DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cls550 4dr Coupe RWD, Cls63 Amg 4dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 16 combined · 14 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 193.3–193.7 in
- Curb weight
- 3,990–4,068 lb
- 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 16 MPG combined, 27% below the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 21 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a compact car offered with 2 engines (5.5L 8-cyl and 6.2L 8-cyl) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 194 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,990 lb (Cls550 4dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 16 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), 27% worse than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $5,150 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 CLS-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 CLS-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cls550 4dr Coupe RWD | 193.7 in | 73.6 in | 54.7 in | 111.8 in | 63 / 61.4 in | 3,990 lb | 52/48 |
| Cls63 Amg 4dr Coupe RWD | 193.3 in | 73.6 in | 54.7 in | 112.2 in | 63 / 61.4 in | 4,068 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS550 | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 16 | -27% | $5,150 | 555 |
| CLS63 AMG | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -36% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (this car) | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 5 Series | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Audi A6 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Lexus LS | 21 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Lexus GS | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2008 Lexus ES | 22 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CLS-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 CLS-Class | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 CLS-Class | 25 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 CLS-Class | 26 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 CLS-Class | 21 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 CLS-Class | 21 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 CLS-Class | 24 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 CLS-Class | 24 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 CLS-Class | 20 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 CLS-Class | 20 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2012 CLS-Class | 20 | 194.5 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →