Used Mercedes-Benz CLS for Sale nearSan Luis Obispo, CA

How much does the Mercedes-Benz CLS cost in today's market?

Used Mercedes-Benz CLS prices span a wide range depending on model year. Here's what the market looks like right now:

The Mercedes-Benz CLS's current nationwide average price is $28,429, and its year-round low is $23,869.47. That gives you a sense of where this model sits today across the years in the data. Recently, prices have come down for the 2016, 2019, and 2020 models, making now a good time to shop recent model years.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS a good car?

Yes — the Mercedes-Benz CLS is widely praised by owners for its stylish design, strong performance, and comfortable driving experience. The all-generations owner rating is 4.73/5 across every model year in the data.

Owners consistently highlight the CLS's luxurious styling, powerful engines, and sporty yet comfortable feel. The recurring trade-offs are rear-seat space, technology that can feel unintuitive, and higher ownership costs. Expert reviews rate the 2019 model among the highest across all years. The honest trade-off is that recent expert-tested years also call out a cramped back seat, unintuitive technology, and poor value for money. 33.2% of listings are priced as good or great deals.

Are Mercedes-Benz CLS models reliable?

Owners consistently praise the Mercedes-Benz CLS for its luxurious design, strong performance, and comfortable driving experience. Expert feedback also points to a refined ride and a well-appointed cabin that make it feel special on the road.

• Owners rate the Mercedes-Benz CLS between 3.0 and 5.0 out of 5 stars across all model years in the data.

For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is tied more to premium-car upkeep and the condition of the specific example than to the model's overall appeal.

What should I look for when buying a used Mercedes-Benz CLS?

Across all model years, at 65.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

Older model years carry meaningfully higher accident rates, so always verify the vehicle history report on pre-2021 models.

Key things to evaluate:

• Safety package: Driver Assistance Package
• Infotainment: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus standard navigation with three years of map updates and live traffic
• Fuel efficiency: 24 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined; 23/30/26 with 4Matic all-wheel drive; 21/27/23 for the AMG 53 4Matic

Which Mercedes-Benz CLS trim should I buy?

The 2019 Mercedes-Benz CLS offers these trims:

• CLS 450 4Matic: The base car brings the inline-6 hybrid powertrain, adaptive air suspension, and a smooth, cushy touring feel that suits you if you want the core CLS experience.
• AMG CLS 53: This trim adds 429 hp and 384 lb-ft, plus an electric compressor, for the strongest performance in the lineup.

What Mercedes-Benz CLS do most buyers choose?

The Mercedes-Benz CLS years with the most listings are 2020, 2019, and 2015.

Higher-volume years tend to draw more shoppers because they usually give you more inventory to compare and more chances to find the right price and condition. In this case, the most-listed years also sit near the center of the model's used-market activity.

What is the Mercedes-Benz CLS's resale value?

Prices are falling across every year shown, which can work in your favor if you're shopping used. The sharpest drops are in the newer years, while the older years are declining more gradually. That creates a market where patience can pay off, especially if you're targeting a recent model year. The 2016, 2014, and 2019 model years have held their value best, with the smallest year-over-year price changes.

Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS safe?

• 2019: 10/10

The 2019 model includes pedestrian and blind-spot detection, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, forward-collision alert, auto braking, and a driver-attention monitor. For the safest used buy, the 2019 model posts the highest confirmed score of 10/10.

Should I buy a used Mercedes-Benz CLS now or wait for the next model?

Buy now if:

• Price trend: The 2020 model is at −10.72% versus a year ago, and the 2019 model is at −7.55%.
• Deal availability: The 2020 model has 33.7% good and great deals, and the 2019 model has 34.2%.
• Sweet-spot year: The 2020 model has the most listings at a current average price of $34,385. The Mercedes-Benz CLS offers a richly appointed cabin and a distinctive, sculpted design that make it feel special every time you drive it.

Consider waiting if:

• Powertrain/efficiency: The latest model's turbocharged 3.0-liter I6 makes 362 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque, with up to 21 additional hp and 184 lb-ft from the electric motor, and the EPA says it returns 24 mpg city, 31 highway, and 26 combined.
• Tech: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, the instrument panel can be altered to fit three primary designs, and the standard navigation comes with three years of map updates and live traffic.
• Safety: The latest model adds pedestrian and blind-spot detection, front and rear cross-traffic alerts, forward-collision alert, auto braking, and a driver-attention monitor.
• Starting price: The base CLS 450 starts at $69,200.

If you're buying used today, the 2020 model year offers the best mix of value and availability. If you want the latest tech and features, it may be worth waiting for 2024 inventory to mature.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.