2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Expert Review
Reviewed by Stefan Ogbac
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class now comes standard with a rearview camera. Mercedes also discontinued the CLS400, leaving only the CLS550 and CLS63 S.
Trim Levels (Interior and Exterior Options)
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a coupe-like luxury sedan that slots above the smaller CLA-Class and is available in rear- or all-wheel-drive configurations. Two models are available, the CLS550 (CLS550 4Matic is the all-wheel-drive variant) and AMG CLS63 S.
CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic: Standard on the CLS550 and CLS550 4Matic are an adaptive air suspension, 14-way power front seats with memory, leather upholstery, ambient lighting with multiple color choices, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, Mercedes' COMAND infotainment system with an 8.0-inch screen, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration, a Harman Kardon premium audio system, navigation, Bluetooth, 18-inch alloy wheels, a sunroof, and LED headlights.
AMG CLS63 S: In addition to the added power, the CLS63 S comes standard adaptive headlights, 19-inch alloy wheels, a rear spoiler, an AMG-tuned adaptive air suspension, an AMG sport exhaust, a limited-slip rear differential, and semi-aniline leather upholstery.
Notable options include ventilated front seats, a Bang & Olufsen premium audio system, an active multicontour driver's seat, keyless entry/start, carbon ceramic brakes, and a heated steering wheel.
Performance and Fuel Economy
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class comes standard with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 402 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque in the CLS550 and it's paired to a nine-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance AMG CLS63 S comes with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V-8 rated at 577 hp and 590 lb-ft, and it's paired to a seven-speed automatic. EPA fuel economy ratings for the 2018 CLS550 is 18/26 mpg city/highway for rear-drive models and 17/25 mpg with all-wheel drive. AMG CLS63 S variants are the least efficient at 16/22 mpg.
Safety
All 2018 CLS four-doors get forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and attention assist. Pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, adaptive high beams, blind-spot monitoring, and rear cross-traffic alert are part of the optional Driver Assistance and Lane Tracking packages.
Utility
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has a 15.3-cubic-foot trunk and it can be expanded via the optional 60/40 split-folding rear seats.
What We Think
In a 2015 First Drive, we said that the CLS550 offers prodigious power and the nine-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The standard air suspension also allows the CLS550 to handle well without causing the ride to get too harsh especially in Sport mode. Even if you choose the AMG CLS63 S, the car rides surprisingly well, meaning it's possible to drive it daily.
Cool Fact
The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class helped popularize the trend of coupe-like rooflines in sedans across the industry.
