2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$71,300 to $94,900

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.2

avg user rating

(24 reviews)
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Preview summaryImage

New styling, new engines and a new price are in store for Mercedes’ quirky coupe in 2012. Quirky was the main name from the beginning of the game with the CLS, with its 4-door layout and sloping roofline, and despite complaints regarding the lack of a third rear seat, the CLS has proven to be a profitable venture, with sales exceeding projections by more than 40 percent. In fact, Mercedes has moved nearly 200,000 quasi-coupes since introduction, and surveys indicate that one-third of those buyers were previously driving other brands.

The quirk continues with this Southern-California-born creation. Head of Mercedes’ Advance Design North America operation Hubert Lee looked to the gorgeous, late-30s Mercedes-Benz 540 K 'Autobahnkurier' for inspiration here, channeling the swooping lines of the rear fenders and deck for this newest iteration. It’s a fine example of how small changes can have big results in design, with the lines and creases adding a subtle yet severe style that prevents the CLS from being lost in an otherwise flooded market of German coupe/sedans.

Up front, you’ll see similar changes with a larger grille and a higher hood to accommodate new European safety standards which contend that flat sheetmetal is softer than a lumpy engine. Smart thinking, there. Luckily it looks good, too.

And speaking of engines, there are two new bi-turbo V8s to satisfy your atavistic aggression, starting with a 402-hp, 4.6-liter mill good for 443 lb-ft of torque in the CLS550. With the revised 7-speed automatic – which was too weak to handle duty in the CLS originally – you’ll see a return of 18 city mpg/ 26 highway. Choose the CLS63 AMG instead and you’ll be treated to a 5.5-liter V8 with 518 tire-shredding horses and 516 lb-ft of torque. In layman’s terms, that’s enough to stop the world from spinning, or so I’m told. Still not enough? The AMG Performance Pack will up the ante to 550 horses and 590 lb-ft of torque, while still being able to deliver 15/23.

Thorough as they are, the people at Mercedes couldn’t leave the interior alone, so here we see an E-Class-inspired layout with a few subtle changes. You’ll notice an analog clock here and knobs for climate controls as opposed to the toggle switches we’ve been seeing of late. You have your choice between five colors, five trim materials – three grains of wood, piano black lacquer and carbon-fiber – and three varieties of leather for a truly personalized style. Special note should be made of the matte galvanized vents – a stand-out touch.

And because it’s a Mercedes, the electronic excess is apparent. Dynamically adjustable air suspension, electromechanical power steering, Attention Assist, PreSafe and traction and stability control are all standard, with Active Blind Spot and Lane Keeping Assists as optional features. Ten airbags are standard, but you can opt for 2 more in the rear if you so choose. What’s more, the CLS550 can be equipped with Mercedes’ 4Matic AWD system for the ultimate in all-weather performance.

No matter the angle, the CLS has been a winner. With performance to spare, unique – and somewhat controversial – styling, and actual utility it’s hard to argue any other position. Factor in a price drop of almost $3,000 for the CLS500 and more than $4,000 for the CL63 AMG, and detractors can simply fade away, most likely in the rear-view mirror.

Michael Perkins
Published May 31, 2022 by Michael Perkins
A CarGurus contributor since 2008, Michael started his career writing about cars with the SCCA - winning awards during his time as editor of Top End magazine. Since then, his journalistic travels have taken him from NY to Boston to CA, completing a cross-country tour on a restored vintage Suzuki. While his preference is for fine German automobiles - and the extra leg room they so often afford - his first automobile memories center around impromptu Mustang vs. Corvette races down the local highway, in the backseat of his father's latest acquisition.

User reviews for 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS

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User rating:
by Levon B
Jan 29, 2024
great love them would love to get this car asap...Jan 29, 2024
by Dr. Sol E
Jan 22, 2024
Awesome car, it looks gorgeous and rides very well. Jan 22, 2024
by James M
Dec 30, 2023
Overpriced regardless of condition , it’s still a 2012 12 - 13 yrs oldDec 30, 2023

2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Pricing

Original MSRP
$71,300 to $94,900
Price range
$15,586 to $17,293
Average price on CG
$15,586
YoY price change
$16,226 to $15,586

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 4GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather and wood

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: seatback · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Hard Drive: 4GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: audio system · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: MPG · Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Antenna Type: element · Auxiliary audio input: iPod/iPhone integration · Hard Drive: 4GB · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Surround audio: 5.1

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Headliner trim: Alcantara · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Exterior Features

Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: quad exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Paint: special factory paint · Rear bumper color: body-color

Headrests

Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 7 in.

Instrumentation

Fuel economy display: range · Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 10

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: power glass

Safety

Active head restraints: driver · Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Front seatbelts: 3-point · Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: reclining · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: reclining · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather · Upholstery accents: faux suede

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside · Size: temporary

Spare Wheel

Rim Type: steel

Suspension

Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): front · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: with voice recognition · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Type: performance

Tires and Rims

Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5

Windows

Front wipers: intermittent · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (3)