2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2005 models.

- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 22 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 27% below the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a compact car offered with 4 engines (5.0L 8-cyl, 5.4L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 22 highway), 27% worse than the 2005 compact car average of 23.3 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL500 | 5.0L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 22 / 17 | -27% | $4,850 | 523 |
| CL55 AMG | 5.4L 8-cyl | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 / 20 / 15 | -36% | $5,500 | 592 |
| CL600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 17 / 14 | -40% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CL65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 18 / 13 | -44% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2005 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 CL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 CL-Class | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →