Mercedes-Benz CLS Model Years and History

After a redesign in 2022 the Mercedes-Benz CLS carries over with minimal changes for 2023 although the CLS 53 was dropped from the lineup.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS gets a redesigned steering wheel for 2022 and additional driver assistance features but otherwise carries over with minimal changes.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS carries over with minimal changes into 2021, although the CLS 53 does get a surround view camera as standard equipment.

Fresh off a full redesign for the 2019 model year, the CLS doesn't really get any notable changes for 2020. It continues to be powered by a pair of turbocharged 6-cylinder engines, offering plenty of power while getting better fuel economy than the old V8 engines that used to be found under the hood the CLS.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS rolls out its third generation of the CLS for 2019. Its revised body style is an evolution of the 4-door coupe the CLS pioneered. The roofline takes its time sloping into the trunk that the car looks longer than it is. More importantly, it minimizes the rear door, giving it fastback styling. Brand-new LED headlights and taillamps, a modernized diamond grille design, and optimized back end styling all do their part to make the CLS Class fit in with Mercedes-Benz' current styling architecture. The CLS is powered by an all-new inline 6-cylinder engine that incorporates an electric motor for a combined output of 362 horsepower and 369-pound feet of torque in the CLS 450 and 429 horsepower and 384 lb-feet of torque for the AMG CLS 53.

The Mercedes CLS returns for 2018 mostly unchanged after the minor refresh last year. The only big change is the addition of a standard backup camera across all models.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS loses the CLS400 trim but gains a general refresh for 2017. New features include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a power trunk lid and LED headlamps.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remains mostly unchanged for 2016. All-wheel drive CLS550 models now get the same 9-speed automatic as the rear-wheel drive versions. Mercedes-Benz has also ditched their proprietary smartphone plug, in favor of a more conventional USB interface going forward.

For 2015, Mercedes-Benz adds a new model to the CLS-Class family -- the CLS400. It features a twin-turbocharged V6 that makes 329 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque. All CLS models have refreshed styling inside and out, while the rear-wheel-drive CLS550 now features a 9-speed transmission.

The only change for the CLS in 2014, is the switch to all-wheel-drive on the CLS63 AMG, giving the high performance coupe even more traction. Other models remain unaltered.

After a total redesign in 2012, Mercedes-Benz has left the CLS-Class virtually unchanged.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been entirely redesigned for 2012 for the first time since its introduction in 2006. The new model gets new proportions, a sportier stance, much-improved aerodynamics and an entirely new lineup of twin-turbo V8 engines. The CLS-Class also includes some of the latest safety and technology features from Mercedes-Benz.

For 2011, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class carries over largely unchanged, pending a complete redesign due in 2012.

For 2010, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class carries over largely unchanged, though new AMG alloy wheels are offered, as is an AMG high-output stereo, and Palladium Silver replaces Pewter as an exterior color.

The two Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-door "coupes" undergo modest changes for 2009. The CLS550. Bluetooth is now standard on both models. The two Designo packages and the P02 package, all offered in 2008, are no longer available. The P01 Package's contents have been reworked to include an iPod interface, a power trunk closer, xenon headlights with curve illumination, Keyless Go, a power-operated rear sunshade, and ventilated seats.

After receiving more powerful engines and new trim designations in 2007, the two 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS 4-door "coupes" undergo modest changes for 2008. The 18-inch wheels sport a new seven-spoke design, and Sirius satellite radio is now standard. The CLS550 base price increases $700 to $67,600, while the CLS63 AMG bumps up $1,000 to $93,200.

The base Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class trim got a larger engine for 2007 in the form of a 5.5L V8 that produces 382 horsepower. The up-level trim is now called the CLS63, and features an AMG-built 6.3L V8 that puts out 507 horsepower. The transmission for both gained two ratios to become a seven-speed automatic. Prices rose $2,000 for the base trim, and $5,600 on the AMG version.