Importing a Mercedes-Benz CLS from the USA: generations, model years and what to check

The Mercedes-Benz CLS created the "four-door coupe" class — sedan practicality with coupe lines. In Georgia it is sought for status and design. It shows up regularly on US auctions (Copart, IAAI). The key detail before customs: older generations carry big V8 engines, and engine size is the main excise lever — so the engine choice affects the price as much as age does.

Generations and model years

1st generation (C219), 2006–2011

The original CLS that founded the genre. In the US: the CLS500 (5.0L V8), from 2007 the CLS550 (5.5L V8), and AMG versions — CLS55 (5.4L supercharged) and CLS63 (6.2L M156 V8). A 2009 facelift. Big naturally aspirated V8s — beautiful, but expensive at customs.

2nd generation (C218), 2012–2018

A sharper design. The CLS550 used a 4.6L biturbo V8 (402–429 hp), the CLS63 AMG a 5.5L biturbo V8. The 2015 facelift added the CLS400 (3.0L biturbo V6) — the first "small" engine — plus Multibeam LED and the 9G-Tronic.

3rd generation (C257), 2019–2023

The final generation. The CLS450 used a 3.0L turbo inline-six + 48V EQ Boost mild hybrid (362 hp), the AMG CLS53 the same inline-six (429 hp). No V8 in the US. The smaller displacement means a much lower excise. The model was discontinued after 2023 (replaced by the CLE).

CLS year by year — 2006 to 2023

Below, each model year is covered separately — what changed and what to keep in mind when importing in 2026 (especially engine size and age).

CLS 2006

Start of US sales — the CLS500 5.0L V8 (302 hp) and the CLS55 AMG (5.4L supercharged, 469 hp). Today it is ~20 years old: the maximum (triple) excise plus a big V8 makes customs expensive — but it is cheap at auction and has collector appeal.

CLS 2007

The CLS550 (5.5L V8, 382 hp) replaced the CLS500, and the CLS63 AMG (6.2L M156, 507 hp) replaced the CLS55. These are the largest-displacement versions — the most expensive to clear. Far over 6 years old.

CLS 2008

A carryover with the 7G-Tronic auto and minor updates. Same 5.5L / 6.2L AMG engines. Old age plus big displacement → high excise.

CLS 2009

The facelift — revised front and lighting, updated interior. Same V8 engines. Still big displacement and old — customs is expensive.

CLS 2010

Toward the end of the C219 — the most sorted of this generation. 5.5L V8 or 6.2L AMG. In 2026 the triple excise plus a big engine applies — factor it in.

CLS 2011

The final year of the 1st generation before the new C218. Big V8 versions only. Old plus large displacement — customs is heavy.

CLS 2012

An all-new 2nd generation (C218): the CLS550 with a 4.6L biturbo V8 (402 hp, replacing the 5.5L NA), the CLS63 AMG with a 5.5L biturbo V8 (518 hp). Bolder design. Displacement dropped, but it is still a V8 — the excise is high.

CLS 2013

A carryover — Europe got the Shooting Brake wagon (not sold in the US, so rare at auction). US cars are V8 only. Over 6 years old.

CLS 2014

The CLS63 AMG S (550 hp) with 4MATIC was added. The big biturbo V8 gives the best performance but the most expensive customs. Old age.

CLS 2015

An important year: the facelift. The CLS400 (3.0L biturbo V6, 329 hp) was added — the first small engine, far cheaper at customs than a V8 — along with Multibeam LED and the 9G-Tronic; the CLS63 S rose to 577 hp. If you want a C218, the CLS400 V6 is the wiser pick for customs.

CLS 2016

A carryover — a choice between the CLS400 (3.0L V6) and the CLS550 (4.6L V8). The V6 version markedly lowers the excise. Over 6 years old.

CLS 2017

Minor updates, the same engine range. A well-equipped used car. Still over 6 years old in 2026 — factor in the higher excise.

CLS 2018

The final C218 year — the end of the CLS550 V8 and the CLS63 AMG S. The most sorted of this generation. Over 6 years old → higher excise, and on the V8 additionally higher because of the displacement.

CLS 2019

An all-new 3rd generation (C257): the CLS450 with a 3.0L turbo inline-six + 48V EQ Boost (362 hp), the AMG CLS53 (429 hp). No V8 in the US — the smaller displacement cuts the excise. However, importing a CLS 2019 from the USA means it is over 6 years old in 2026 — so the high (triple) excise still applies, even with the small engine.

CLS 2020

A carryover — the same 3.0L inline-six. It turns 6 in 2026 — the excise is borderline, so confirm with the calculator. The small engine helps customs regardless.

CLS 2021

In 2026 it is still under 6 years — a low excise, and the 3.0L inline-six with its small displacement lowers customs further. Importing a CLS 2021 from the USA is one of the most worthwhile options for the balance of price and customs.

CLS 2022

A minor update to design and tech — otherwise a steady C257. Under 6 years plus a small inline-six = cheap customs. A balance between recency and price.

CLS 2023

The final CLS year ever — the model was discontinued (replaced by the CLE). The newest → the lowest excise (well under 6 years) plus the small 3.0L inline-six. Importing a CLS 2023 from the USA is the best balance of recency, customs and "last generation" appeal.

For the exact customs on any year see the 2026 excise rules or use the calculator.

Engine and drivetrain — which to choose

• V8 naturally aspirated (5.0/5.5L, C219): sound and character, but the big displacement = the highest excise.
• V8 biturbo (4.6L, C218): strong and fast, still expensive at customs.
• V6 biturbo (3.0L, C218 2015+): a good balance — noticeably lower excise than a V8.
• Inline-six turbo + EQ Boost (3.0L, C257): the most economical and the cheapest to clear. The smart choice.
• AMG (CLS55/63/53): maximum performance, but upkeep and (on the V8) excise are expensive.

What to check before bidding

• Damage history: most CLS come with a salvage title — check the damage type and frame integrity.
• AIRMATIC air suspension: the CLS often runs air suspension — check for leaks and the compressor; repairs are costly.
• Engine displacement: note the exact cubic centimetres — that is what sets the excise.
• 4MATIC: confirm the all-wheel drive works.
• Recalls: a VIN check is essential.

To assess a damaged lot see the Copart guide and run a VIN check.

Common problems — what to watch for

• C219 (2006–2011): AIRMATIC air-suspension leaks and compressor, the SBC brake system on early cars, and rust. Check ride height and the brakes.
• C218 (2012–2018): oil leaks and turbo units on the 4.6L biturbo V8, AIRMATIC, and electronics. The V6 is more troublesome.
• C257 (2019–2023): relatively new; check the 48V mild-hybrid system and infotainment. The M256 inline-six is generally reliable.

Fuel economy and mileage

The big V8 (C219/C218) uses 14–18 L/100 km in the city — expensive to run. The 3.0L inline-six + EQ Boost (C257) is far thriftier — about 9–10 L/100 km in town. The CLS is durable with proper care; at auction 100,000–150,000 km (60,000–90,000 miles) is a good balance, though the air-suspension and engine condition matter more than the number alone.

CLS vs the rivals — Audi A7, BMW 6/8 Gran Coupe, Porsche Panamera

The CLS's appeal is its design and three-pointed-star status. The Audi A7 is more tech-led and sure-footed with quattro, the BMW 6/8 Gran Coupe sportier to drive, and the Porsche Panamera the most driver-focused but expensive to maintain. All four have heavy excise on big-engine versions — for Georgia the smaller-engine version (the 3.0L CLS) is often the most sensible.

Why the CLS is popular in Georgia

The CLS is sought for design and status — it looks better than a sedan, with AMG lines. But in Georgia's customs system the big V8 is costly, so many buyers choose the 3.0L V6 or inline-six version, which keeps the status while staying cheaper to clear.

Customs and price

Two levers work together on the CLS: age (over 6 years = triple excise) and engine displacement (a big V8 = high excise). So the cheapest to clear is the newer C257 CLS450 (3.0L inline-six, 2021–2023, under 6 years). See the 2026 excise rules. For the exact cost of a specific lot use the calculator or get a personal quote.