Name: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS
Brand: Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz CLS

RECALL ALERT: There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

$11,150 - $14,650

CR MPG:

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

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$9,375 - $10,775

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$4,850 - $8,650

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2012 Audi A7

$9,650 - $10,700

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2012 Audi S4

$9,750 - $10,625

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2012 BMW 5 Series

$5,750 - $7,725

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$10,275 - $11,425

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$6,425 - $7,500

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$ NA

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$6,400 - $7,275

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2012 Hyundai Genesis

$6,800 - $7,850

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2012 Infiniti M

$6,275 - $11,025

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2012 Jaguar XF

$5,675 - $8,575

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2012 Lexus ES

$10,450

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2012 Lexus GS

$ NA

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$7,100 - $7,275

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2012 Lincoln MKZ

$5,725 - $6,250

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2012 Mercedes-Benz E-Class

$7,700 - $21,750

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2012 Volvo S80

$6,375 - $8,000

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See All Luxury midsized cars Ratings

Seating

2 front, 2 rear

Drive Wheels

AWD, Rear

Warranty

Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

sedan

7-speed Automatic

4.6-liter V8 twin-turbo (402 hp)
5.5-liter V8 twin-turbo (518 hp)

Model History

2019-

Current Generation

Mercedes-Benz pioneered the modern four-door-coupe segment with the original CLS nearly a dozen years ago. Now, the redesigned third-generation CLS continues to rely on the same recipe: a sleek, low-slung sport sedan with some compromised visibility and cabin access. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. The CLS seats five people. The base engine is a 362-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine, marking Mercedes-Benz's return to a straight, inline six-cylinder. Basic driver assist systems are standard, including blind spot warning, active braking, and a driver-attention monitor. Consumers will have to pay for the optional package that includes active steering and adaptive cruise control.

2012-2018

2012 Redesign Year

The CLS has been extensively freshened and now has a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8. An AMG version with a 5.5-liter delivers ferocious acceleration. The coupelike styling results in a low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space that limits access, visibility, and rear-seat room. Handling is capable and surprisingly agile for such a large car. The ride is firm but supple and steady. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish is excellent, but the controls are complicated. A broad selection of the latest driver assistance technologies including forward collision prevention, lane tracking, lane departure warning and semi-automated parking are available.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

Based upon the E-Class sedan, the CLS four-door coupe's low roof, small windows, and reduced interior space compromise access, outward visibility and rear-seat head- and legroom. The 5.0-liter V8 offers smooth and abundant power, but the seven-speed automatic often hesitated before downshifts and wasn't always smooth in our tests. A 6.3-liter AMG version is available. The quick steering offers good feedback, and the handling is capable, if not really sporty. Ride quality is mostly steady, but some side-to-side motions are annoying. Noise levels are hushed. Fit and finish are excellent, but the controls are complicated.

Mercedes-Benz CLS

2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

Crash and Rollover Tests

Crash and Rollover Tests

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Owner Reports

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash and Rollover Tests

2012 Luxury midsized cars Ratings