Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-Door Coupé (C257) · CLS

C257

Third-generation four-door coupé elegance.

Production
2018–2023
Body
Coupé
Chassis
C257
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-Door Coupé (C257) (C257)

The four-door coupé grew up — the second-generation CLS on the C257 chassis traded the original's shock-value styling for a more refined, more technologically advanced interpretation of the format Mercedes-Benz had invented.

Launched in 2018, the C257 CLS shared the MRA platform with the E-Class and adopted a cleaner, more sculptural body with frameless side windows and a fastback profile moderated for better rear accommodation. Turbocharged inline-six and V8 engines — including the CLS 53 AMG with EQ Boost mild-hybrid assistance — powered a car positioned as a design-led alternative to the conventional E-Class saloon. The widescreen MBUX cockpit and advanced driver-assistance systems reflected the CLS's role as a technology showcase.

Built from 2018 to 2023, the C257 CLS represented the second and final iteration of Mercedes-Benz's original four-door coupé concept — a more mature car that proved the format could evolve beyond its novelty origins.

C257 interior
Cabin details of the C257, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

6 model designations across 2019–2023 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the C257.

MalliMallivuodetValmistettuAlustaMoottoriVaihteistoYhteensä
CLS 220 d2019–06.2018–257.314654.920 —
CLS 300 d2019–04.2018–257.318654.920 —
CLS 350 d2019–04.2018–257.320656.929 —
CLS 350 d 4MATIC2019–12.2017–257.321656.929 —
CLS 400 d 4MATIC2019–12.2017–257.323656.929 —
CLS 3502019–09.2018–257.350264.920 —
CLS 450 4MATIC2019–03.2018–257.359256.930 —
CLS 53 4MATIC+2019–05.2018–257.361256.930 —
C257 side profile
Studio profile of the C257 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

Year by year.

The inline-six launch, MBUX update, sharpened 2021 design and end of the CLS line.

  1. 2018
    • Third-generation CLS reached customers with five seats for the first time, widescreen cockpit, 64-color ambient lighting and E-Class-derived driver assistance.
    • CLS 450 and AMG CLS 53 introduced 48-volt M256 inline-six power; the 53 replaced the previous V8 CLS 63 as the sole AMG derivative.
  2. 2020
    • Model-year update added MBUX, revised assistance systems with hands-off steering-wheel detection, ENERGIZING COACH and new engine choices.
  3. 2021
    • Facelift sharpened the grille and bumpers, made AMG Line exterior standard in more markets and added a capacitive-generation steering wheel, new trims, wheels and MANUFAKTUR colors.
    • CLS 300 d 4MATIC gained the 48-volt OM654M diesel with 195 kW (265 PS) plus 15 kW boost.
    • AMG CLS 53 Limited Edition capped at 300 cars combined matte paint, side stripes, both Night Packages and the AMG DYNAMIC PLUS Package.
  4. 2023
    • C257 production ended in August without a direct successor, closing the Mercedes-Benz CLS line after three generations.
C257 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the C257.

Engines.

Four- and six-cylinder diesels and petrols — the OM654, OM656, M264 and M256 — as fitted to the C257.

OM654

Inline-4 diesel
  • 654.920 CLS 220 d1.9 L · 1,950 cc

    194 PS

    143 kW · 191 hv / 3,800 r/min

    400 N·m

    295 lb·ft / 1,600 r/min

  • 654.920 CLS 300 d1.9 L · 1,950 cc

    245 PS

    180 kW · 242 hv / 4,200 r/min

    500 N·m

    369 lb·ft / 1,600 r/min

OM656

Inline-6 diesel
  • 656.929 CLS 350 d2.9 L · 2,925 cc

    286 PS

    210 kW · 282 hv / 4,600 r/min

    600 N·m

    443 lb·ft / 1,200 r/min

  • 656.929 CLS 400 d2.9 L · 2,925 cc

    340 PS

    250 kW · 335 hv / 4,400 r/min

    700 N·m

    516 lb·ft / 1,200 r/min

M264

Inline-4
  • 264.920 2.0 L · 1,991 cc

    299 PS

    220 kW · 295 hv / 5,800 r/min

    400 N·m

    295 lb·ft / 3,000 r/min

M256

Inline-6
  • 256.930 3.0 L · 2,999 cc

    367 PS

    270 kW · 362 hv / 5,500 r/min

    500 N·m

    369 lb·ft / 1,600 r/min