carivo.co
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $64,370–$77,645 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS at 7.2/10 overall, which translates to a Good rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 8.9/10, while Value at 6.3/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional sedan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.3/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 8.1/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance scores 7.1/10 — competent for everyday use. Acceleration and handling are adequate for commuting and highway driving, though enthusiasts will want to look at higher-rated alternatives. The cabin tech earns 8.9/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $64,370–$77,645, 19 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz CLS sits in the premium tier of the sedan category. The value score of 6.3/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS is a passable sedan but not a standout one. Weaknesses in reliability and value hold it back from being a strong recommendation. It may suit buyers with specific needs it serves well, but we'd encourage comparing at least two or three higher-scored alternatives before deciding.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS ranks #896 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 32% of the segment. Its 7.2/10 overall score is 0.3 points below the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $64,370 starting price is about 133% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2015 Mercedes-Benz CLS scores 7.0/10 — within striking distance of the 2018's 7.2 — and starts roughly $7,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 7.5/10 | $78,500 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.5/10 | $76,145 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.4/10 | $73,790 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.3/10 | $71,435 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.3/10 | $69,080 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.3/10 | $66,725 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 7.2/10 | $64,370 | |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $62,015 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $59,660 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $57,305 | Read review → |
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Explore the full lineup of Mercedes-Benz models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.
