Mercedes-Benz CLS reliability, MPG and running costs
Figures updated
The Mercedes-Benz CLS is a executive car. In 2024 MOT tests it scored 127 for reliability (100 is average), ranking 119 of 442, and 26.3% failed first time against a UK average of 28.5%. Its most common MOT failure is condition (3.3% of tests).
Ranked 119 of 442 cars in the 2024 MOT Reliability League, and 9 of 16 executive cars
In 2024, 23,599 Mercedes-Benz CLSes aged 3 to 20 had an MOT and 26.3% failed first time (UK average 28.5%). Taking age and mileage into account, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage.
First-time fail rate
26.3%
UK 28.5%
Fail rate at 3 years
–
UK 12.7%
Average miles a year
8,500
Typical age at test: 10 years
Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT failure rate by age
Most common Mercedes-Benz CLS MOT faults
- Condition: has ply or cords exposed3.3% of tests
- Coil spring: fractured or broken3.1% of tests
- Tread depth: tread depth below requirements of 1.6mm2.7% of tests
- Ball joint: ball joint excessively worn2.6% of tests
- Rigid brake pipes: excessively corroded2.3% of tests
- Malfunction indicator lamp: inoperative or indicates a malfunction2.2% of tests
What the Mercedes-Benz CLS fails on
| Area | Tests failing | vs similar cars |
|---|---|---|
| Tyres | 10.1% | ▲ 1.4× as often |
| Suspension | 8.3% | ▼ 29% less often |
| Brakes | 6.4% | ▼ 24% less often |
| Lights and electrics | 5.4% | ▼ 61% less often |
| Exhaust and emissions | 3.3% | ▼ 19% less often |
| Visibility | 2.1% | ▼ 60% less often |
| Wheels | 1.7% | ▲ 3.5× as often |
| Steering | 1.2% | ▼ 52% less often |
| Body and structure | 1.0% | ▼ 78% less often |
| Seat belts and airbags | 0.5% | ▼ 62% less often |
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLS do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CLS ranges from 19.5 to 57.7mpg across the 112 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2023). A typical petrol version manages 35.3mpg and a typical diesel 51.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
Work out a journey's fuel costHow much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Any Mercedes-Benz CLS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CLS registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
Work out tax for a specific carMercedes-Benz CLS specs and running costs
Official figures for 112 versions sold in the UK between 2006 and 2023.
Fuel types
Diesel, Hybrid, Petrol
Official economy
19.5–57.7 mpg
CO2
128–345 g/km
Power
245–435 PS
| Version | Fuel | Economy | CO2 | Car tax | Company car tax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS Coupe CLS 400 d 4MATIC330 PS · A9 · listed 2023 | Diesel | 42.2 mpg | 175g | £200 | 37% |
| CLS Coupe AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+435 PS · A9 · listed 2023 | Petrol | 30.7 mpg | 209g | £200 | 37% |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 300 d245 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 46.3 mpg | 161g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 400 d 4MATIC340 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Diesel | 41.5 mpg | 178g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 300 d245 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 46.3 mpg | 161g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupe CLS 300 d 4MATIC265 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 44.1 mpg | 151g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 350299 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 37.2 mpg | 172g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 450 4MATIC367 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 35.3 mpg | 183g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupe AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+435 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Hybrid | 31 mpg | 209g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 350299 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 37.2 mpg | 172g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé .5 CLS 450 4MATIC367 PS · A9 · listed 2021 | Petrol | 35.3 mpg | 183g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé CLS 300 d 4MATIC with 19'' & 20'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 52.3 mpg | 142g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé CLS 350 d 4MATIC with 19'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé CLS 350 d 4MATIC with 20'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 48.7 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
| CLS Coupé CLS 400 d 4MATIC with 19'' rear wheelsA9 · listed 2018 | Diesel | 47.9 mpg | 156g | £200 | – |
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. Company car tax is the 2026/27 benefit-in-kind rate. Showing the 15 most recent of 112 versions.
What a Mercedes-Benz CLS costs to fuel
- petrol, typical official 35.3mpg…
- diesel, typical official 51.4mpg…
Official figures are usually 10–15% better than real-world driving.
Work out a journey in a Mercedes-Benz CLSBuying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Check the MOT history of the exact car: every result, advisory and mileage reading, free.
Compare the Mercedes-Benz CLS with other executive cars
Reliability, economy, car tax and running costs side by side.
Other Mercedes-Benz models
Frequently asked questions
›Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS reliable?
Its MOT record is better than average: the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 21% less likely to fail than the average car of the same age and mileage, with a reliability score of 127 in our 2024 league (100 is average).
›What are common problems with the Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The most common MOT fault is “Condition: has ply or cords exposed”, found in 3.3% of tests. It fails on wheels and tyres more often than similar cars.
›What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLS do?
Official economy for the Mercedes-Benz CLS ranges from 19.5 to 57.7mpg across the 112 versions listed by the Vehicle Certification Agency (2006–2023). A typical petrol version manages 35.3mpg and a typical diesel 51.4mpg. Expect 10–15% less in real-world driving.
›How much is road tax on a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Any Mercedes-Benz CLS first registered from April 2017 pays the standard rate of £200 a year after its first year (2026/27 rates). A Mercedes-Benz CLS registered between March 2001 and March 2017 is taxed on its CO2: £170 to £790 a year.
›How many Mercedes-Benz CLSes fail their MOT?
26.3% of Mercedes-Benz CLSes aged 3 to 20 failed their MOT first time in 2024.
Sources: DVSA anonymised MOT tests 2024, all versions of the Mercedes-Benz CLS 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.