.0 lb-ft @ 3000-4000 rpm + 150 Nm / 110.6 lb-ft600 Nm / 442.5 lb-ft @ 1200-3200 rpm700 Nm / 516.3 lb-ft @ 1200-3200 rpm500 Nm / 368.8 lb-ft + 250 Nm / 184.4 lb-ft
Engine | TypeTurbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-4 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-4 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-4 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engine with 4 values per cylinderTurbocharged commonrail diesel inline-6 engineTurbocharged direct-injected petrol inline-6 engine
Transmission | Gears9-speed999999
Transmission | TypeAutomatic TCT AMG SPEEDSHIFTAutomatic 9G-TRONICAutomatic 9G-TRONICAutomatic 9G-TRONIC PLUSAutomatic 9G-TRONICAutomatic 9G-TRONICAutomatic 9G-TRONIC

Production

Availability2018 ~ 20212019 ~ 20212018 ~ 20212018 ~ 20212018 ~ 20212018 ~ 20212018 ~ 2021

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Launch Comparison
Clear List

3rd-Party Review Videos

External Reviews

autocar[1]

Reviewer score 73%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
One of the challenges of the 53 was to make it feel sufficiently different from a regular CLS to satisfy AMG boss Tobias Moers. Full-fat AMGs do have quite a distinct character: they’re loud, brash and way more capable these days than the hot rods they were a decade or so ago. The engine is sparky, but throttle response and linearity really are exceptional.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Brash engine
  • Excellent handling
  • Excellent infotainment system
Cons
  • Lack of standard air springing

autocar[2]

Reviewer score 59%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The CLS is the entry-level car in the Mercedes-Benz range. It has a 2.9-litre six-cylinder diesel engine and 19in alloys. It's claimed to achieve 48.7mpg and emit 156g/km of CO2. It does without some more luxurious features, such as adaptive cruise control, but still gets adaptive dampers, a suite of cameras to make parking easier.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Interior isn’t as comfortable as rivals
  • No adaptive dampers

autocar[3]

Reviewer score 65%
Reviewers from autocar have found the following***:
The CLS 450 mixes a potent in-line six-cylinder twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre petrol engine with Mercedes’ new ‘EQ boost’ technology, comprising a 48V integrated starter generator and a lithium ion battery. This is a very quick car indeed, with excellent traction off the line and from low speeds from the four-wheel drive system. While making for a quieter and more comfortable CLS, they can’t solve the harsh low-speed ride the CLS suffers from, particularly over road scars and potholes.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful twin-turbo engine
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Lacklustre low-speed ride
  • No automatic gearbox

autoexpress[4]

Reviewer score 77%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
The new Mercedes-Benz CLS moves the game on. With more efficient hybrid engines, a plethora of tech options and new, sleeker styling, the four-door coupe is more desirable than ever. It's super relaxing to drive and the sumptuous interior comes laden with kit. A new four-cylinder engine helps reduce that lofty price-tag.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sleek interior
  • More efficient than ever
Cons
  • Lack of tech options

autoexpress[5]

Reviewer score 80%
Reviewers from autoexpress have found the following***:
This entry-level 350 d is our pick of the new CLS range. It's plenty quick enough, supremely refined, and cheaper than the flashier 400 d. It'll waft its way to motorway speeds with ease, while the sumptuous cabin is comfortable. Unless the bigger badge is your be-all and end-all, this is the CLS we'd have.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Fantastic infotainment system
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • Not as fast as the 400 d

carmagazine[6]

Reviewer score 65%
Reviewers from carmagazine have found the following***:
With 516lb ft of torque, the top diesel CLS doesn't feel much slower than the AMG, and it's more refined, too. It's incredibly quiet at a cruise, aided by the CLS's laminated (yet frameless) window glass. The regular CLS is a particularly comfortable way to travel, absorbing large bumps into its soft suspension.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Comfortable to drive
  • Lots of standard equipment
  • Comfortable interior
Cons
  • Lack of theatre

cnet[7]

Reviewer score 88%
Reviewers from cnet have found the following***:
The 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 starts at $79,900. The CLS53 has room for five passengers, but that sloping roofline does a number on rear headroom. All of the interior materials are of the sort of quality you'd expect from a $100,000 Mercedes-Benz.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Powerful engine
  • Excellent interior materials
  • Comfortable ride
Cons
  • Lack of driver assistance tech

cnet[8]

Reviewer score 88%
Reviewers from cnet have found the following***:
The CLS450's mild hybrid drivetrain is punchy and super smooth. The COMAND infotainment system isn't Benz's latest interface, but it's still quick and intuitive to operate. The optional air suspension is cushy in Comfort mode, easily gobbling up impacts from Midwest road ruts.
Find the original article here.
Pros
  • Sleek, premium interior
  • Excellent infotainment
  • Comfortable to drive
Cons
  • No MBUX system

User Reviews

Comments

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References

  1. ^ Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 2018 review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-amg/cls-53/first-drives/mercedes-amg-cls-53-2018-review. 2018-03-01. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  2. ^ Mercedes-Benz CLS 350d 4Matic AMG line 2018 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/cls/first-drives/mercedes-benz-cls-350d-4matic-amg-line-2018-uk-review. 2018-07-11. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  3. ^ Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 2018 UK review. [autocar]. https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-review/mercedes-benz/cls/first-drives/mercedes-benz-cls-450-2018-uk-review. 2018-06-01. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  4. ^ Mercedes CLS review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/cls. 2019-01-11. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  5. ^ New Mercedes CLS 350 d 2018 review. [autoexpress]. https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/mercedes/cls/104384/new-mercedes-cls-350-d-2018-review. 2018-08-21. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  6. ^ New Mercedes CLS (2018) review: the four-door coupe is back. [carmagazine]. https://www.carmagazine.co.uk/car-reviews/mercedes-benz/mercedes-cls-2018-review1/. 2018-09-11. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  7. ^ 2019 Mercedes-AMG CLS53 review: A hot hybrid with style and substance. [cnet]. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2019-mercedes-benz-amg-cls-53-s-4matic-plus-coupe-review/. 2019-07-04. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  8. ^ 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 review: A beaut with some trade-offs. [cnet]. https://www.cnet.com/roadshow/reviews/2019-mercedes-benz-cls-450-review/. 2018-12-20. Retrieved 2022-05-17.

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Scores are not directly comparable across industries.

These key takeaways ("pros" and "cons") and summaries are identified from third-party reviews. They may differ from the original texts.

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