Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Review | An Insane Sport Sedan Value

Today I'm reviewing this 2014 CLS550, and I'm going to show you why I think you might want to consider it over a brand new car.
The 2nd generation Mercedes-Benz CLS is a gorgeous, sporty sedan that packs so much car into a relatively modest price point. In my opinion, it is an extreme value on the used market.
WELCOME TO MY CHANNEL! My name is Gavin Malm, and as far back as I can remember, I have had one true passion, CARS! Professionally, I'm a real estate broker in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and while I love what I do, nothing quite beats a great car on a great road with a great soundtrack. Recently I decided I'm going to review cars and share my builds with you all even if nobody actually watches them.
If you do, I hope you enjoy my content. If you are actually reading this, consider subscribing.
Whatever you love, do that… and drive safe.

[@paulkouri8683]

I’ve had a black 2013 CLS550 purchased in 2015 with 40k...I now have 97k in 2020. Never had issues outside of normal brakes and tires. I couldn’t agree more with everything Gavin mentions in this review. I have zero intentions of letting this car out of my clutches. It does everything so well and at 97k still has zero creeks...it tight as the day I got it. Love this car. It is my 6th Benz and by far the best even having my last S class.

[@GavinMalm]

Paul, just want to first thank for checking out my channel! The car in the review is actually owned by my father and I can tell you having been around it for awhile it's holding up very well. It's one of those cars that you keep around for while. It's just a beautiful design and package that's aging very well!

[@JudeMarchisio]

Wow. Great review. Any other issues other than the brakes and tires?

[@lastwhtknight3002]

I want your life.

[@KayGmacK3232]

I'm on the cusp of purchasing one myself. It was a Florida car and I'm from Massachusetts. You would recommend it?

[@paulkouri8683]

@@KayGmacK3232 It's a sold vehicle. I just traded it in for a Tesla Model Y. I also own a Model 3. I just love the way the Tesla's drive and don't think I would change back to combustion. My CLS550 was 2013 Black on Beige with all the options. Sticker was originally 86k. 103,000 I traded in and got 15.5k which I was happy with. I was expecting to put some money into it like tires, AC and eventually what really scares me is the air suspension typically goes after 100k so I was biting my nails on that. If I was buying this car I would put aside around 3000 or 4000 a year to keep it up perfect. Great ride and acceleration especially if in sport mode...normal is a bit sluggish unless you drop down a gear. Enjoy if you do decide to get one. They are a great value for what you get.

[@joshuabushyhead6986]

The CLS550 is definitely a sleeper, either it or the E550 2012-2014 era will be my next car. Stage 1 ECU tune takes you to 500+hp.

[@GavinMalm]

Such a great car for the money!

[@flop9326]

Drove my friends 2017 and was really surprised by how fast it was. Looking to get one as my next car, but only a pre facelift - the facelift ruined the front end in my opinion

[@vc-04baybrook80]

Thank you about the comment you said about the type of woman that drives the CLS. you described me. I own a 2014 550. I love it!

[@GavinMalm]

I'm glad it was an accurate description! I hope you love the car!

[@williambrown9718]

Great review bro. You did an excellent job in keeping my attention. I skipped through 4 reviews prior to yours and in doing so......I'm glad that I did. Keep up the good work!

[@GavinMalm]

I appreciate that! When I made this video I thought it was going to be one of my worst but you all have given me some awesome feedback. Now if only I could get some more cars to review! Thank you for supporting my channel!

[@NotoriousOzTheMan]

I think you provide the type of review of the exact things I want to hear including your perspective on what the driver of this car is looking for plus emphasizing the specs that are the most meaningful. Looking forward to more reviews. I think the next generation of videos over time would be a look at these vehicle 6k miles later or even after a longer 250+ mile trip. Excellent review!

[@GavinMalm]

Oz, thanks for checking out my channel. I'm happy to hear you enjoyed the review. I should do a long term review on here and take it on a road trip. It happens to belong to my father. He's been wanting to make a trip up to Denver, and I usually do the driving. It might be an excellent opportunity to do a review of it on a road trip. Again, I appreciate the feedback and support. Keeps me motivated to make more videos for people like yourself

[@shikaademu-john4502]

Thank you very much for such a comprehensive and detailed review. I am looking for an AWD Mercedes. I have an 2009 SL550. I love it but miss it most of the year as it hibernate through the winter months. The anesthetics of the CLS 550 are just breathtaking and I have been looking for answers. Thank you.

[@shawn497]

This is a great video, Thank you my Gratitude, I was looking at the 2019 then came across your video, love that you get luxury for a very reasonable price, great stepping stone car!!!

[@GavinMalm]

You are so welcome! I really love this car because of how much value it brings to the table on the used market. It's actually my dads and I helped him find it. I might buy it from him later this year because he wants an SUV again.

[@l.b.stringfellow2413]

New subscriber..Wonderful review! Have a 16 with 112k. Just normal maintenance. Had around 16 MBs over 20 years. Best one I have owned. Still as tight as the day I got it.

[@ahmed232323able]

Picking this car in a few days... I’ve had the W219 CLS350 for 5 years and this is exactly what I want next.. absolutely beautiful

[@GavinMalm]

It's a great car! You are going to love it. Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@mikimoto99]

I put a throttle controler on mine. Huge effect for small money.Also took it down to 4.5 0to60.

[@mezziemezole4314]

This is so weird but I’m in the market for a used CLS, I was searching for a more recent review of a used one and found your video and was so shook that this is filmed in Albuquerque where I live! It made me want this car right now haha great video 😄😄😄

[@GavinMalm]

Hope you enjoy it! It's great car and we live in a great city!

[@TechnologyUnboxTV]

This is one of my favorite mercedes body shape. Will be driving one soon..

[@GavinMalm]

It's a really beautiful car. You will not be disappointed!

[@TechnologyUnboxTV]

@@GavinMalm you got a wonderful channel mate. Giving you my support! Check my channel out too.

[@laoluadegbesan9794]

Enough information to make the time worth it. Thank you.

[@GavinMalm]

Glad it was helpful! It's a great car!

[@brianmcmanus6034]

got a 2012 550 4matic OMG do i love it. only 18k miles gonna chip it and exhaust it should puts it at 550 hp this is the most beautiful car i have ever seen, truly

[@GavinMalm]

Very nice! It's such a beautiful car with amazing performance for the money! ENJOY!

[@MidtownMeezus]

Haven’t seen your reviews yet. Nice production

[@GavinMalm]

Thank you! I should really do some more soon. I need more cars to review!

[@GonzalezEzekiel]

Got mine for $16k one owner Previous owner only took it to the dealer for service. Love it!!! It still has the new car smell

[@GavinMalm]

Damn! Thats one hell of a smoking deal! You got so much car for 16k! How many miles and what color?

[@GonzalezEzekiel]

Gavin Malm same color combo as yours but a 2012 with 100k miles. No noise like yours. I’ve only had to replace the air compressor that’s about it. I had the b service done, my friend did it for me i used to work with him at Mercedes. He did it for $100 lol

[@GavinMalm]

@@GonzalezEzekiel thats one good looking car! The one in the video isn't actually mine. I borrowed it from a friend. I have a few other cars I will be reviewing soon. Tundra TRD Pro, Range Rover Evoque, 2nd gen Raptor and a BMW M4. I currently have a 335is and a Miata.

[@entrepreneur2159]

How do women respond to you in the car?

[@GonzalezEzekiel]

Entrepreneur215 some stare some don’t even know I’m there lol

[@bigdog8882]

Maaan... I was sleep on this one. Really nice car. Thanks for the Video! Bro.. change your microphone though, its echoing.

[@glenda4196]

I have the CLS550 2007 Car is still Beautiful Solid I love this car.seats are still in tact not a lot of room in the back seat but a awesome car!!!

[@archie9026]

Nice comparison at the end of the video 👍

[@GavinMalm]

Glad you liked it! Thank you for supporting my channel and watching the whole video!

[@TAkinmboni]

You are spot on I have 2013 that I bought 4 years ago for $44K with 42K miles on it. right now Aug 2020 I have 156K miles on it. Still a great car and not looking to see it. The only issue outside of normal wear and tear is the hydraulic suspension. I have had the fronts replace twice and the back once. the first time was under warranty. 2nd time cost me 3K. I will probably keep the car 2 more years and push it to over 220K miles.

[@GavinMalm]

I really love these cars! I'm happy to hear you are enjoying yours!

[@TAkinmboni]

@@GavinMalm Update: it's now 197,000 miles on it and ready to move on to an S560 because the kids are now too tall for my CLS back seat. The driveshaft broke about a month ago and was replaced with a new one. I am tempted to keep it as a second car but am not sure it makes financial sense since it's almost at 200K miles.

[@l.b.stringfellow2413]

Great to hear .Let’s run the baby’s way past 200k !!

[@emanueldaggett1898]

How much did the driveshaft job cost?

[@demongaminghd6791]

Love how this guy responds to his comments but you should make more vids on the cls550

[@GavinMalm]

I totally should. It happens to be my dads car but it looks like he is going to trade it in for newer AMG!

[@SuperHermex]

You're totally totally right. I've had CLS550 2013 AMG already 10 years and it's been pure quality. That's why I just keep this car even after I have new Tesla Y performance and other family SUV.

[@GavinMalm]

Wow, that's great to hear! It's always good to see a car stand the test of time and provide a great ownership experience over a long period of time. The Mercedes CLS 55 AMG version, is known for its high-quality engineering and performance, so it's no surprise that you still have it after 10 years and even with newer options available. It's a testament to the car's reliability and longevity. Glad you're still enjoying your Merc!

[@EpicGoldenWarrior]

Good review! I'd get a microphone to add to your shirt for the "outside" portion of the review.

[@GavinMalm]

Welcome to the channel! The moment I started editing that clip in post I know I needed to get a better mic! I scooped up a Rode Wireless Go and it's totally changed my videos. Check out the review I just did on the BMW F82 M4 and let me know what you think! I appreciate the support!

[@Thomasdarya]

I’m buying one next week 2014 CLS550 dark blue beige interior

[@vladz3654]

Just bought 2012 cls550 and its a great car so far, pleasure to drive and plenty of power

[@ajsh3000]

If I am willing to buy one that has around 75 miles on the clock. What price do you think is fair? And how do you know that this car is like not having hidden problems before buying it?

[@RyanTheHandyman]

Just bought my 2014 diamond white with black 19 amg wheels and red calipers with 36k miles for 28k. I love this car. Was wanting one for the past 4 years and finally able to get it last week.

[@GavinMalm]

CONGRATULATIONS! You are going to love this car! It's such a great value right now! Thanks for checking out my channel!

[@jmhellison]

Where the hell are you all getting these cars for that cheap?? Most near me are 30k with 80k miles

[@JudeMarchisio]

I love how passionate you are about the car. I really enjoyed the review. What do you think about the maintenance costs for the car? Are they high?

[@GavinMalm]

So in terms of maintenance this car has been very good to its owner who happens to be my dad. Long term the only thing i'm concerned with is the air suspension as the OEM components can get expensive. If that ever fails FCP Euro has some great replacement options from Arnott that work just as good as the OEM bags. Thank you for supporting my channel. It really helps out!

[@TAkinmboni]

Is not super expensive compared to other luxury cars but definitely not your Toyota product cheap. I driving one from 42K miles to almost 200K miles as my daily driver and I don't regret it.

[@yujie1973]

Great review. If not I just bought my 2014 e350, I'd strongly consider this. My local car dealer has one in metallic silver color for about $20k but with almost 100k miles on it. it looks clean from picture, but I can't consider it as I just got another one.

[@GavinMalm]

The E350 is a great car. While I do in fact prefer the styling of the CLS the E350 is a bit more practical with rear seating room! Either way you're going to enjoy the car. Thank you for checking out my channel. Glad to have you!

[@olatunbosun]

New Subscriber!! Lovely Review!! Going for a test drive of a $18750 2014 4matic tomorrow. Been a fan of this generation. Thanks again to the Duchess of Depreciation!!

[@GavinMalm]

Welcome to the channel and thank you for the support! You're going to love it! SO MUCH CAR FOR THE MONEY! Let me know what you think of it! New reviews coming soon!

[@UzairH.]

I have a cls 63 2014, and what you said about the outdated infotainment look is a problem easily mitigated with an after market apple carplay/ android auto installation in to the existing display. It's like a modern car again 😃

[@GavinMalm]

I totally agree. I would love to see manufacturers offering updated hardware kits to bring this cars up to modern tech without having to go aftermarket. Porsche has done a great job of this!

[@devynsutton8238]

Hello, can you send a link of what kit you used to upgrade to CarPlay/android auto? Thanks.

[@josetheace]

what apple carplay kit did you use?

[@SonLe-hz1rh]

Glad to hear it doesn't have creak and rattle from the newer Mercedes platform. These are one of the last classy Merc I saw, before they shifting it to the dual screen futuristic design. Different opinions, but I prefer this styling more.

[@GavinMalm]

I really love the design language of these cars!

[@andreoates8405]

Yo love, the video I recently just drove a CLS. I never like the body style but I would one over with the power of the twin v 8 Man that thing was awesome. I think I’m all work on buying one on the use market lot and plus you don’t see a lot of them out there if something different☺️

[@terrancetaylor2160]

Buying a ‘12 E550 getting a helluva deal, can’t wait for that biturbo 😁

[@GavinMalm]

Good choice! You're going to love that car. I have loved every moment of driving this CLS. Both are such beautiful cars with a great driving experience! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my channel!

[@93baby_210]

Bought my 2008 cls 550 that sat for 2 years for 8k and only had to do basic maintenance iv been in the e500 for 4-5 years but this cls driving is completely different

[@roywilliams4903]

mines black with black leather and black ash wood also came with factory black 19inch wheels NZ new Love it I've uploaded one video and will do more, new subscriber here, good on you dude

[@GavinMalm]

Welcome to the channel Roy! Black on Black has to look really good, especially at night! I really loved reviewing this car. It has me considering picking up a older CLS AMG as my next car.

[@mdcoker]

Hi Gavin, thank you for the review... my question is, is it a good daily driver car?

[@GavinMalm]

Yes, absolutely!

[@roroguapo3]

40k miles for $25,000 *laughs in pandemic* I cannot WAIT for these used car prices to come back down to earth...

[@GavinMalm]

You and me both!

[@johnsalvatore9780]

I can only imagine, someone is trying to sell me one for $25k and has 100k miles and muliptle accidents

[@MovieMuscle]

Good video. Quick and fast are not the same. Quick is how fast it accelerates. Fast refers to a vehicles top speed. Some cars are quick but not fast. Others are fast but not quick. Some cars are both quick and fast.

[@GavinMalm]

Thank you for the comment! You're absolutely right. Quickness and speed are two different aspects of a vehicle's performance, and a car can excel in one while being average or below average in the other. The Mercedes CLS 550 is a great example of a car that balances both quick acceleration and high top speed, making it a well-rounded performer.

[@DLN-ix6vf]

Good looking car and so far I have bought a 2006 , 2010 , 2012 & 2014 models used. Problem with newer models is we should stop calling them a "sport sedans" The 2006 first generation in my opinion was the best design. Please bring back the first generation design and if people complain about the rear seats tell them to buy a S-Class as that's what they are for. Also RWD with good snow tires resolves the problem when it snows.

[@GavinMalm]

You make some great points here.

[@freedomworks3976]

Yep the 2006 through 2010 body styles are perfection ❤😊

[@moreeshintaro6804]

I just got a 2014 cls550 and just wanted to know how much does it cost to maintain? Like the service A and B in cdn$. Also do I have to go to the dealership for this or do I have a alternate cheaper solution. Thanks man

[@GavinMalm]

I would absolutely go to an independent Mercedes shop for the maintenance. I don't actually own the car but the owner said he's only spent about 2,000 over 4 years maintaining it outside of oil changes.

[@clevelandaeromotive]

All W218 CLS’s need a 4x4Shops 10.25” Android screen retrofit now though.

[@GavinMalm]

That would look pretty terrible in my opinion.

[@lambokiller9970]

@@GavinMalm the android screen looks alot better than the trash MBUX iPad mercedes put in the 2015-2017 models

[@queenmica7445]

I love mine they are super fast

[@GavinMalm]

I really love how this car looks classy and unassuming but when you put the peddle down it just gets up and goes in class! Such a great car!

[@jhollywood9921]

Love it. I have the same color...

[@queenmica7445]

@@jhollywood9921 me too!! same interior too😁

[@CangiFit]

Dude are you still doing the b roll and editing ? Your picture quality looks dope

[@GavinMalm]

Thanks man! Yeah, I'm doing all my own shooting and editing. Just been really focused on stepping up the quality of my videos. So I have spent time during all this social distancing to get better at it.

[@andyss3246]

just got a 2012 cls550 for about 22k i love this car so much man

[@GavinMalm]

It's so much car for the money. I really think you're going to enjoy it. I still get the privilege of driving this car from time to time and it's always a great drive! Thank you for stopping by and supporting my channel!

[@Mr.duke10783]

Good pick up i going with the cls because the 650 v8s are 🗑

[@jmhellison]

I'm thinking about buying one. There's a lot of used good examples. I wish I could afford the CLS63 AMG though.

[@andyss3246]

@@jmhellison had it for about two months now, no problems whatsoever its the best!

[@AmanQuraishi1]

I had an E350 coupe that I sold. Tempted to buy the CLS550 2012/13 model but scared about the cost of ownership.. my 2011 E class was a reliable machine, what are your views on the CLS550 ?

[@johnrand93]

Your car is beautiful but I wanted to set you straight on some things. I also own a 2014 CLS 550 but in a FULL DESIGNO inside and out. Mine was 92K, that being said. Even with the beautiful base model that you have, only your seating surfaces are leather. If you opted for the Designo interior you would have gotten more surfaces that were a more premium semi-aniline leather and an Alcontera headliner. Now, that being said. Even in the higher tier car, the dash and upper parts of the door panel are in fact MB Tex. It looks and feels like real leather but it is in fact not. I love your color choice and your wheels. I opted for the newer AMG 10 spoke wheels that were introduced on the 2014 S sedan and 2015 Edition 1 S Coupe. That being said, I totally agree with you about the styling of the 12-14 as I only like the headlamps of the three years and only love the tail end up until 2018. I am not a fan of the newer styling and for me Mercedes has basically made the car ugly in every single way. The only thing I love is the new interior but that is all. Mine now has about 10K miles on it as I don't want to wear it out. Since your review, you can't get a higher end model for less that 35K. The cars have appreciated due to the chip shortage and the lack of used cars on the market. If you got your car for less that 25K you are truly a very lucky man. I bought mine from the original owner who also never drove it but I paid 35K for mine about 2 years ago. I just had CarMax give me an instant appraisal and they offered me over 37K whole sale. I'm not taking the deal but to be able to have a car appreciate in value is a good thing. Depending on your mileage and condition, you might be able to also make money on your car. Mine has the option flat bottom AMG wood and leather wheel with a leather air bag. I will keep mine until the day I die and keep trading my S Coupe for a new Bentley, as Mercedes has gone in a direction I am not a fan of. I've owned over 6 new CL600's since 2000 and this S 65 but now I'm move one to better looking, less generic cars. I wish you the best and hope you are still as in love with your baby as I am with mine.

[@GavinMalm]

Hey John, I wish I would have checked my comments sooner! Thank you for clearing the air on all of this for us!

[@shawnselskars2306]

What’s the name of the track played in the beginning of the video ?

[@GavinMalm]

Snake City - One Good Reason

[@noballsboy]

Just bought a 2014 cls550 in white 3 weeks ago best Mercedes I bought besides my Clk430

[@GavinMalm]

SWEET! GREAT CAR!

[@kv8999]

You drive it hard? How does it handle on backroads/twisties?

[@tinoavetisyan583]

Funny how prices change in 13 months. Now it’s over $33k easily. Let’s go Brandon.

[@GavinMalm]

Thanks for watching dude!

[@danielp.8081]

"Let's go Brandon" made my day! KEKI

[@ELISainta]

5.2 seconds? my uncles s63 4.7 sec 0-60 and my cls 550 keeps up so idk either the 63 is "quick" or the 550 is "fast"

[@GavinMalm]

I would say all of the cars you mentioned are quick!

[@Pennychaser1]

Do these come with regular suspension?

[@GavinMalm]

I don't believe so but I do know they can be converted!

[@noballsboy]

Airbags they have

[@traybutts4425]

How you feel bout a tune

[@GavinMalm]

The tune would yield quite a bit more power but i'm not confident it would really make the car better. The suspension/chassis tuning and brakes just aren't there. Just look for a CLS 63 AMG.

[@traybutts4425]

I heard that renntech is pretty reliable

[@Mo-ij8re]

got mine in 2020 for 26k 57k miles fully loaded designo graphite

[@GavinMalm]

That my friend is a great deal! Amazing car!

[@kauaigold]

"coupe" tho. Beautiful car

[@GavinMalm]

It's a weird car category that's for sure.

[@caspergundersen8]

You’ll pay close to $20k once the air suspension goes though. That’s why the e550 is a good alternative, also it’s a 4.7 not 4.3

[@GavinMalm]

Yeah, I mentioned that I messed up the displacement in earlier comments. You might find that replacing the air suspension is much more affordable than it was in the past.

[@holeshot1721]

Air bags for the rear shipped to my door was $75 so casper its not exspensive if you wanna spend 4 hours doing it yourself

[@umar-ov3jt]

💣💣💣💣💣

[@GavinMalm]

Thank you!

[@alialzubaidi7663]

It’s a 4.7 biturbo v8 not 4.3

[@GavinMalm]

You're totally right! Thanks for catching that for me!

[@alialzubaidi7663]

Of course man, I have that car in white soo I know it pretty well. By the way very good review keep up the videos

[@lastwhtknight3002]

Intro music is embarassing. Wtf. Glad I hung in cuz loved the rest. Really good vid.

[@GavinMalm]

Yeah that certainly wasn't my best moment in picking music for one of my videos LOL. Either way man, thanks for the feedback and supporting my channel. EVEN IF I BLASTED YOUR EARS WITH TERRIBLE MUSIC LOL.

[@hidefinitionstoner9762]

I could of sworn tht they had 4.7L n not 4.3L🤷🏾‍♂️

[@GavinMalm]

You are right. I said the wrong thing on camera at the time. Thanks for stopping by!

[@starentveveo]

0 to 60 4.2

[@GavinMalm]

Thanks for clarifying! Welcome to the channel!

[@urbanwayne2008]

Not 4.3L.....

[@GavinMalm]

That was addressed in the comments like a year ago. Thanks!

[@TheMcs33]

You could have shown the inside

[@GavinMalm]

I wish I would have.

[@JoshWesson-king]

Can you bring to me

[@outsideboy23]

I make $21.00 per hour do u think i can afford this?

[@CM-kt9hj]

Would not be a good idea. This car has 4 air struts and they will fail at some point especially as these cars are getting older. They are about $3k each for the part and work. Also the maintenance cost is pretty high

[@outsideboy23]

@@CM-kt9hj 12k just for that ? people really have that type of money? crazy lol

[@CM-kt9hj]

@@outsideboy23 most people don’t and I’m sure its just more of them not being aware its even a thing.

[@gradydeadsy6001]

4.7

[@GavinMalm]

Yeah, I realized that awhile back. Total bummer.

[@Felipe-lw2rv]

Ray Donovan car

[@GavinMalm]

Dude what's funny about that is the owner of this one. My dad is a huge Ray Donovan fan. When he was looking for a new car years ago he asked me to help him find the "Ray Donovan" lol. Thanks for watching!

[@melvinaslekstutis1101]

It's coupe.

[@GavinMalm]

Wuuuuut?

[@kidmon3y348]

Gave a thumbs down because we didnt get to hear the start up, always show the start up...

[@GavinMalm]

Unless its cold start, its really not impressive on this car but I appreciate the feedback!

[@CraigShaw-on3hh]

send your ECU to Tenn tech. , this car makes you giggle when you step on it in sport or manual mode or even an economy road mode the fun and performance of a AMG without the loud exhaust noise hard ride, oh it's fast with ECU upgrade , no issues in my 60,000 miles on my 2013 standard tires

[@CraigShaw-on3hh]

Not standard tires is Michelin pilots so4s and

[@Felipe-lw2rv]

Ray Donovan car

[@GavinMalm]

Dude what's funny about that is the owner of this one. My dad is a huge Ray Donovan fan. When he was looking for a new car years ago he asked me to help him find the "Ray Donovan" lol. Thanks for watching!

[@Felipe-lw2rv]

@@GavinMalm I had to use Google translator to read your answer, I'm from Brazil but this car is beautiful anywhere. thanks brother thank you