BMW 6 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 6 Series and Mercedes-Benz CLS contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 6 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
When we compare the BMW 6 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLS's specifications and ratings, the BMW 6 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and interior volume. The Mercedes-Benz CLS has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, reliability, resale value, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 6 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLS's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a better car than the BMW 6 Series.
Pricing: A used 2019 BMW 6 Series ranges from $31,079 to $47,812 while a used 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS is priced between $33,552 to $53,706.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 6 Series loses 60.1 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLS loses 55.6 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLS retains 4.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 6 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 6 Series is 6.9 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz CLS's quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the BMW 6 Series being ranked 17 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars and the Mercedes-Benz CLS being ranked 9 out of 24.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 6 Series is 7.1 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz CLS the reliability rating is 7.9 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLS a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 6 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 6 Series’s base engine makes 315 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLS base engine makes 362 horsepower. The 6 Series is rated to deliver an average of 23 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 537 miles. The CLS is rated to deliver an average of 26 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 654 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLS the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 6 Series. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 6 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front leg room, rear head room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLS has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$81,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$77,288
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$29,570 - $134,300
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$69,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$77,288
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$29,570 - $134,300
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$41,072
Price Range:
$31,079 - $47,812
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$47,151
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$19,658 - $84,966
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
8
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
64,486
# Good or Great Deals:
0
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$42,899
Price Range:
$33,552 - $53,706
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$47,151
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$19,658 - $84,966
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW 6 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
6.9 / 10
Reliability:
7.1 / 10
Retained Value:
6.8 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz CLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 6 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.1
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.7 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.3%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLS
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
4.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
6.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.7 - 9.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.5 - 22.6
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.8
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.5 - 22.6
BMW 6 Series Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
5 out of / 24Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
14 out of / 24Ranking
17 out of / 24Ranking
19 out of / 24Mercedes-Benz CLS Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 11Ranking
2 out of / 5Ranking
3 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
9 out of / 24Ranking
11 out of / 24Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
17 out of / 24Ranking
22 out of / 24Available Body Styles
Hatchback, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 6 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Mercedes-Benz CLS Trim Levels
AMG CLS 53 S, CLS 450, CLS 450 4MATIC
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
315 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
330 foot-lbs @ 1300 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.076 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.088 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
20 / 29 / 23
Range (city/hwy):
370 / 537 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
24 / 31 / 26
Range (city/hwy):
506 / 654 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Air Suspension:
Available
Android Auto:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
97.3 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
36.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.9 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.8 inches
Rear Head Room:
35.9 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
56.5 inches
Cargo Space:
11.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
93.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4165 lbs
Width:
82.3 inches
Height:
54.8 inches
Length:
197.1 inches
Wheelbase:
116.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
5 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4134 lbs
Width:
81.5 inches
Height:
55.3 inches
Length:
199.1 inches
Wheelbase:
115.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R19
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Citrin Black Metallic / Jet Black / Ruby Black Metallic
Blue
Mediterranean Blue Metallic / Sonic Speed Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue Metallic
Brown
Frozen Bronze Metallic / Jatoba Brown Metallic
Gray
Moonstone Metallic / Space Gray Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Frozen Brilliant White Metallic / Mineral White Metallic
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
Lunar Blue Metallic
Brown
Dakota Brown Metallic
Gray
designo Selenite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
designo Cardinal Red Metallic / Ruby Black Metallic
Silver
Iridium Silver Metallic
White
designo Diamond White Metallic / Polar White
Interior Colors
Beige
Champagne / Cognac/Black
Black
Black
Brown
Amaro Brown / Canyon Brown / Cinnamon Brown
Gray
Ivory White / Ivory White/Black / Platinum/Black
Red
Vermilion Red
White
Opal White / Opal White/Amaro Brown
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey / Macchiato Beige/Titian Red
Black
Black / Black/Titanium Grey Pearl
Brown
Marsala Brown/Espresso Brown
Gray
Magma Grey/Espresso Brown
Red
Not available
White
Not available
