BMW 8 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz CLS
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 8 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 8 Series and the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
When comparing the BMW 8 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLS's specifications and ratings, the BMW 8 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, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 8 Series's and the Mercedes-Benz CLS's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a better car than the BMW 8 Series.
Pricing: A used 2023 BMW 8 Series ranges from $53,926 to $100,347 while a used 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS is priced between $53,990 to $80,121.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 8 Series loses 60 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz CLS loses 58.2 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLS retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 8 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 8 Series’s base engine makes 335 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz CLS base engine makes 362 horsepower. The 8 Series is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 522 miles. The CLS is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 633 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLS the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW 8 Series. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 8 Series, a midsize car, 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, a large car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and rear shoulder room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
87500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
71383
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38195 - 134100
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
81890 - 94488
Starting MSRP:
76500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
96574
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
70200 - 123900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
70695
Price Range:
53926 - 100347
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
61758
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
34827 - 111788
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
108
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
32044
# Good or Great Deals:
59
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
62427
Price Range:
53990 - 80121
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
80940
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
56933 - 123021
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW 8 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
7.1 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz CLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 8 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
10.8
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
7.4 - 20.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLS
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
10.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
5.2 - 14.1
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.016
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
9.66970003413956
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 16.0
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.501527819448896
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.5
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
1.2 - 77.2
BMW 8 Series Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 20Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 16Ranking
17 out of / 20Mercedes-Benz CLS Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 8 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
Mercedes-Benz CLS Trim Levels
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
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2026 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
335 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
368 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.080 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 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):
21 / 29 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
378 / 522 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:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
22 / 30 / 25
Range (city/hwy):
464 / 633 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
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
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
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
Parking Sensors:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
42.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
15.5 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
100.0 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:
4180 lbs
Width:
84.1 inches
Height:
55.4 inches
Length:
200.3 inches
Wheelbase:
119 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4255 lbs
Width:
81.5 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
196.4 inches
Wheelbase:
115.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
3.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
245/40R19
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
Blue
Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / Obsidian Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Cote d'Azur Light Blue Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Mystic Blue Metallic / Starling Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Arabian Grey / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno Matte / MANUFAKTUR Teide Light Grey Metallic / Selenite Grey Metallic
Green
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Cashmere White Magno Matte / MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Bright Metallic / Polar White
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ BlackM Piping
Blue
Night Blue/Black
Brown
Cognac / Tartufo/Black
Red
Fiona Red/Black
White
Ivory White / Ivory White/Night Blue / Ivory White/Tartufo
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Yacht Blue/Black
Brown
MANUFAKTUR Tartufo Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black
Red
MANUFAKTUR Classic Red/Black / MANUFAKTUR Titian Red/Macchiato Beige
White
MANUFAKTUR Deep White/Black
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey / Magma Grey/Macchiato Beige / MANUFAKTUR Macchiato Beige/Titian Red
Gray
Neva Grey/Magma Grey
