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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $76,145–$92,734 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS earns a Recommended rating among the sedans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Technology at 9.2/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.6/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.5/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance lands mid-pack at 7.6/10: enough power and composure for everyday needs, without the dynamics that distinguish the segment's driver-focused options. Technology scores 9.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $76,145–$92,734, 24 MPG, seating 5, the Mercedes-Benz CLS sits in the luxury tier of the sedan market. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 3 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: Think of the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
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 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS ranks #585 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 55% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is exactly at the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $76,145 starting price is about 175% 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 2020 Mercedes-Benz CLS scores 7.3/10 — within striking distance of the 2023's 7.5 — 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 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $76,145 | |
| 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 | 7.2/10 | $64,370 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.2/10 | $62,015 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.1/10 | $59,660 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.0/10 | $57,305 | Read review → |
We rate the 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS's reliability 6.6/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #585 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 55% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2023 Mercedes-Benz CLS starts at $76,145 and ranges up to $92,734 across trims (MSRP when new). At 24 MPG, expect roughly $2,188/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
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.
