DecodedCars2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 26 combined · 23 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- –
- Curb weight
- –
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 12 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a compact car offered with 2 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel drive.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 26 MPG combined (23 city / 30 highway), 5% worse than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $3,150 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2020 CLS-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 CLS-Class →
Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLS450 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 30 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 347 |
| CLS450 4matic Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 22 / 29 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 357 |
| AMG CLS53 4matic Plus Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic 9-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 21 / 26 / 23 | -16% | $3,550 | 389 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (this car) | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Volvo S60 | 30 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2021 Acura TLX | 25 MPG | ★★★★★ | 5 |
| 2021 Audi S4 | 23 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 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 |
| 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 |
| 2011 CLS-Class | 16 | 193.7 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 →