Mercedes-Benz CL reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz CL is a car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 196 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 25 of 442, and 20.1% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is ball joint (2.1% of tests).
Ranked 25 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League
In 2024, 2,022 Mercedes-Benz CLs aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 20.1% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz CL is 49% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
20.1%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
5,700
Typical age at test: 16 years
Mercedes-Benz CL MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz CL MOT faults
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm1.6% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction1.6% of tests
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed1.6% of tests
- Anti-lock braking system: warning lamp indicates an ABS fault1.5% of tests
- Ball joint dust cover: ball joint dust cover no longer prevents the ingress of dirt1.4% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz CL fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Brakes | 7.1% | ▼ 32% less often |
| Suspension | 6.6% | ▼ 55% less often |
| Tyres | 5.9% | ▼ 12% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 4.5% | ▼ 75% less often |
| Visibility | 2.6% | ▼ 59% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 2.1% | ▼ 62% less often |
| Wheels | 0.6% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Steering | 0.6% | ▼ 81% less often |
| Body and structure | 0.6% | ▼ 91% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 69% less often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CL do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CL ranges from 19.8 to 29.4mpg across the 4 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2012). A typical petrol version manages 28.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CL?
Any Mercedes-Benz CL first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CL registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £760 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz CL specs and running costs
Official figures for 4 versions sold in the UK between 2012 and 2012.
Fuel types
Petrol
Official economy
19.8–29.4 mpg
CO2
227–334 g/km
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL Class CL 500 with 19 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 29.4 mpg | 227g | £760 |
| CL Class CL 500 with 20 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 28.5 mpg | 232g | £760 |
| CL Class CL 63 AMG with 19 inch & 20 inch rear wheelsA7 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 26.9 mpg | 244g | £760 |
| CL Class CL 65 AMG with 20 inch rear wheelsA5 · listed 2012 | Petrol | 19.8 mpg | 334g | £790 |
Economy and CO2 are official NEDC (before 2018) or WLTP figures. Car tax is the yearly rate at current rates for a car first registered in the year listed, before any expensive car supplement.
What a Mercedes-Benz CL costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 28.5mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz CLBuying a used Mercedes-Benz CL?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz CL reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz CL is 49% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 196 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The most common MOT fault is “Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn”, found in 2.1% of tests.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CL do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CL ranges from 19.8 to 29.4mpg across the 4 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2012–2012). A typical petrol version manages 28.5mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CL?
Any Mercedes-Benz CL first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CL registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £760 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz CLs fail their MOT?
20.1% of Mercedes-Benz CLs aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz CL combined (Open Government Licence v3.0); official economy and CO2 from Vehicle Certification Agency data, © Crown copyright. VCA cannot accept liability for its accuracy. How we calculate the league.