Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. BMW M5
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and BMW M5 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS and the BMW M5.
When comparing the Mercedes-Benz CLS's and the BMW M5's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency, reliability and overall quality score. The BMW M5 has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLS's and the BMW M5's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a better car than the BMW M5.
Pricing: A used 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS ranges from $53,990 to $80,121 while a used 2023 BMW M5 is priced between $82,697 to $123,278.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz CLS loses 58.2 percent of its value and the BMW M5 loses 57.8 percent of its value. This means the BMW M5 retains 0.5 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 7.5 out of 10 while the BMW M5's quality rating is 7.3 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz CLS being ranked 8 out of 13 Best Luxury Large Cars and the BMW M5 being ranked 10 out of 20 Best Luxury Midsize Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 7.7 out of 10. For the BMW M5 the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLS a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW M5.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS’s base engine makes 362 horsepower, and the BMW M5 base engine makes 600 horsepower. The CLS is rated to deliver an average of 25 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 633 miles. The M5 is rated to deliver an average of 17 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 422 miles. This gives the Mercedes-Benz CLS the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the BMW M5. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW M5, a midsize car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder 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 leg room and rear shoulder room.
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
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
109900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
71383
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
38195 - 134100
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:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
96697
Price Range:
82697 - 123278
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
61758
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
34827 - 111788
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
59
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
29122
# Good or Great Deals:
13
Mercedes-Benz CLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.7 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW M5 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.3 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
Not available
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
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M5
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8.2
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:
0.0
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
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
4.265146092292842
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
2.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 16.0
Mercedes-Benz CLS Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 2Ranking
5 out of / 13Ranking
6 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
8 out of / 13Ranking
10 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13Ranking
11 out of / 13BMW M5 Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
10 out of / 20Ranking
11 out of / 20Ranking
14 out of / 20Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mercedes-Benz CLS Trim Levels
CLS 450 4MATIC
BMW M5 Trim Levels
Base
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
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:
362 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
369 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.085 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
600 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
553 foot-lbs @ 1800 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.138 hp per pound
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
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
4.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
V
Number of Cylinders:
8
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
15 / 21 / 17
Range (city/hwy):
302 / 422 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
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
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
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
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Standard
Massage Seats:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
Standard
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
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
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
58.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
38.5 inches
Rear Leg Room:
36.5 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Cargo Space:
18.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
103.0 cubic feet
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
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
4345 lbs
Width:
83.7 inches
Height:
58 inches
Length:
196.4 inches
Wheelbase:
117.4 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.2 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 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R19
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
Red
MANUFAKTUR Cardinal Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Cashmere White Magno Matte / MANUFAKTUR Diamond White Bright Metallic / Polar White
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Marina Bay Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Alvite Grey Metallic / Dark Graphite Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic
Silver
Not available
White
Alpine White
Green
San Remo Green Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey / Magma Grey/Macchiato Beige / MANUFAKTUR Macchiato Beige/Titian Red
Black
Black
Blue
MANUFAKTUR Yacht Blue/Black
Brown
MANUFAKTUR Tartufo Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black
Gray
Neva Grey/Magma Grey
Red
MANUFAKTUR Classic Red/Black / MANUFAKTUR Titian Red/Macchiato Beige
White
MANUFAKTUR Deep White/Black
Interior Colors
Beige
Not available
Black
Black / Black/Midrand Beige
Blue
Not available
Brown
Aragon Brown / Tartufo
Gray
Silverstone
Red
Not available
White
Smoke White/Black
