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2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450

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$70,300

starting MSRP

Key specs

Base trim shown

Coupe

Body style

25-26
Combined MPGe Combined MPGe

Miles per gallon-equivalent is how the EPA provides efficiency ratings for battery-electric vehicles in a way that can be used in comparison with gasoline-powered vehicles. Actual mileage will vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, elevation changes, weather, accessory usage (lights, climate control), vehicle condition and other factors.

Related: Top 10 Most Efficient Electric Cars
1 kWh
Battery capacity Battery capacity

Battery capacity is measured in kilowatt-hours, which is a measure of how much energy is used over time. A 70-kWh battery has more energy capacity than a 50-kWh battery and would result in a longer driving range if all other factors were equal. But more battery capacity doesn’t always mean longer range because of differences in energy consumption from vehicle to vehicle. Battery capacity provided by Chrome Data, a JD Power company.

5

Seating capacity

196.4” x 56.3”

Dimensions

Rear-wheel drive

Drivetrain

Overview

(3 reviews)

The good:

  • Luxurious interior with great detailing
  • Very comfortable ride
  • Screen quality
  • Road and wind noise isolation

The bad:

  • Transmission can short-shift at times
  • Smallish backseat
  • Options add up fast
  • Only one USB port in back

2 trims

Starting msrp listed lowest to highest price

Wondering which trim is right for you?

Our 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 trim comparison will help you decide.

See also: Find the best Coupes for 2025

Notable features

  • Five-seat mid-size luxury sedan
  • Rear- or all-wheel drive
  • Turbocharged inline-six engine
  • Nine-speed automatic transmission
  • 12.3-inch multimedia screen
  • Performance-oriented AMG CLS 53 available

2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS 450 review: Our expert's take

What Is the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class launched the concept of the “four-door coupe” when it first debuted, and the five-seat mid-size luxury car was last redesigned for 2019. Power comes from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine that makes 362 horsepower in the rear- or all-wheel-drive CLS 450 and 429 hp in the performance-oriented all-wheel-drive AMG CLS 53. Both cars have a nine-speed automatic transmission. Competitors include the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and Audi A7

What’s New on the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

The CLS-Class gets the latest version of Mercedes’ MBUX multimedia system. The system can remember certain driver behaviors, such as calls made at certain times of the day, and can provide appropriate prompts. Augmented reality can enhance navigation capability, and traffic light information can be superimposed. 

What Features in the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Are Most Important?

  • Blind spot warning
  • Automatic emergency braking
  • Driver drowsiness monitor
  • Dual-zone automatic climate control
  • 12.3-inch multimedia screen
  • Navigation
  • Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphone connectivity

Should I Buy the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?

The calling card of the CLS-Class has long been stylish design, and that’s no different in the current version. It’s also comfortable, quiet and luxurious, as you’d expect from a Mercedes-Benz. The backseat, however, is small, and the automatic transmission sometimes upshifts too soon.

Consumer reviews

(3 reviews)
Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 4.0
  • Interior 4.3
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
Write a review

Most recent consumer reviews

Looks great, drives better!

The car has all the bells and whistles and is a lot more comfortable and quiet than the E-Class we had. The engine is more powerful and we love the design.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 4.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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A "standard" Mercedes Benz

I found this vehicle to be stylish, the new UIX is overly complex and the touchscreen features make it a little awkward as, from my driving position I needed make a significant reach forward to reach the screen. As usual with a Merc mid-range model, the performance was excellent but the cabin cramped. Simple features, like the ability to store a larger smart phone in the center console have been ignored in this model to save space. The overall feel of this cabin is VERY small for a pretty hefty price tag, I'm 5'9" and after lowering the seat my head was still close to the roof and until I learned through pain, I bumped my head many time while getting in and out of the vehicle. I found the E400 or E450 a vastly superior design.

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 2.0
  • Interior 3.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 3.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Having fun
  • Does not recommend this car
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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Very Comfortable and Reliable car

Great design and features. Smooth ride. Love the color and safety features of the vehicle. voice recognition, touch screen dash board truly amazing too. I love it

Rating breakdown (out of 5):
  • Comfort 5.0
  • Interior 5.0
  • Performance 5.0
  • Value 5.0
  • Exterior 5.0
  • Reliability 5.0
  • Purchased a New car
  • Used for Commuting
  • Does recommend this car
2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all 3 consumer reviews

Warranty

New car and Certified Pre-Owned programs by Mercedes-Benz
New car program benefits
Bumper-to-bumper
48 months/50,000 miles
Corrosion
48 months/50,000 miles
Powertrain
48 months/50,000 miles
Roadside assistance
48 months/50,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned program benefits
Maximum age/mileage
6 years old or less/less than 75,000 miles
Basic warranty terms
1 year/unlimited miles
Powertrain
1 year/unlimited miles
Dealer certification required
164-point inspection
Roadside assistance
Yes
View all cpo program details

Have questions about warranties or CPO programs?

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