Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLS and Mercedes-Benz S-Class 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 Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
In comparing the Mercedes-Benz CLS's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Mercedes-Benz CLS's and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class's specifications and ratings, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class is a better car than the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Pricing: A used 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS ranges from $69,038 to $86,995 while a used 2024 Mercedes-Benz S-Class is priced between $119,690 to $225,851. For a new model, the Mercedes-Benz CLS's price is between $82,260 and $95,020, with the Mercedes-Benz S-Class priced between $131,842 and $252,170.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mercedes-Benz CLS loses 55.6 percent of its value and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class loses 56.9 percent of its value. This means the Mercedes-Benz CLS retains 1.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 7.5 out of 10 while the Mercedes-Benz S-Class' quality rating is 7.5 out of 10. This results in the Mercedes-Benz CLS being ranked 9 out of 24 Best Luxury Large Cars and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class being ranked 6 out of 24.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Mercedes-Benz CLS is 7.9 out of 10. For the Mercedes-Benz S-Class the reliability rating is 8.1 out of 10. This gives the Mercedes-Benz S-Class a slight advantage in reliability compared to the Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mercedes-Benz CLS’s base engine makes 362 horsepower, and the Mercedes-Benz S-Class base engine makes 442 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are large cars, the Mercedes-Benz S-Class has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The Mercedes-Benz CLS has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$82,260 - $95,020
Starting MSRP:
$76,500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$96,574
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$70,200 - $123,900
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$131,842 - $252,170
Starting MSRP:
$117,300
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$103,524
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$72,000 - $139,000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$76,504
Price Range:
$69,038 - $86,995
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$97,447
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$67,438 - $142,992
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$151,025
Price Range:
$119,690 - $225,851
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$117,939
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
$86,308 - $151,025
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
245
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,210
# Good or Great Deals:
37
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$42,433
Depreciation %:
55.5%
Resale Value $:
$34,067
Residual Value %:
44.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
51.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
39.2% - 55.5%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$67,502
Depreciation %:
57.5%
Resale Value $:
$49,798
Residual Value %:
42.5%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Large Cars)
55.6%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
46.2% - 65.5%
Mercedes-Benz CLS Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
7.9 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
8.1 / 10
Retained Value:
7.0 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz CLS
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
8.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
9.1
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
6.7 - 12.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.4%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
10.1
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Large Cars)
10.3
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Large Cars)
7.7 - 13.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.4%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
2.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.7 - 72.8
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
2.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Large Cars)
0.8 - 30.6
Mercedes-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 / 24Mercedes-Benz S-Class Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
3 out of / 24Ranking
6 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
8 out of / 11Ranking
11 out of / 24Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Plug-In Hybrid
Mercedes-Benz CLS Trim Levels
CLS 450 4MATIC
Mercedes-Benz S-Class Trim Levels
Mercedes-Maybach S 580 4MATIC, Mercedes-Maybach S 680 4MATIC, S 500 4MATIC, S 580 4MATIC
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 / 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:
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:
442 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
413 foot-lbs @ 2200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.093 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:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
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:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Standard
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
Standard
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:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
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:
42.1 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.7 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
59.6 inches
Rear Head Room:
39.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
43.8 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
59 inches
Cargo Space:
12.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
112.0 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:
4740 lbs
Width:
83 inches
Height:
59.2 inches
Length:
208.2 inches
Wheelbase:
126.6 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.1 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 8.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/45R19
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
Gold
Not available
Green
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black / MANUFAKTUR Night Black Magno / Obsidian Black Metallic / Onyx Black Metallic
Blue
MANUFAKTUR China Blue / MANUFAKTUR Mystic Blue Metallic / Nautical Blue Metallic
Gray
Graphite Grey Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Grey Magno / MANUFAKTUR Graphite Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Selenite Grey Magno / Selenite Grey Metallic
Red
Rubellite Red Metallic
Silver
Cirrus Silver Metallic / Mojave Silver Metallic
White
MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Magno / MANUFAKTUR Moonlight White Metallic
Gold
MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Magno / MANUFAKTUR Kalahari Gold Metallic
Green
Emerald Green Metallic / MANUFAKTUR Olive 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
Silver
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Macchiato Beige/Magma Grey
Black
Black
Blue
Yacht Blue/Black
Brown
Nut Brown/Black / Sienna Brown/Black / Truffle Brown/Black
Gray
Not available
Red
Carmine Red/Black
White
Deep White/Black
Silver
Silver Grey/Black
Yellow
Pastel Yellow/Black
