The C218 Mercedes-Benz CLS is the second generation of the Mercedes CLS-Class range of four-door coupé sedans. The model shares the chassis and most of the technology with the W212 Mercedes E-class (2010) and was produced from 2011 to 2017.^[4] The body styles of the range are:

• 4-door saloon (C218)
• 5-door shooting brake (X218)

Unlike its predecessor, the C218/X218 CLS can be optioned with all-wheel drive 4MATIC on all models including CLS 63 AMG variants.^[5] Mercedes also introduced a new five-door estate version to the CLS lineup, called the CLS Shooting Brake.^[6]

The C218 CLS-Class was succeeded by the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (C257) in 2018.^[7]

The design of the W218 CLS is based on the F800 Style concept car unveiled by Mercedes-Benz at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show.^[8] It is a four-door coupé featuring a new COMAND interface utilizing a touchpad, design cues inspired by the Mercedes SLS AMG, and sliding rear doors.^[9] The production version C218 CLS was publicly unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show and as with the previous generation,^[10] is based on the E-Class platform, utilising the same rear multi-link suspension setup.^[11]

• W218 sedan
• X218 Shooting Brake
• Interior CLS 2014
• Interior CLS 2014

Standard equipment includes bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, dual zone automatic climate control, power sunroof, and satellite navigation with a 10GB hard-drive.^[17] Standard safety equipment consists of anti-lock brakes, electronic stability control, active head restraints, and 10 total front, side, and knee airbags.^[18] CLS models also come with driver fatigue detection and lane departure warning system functions as standard.^[19] Available options include Mercedes' AIRMATIC air suspension, traffic sign recognition, and a reversing camera in conjunction with the COMAND APS system.^[20][21]

The CLS 63 AMG is a high performance variant of the CLS and went on sale in March 2011.^[22] It features a 5.5 L bi-turbo V8 rated at 386 kW (518 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft).^[23] Standard equipment includes an AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed transmission, a 24 mm (1 in) wider front track, larger 360 mm ventilated and perforated brake discs, an AMG sports exhaust system, and a three-spoke AMG Performance steering wheel with shift paddles.^[24][25] The CLS 63 AMG is available in both sedan and Shooting Brake variants, as well as in rear-wheel drive or 4MATIC all-wheel drive configurations.^[26]

Edition 1 models were available exclusively in the first year of its market launch, and featured minor power increases of 29 kW (39 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft).^[27] Other additions include Edition 1 insignia, matte exterior paintwork, designo leather, and a choice of three AMG exclusive interior trim.^[28] An AMG Performance Package was also offered separately, and featured a carbon-fiber spoiler lip, red brake calipers,^[29] and increased performance gains of 24 kW (32 hp) and 100 N⋅m (74 lb⋅ft), resulting in a 0–60 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.1 s.^[30]

From April 2013, the CLS 63 AMG range was updated to now produce 410 kW (550 hp) and 720 N⋅m (531 lb⋅ft).^[31] The Performance Package was also replaced by the new CLS 63 AMG S model,^[32] featuring further performance and efficiency enhancements, all-wheel drive 4MATIC as standard, and a rear locking differential.^[33] It is also available as a Shooting Brake variant and launched in June 2013.^[34]

As with the previous generation, the CLS sedan and Shooting Brake models are produced in Sindelfingen, Germany.^[41]

The following are the sales figures for the C218 CLS in Europe only:^[42]

• 2010 Auto Bild 'Golden Steering Wheel Award'^[43]
• 2010 Auto Zeitung 'Best Car of the Year' (luxury segment)^[44]
• 2011 auto motor und sport 'Autonis Awards'^[45]
• 2011 Automotive Brand Contest 'Best of Best' (exterior category)^[46]
• 2013 Auto Zeitung Design Award for the CLS Shooting Brake^[47]
• 2016 cars.com 'Luxury Car of the Year'^[48]