Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the newer Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 is the rational choice at RM570,888 against the C218’s RM757,888. Its 1,991 cc turbo petrol engine with 48V motor assistance produces 400 Nm, 30 Nm more than the C218, and reaches 100 km/h in 6.0 seconds versus 6.1. More importantly, annual road tax falls dramatically from RM4,371 to RM376. The C218 fights back with a 520-litre boot, 89-litre tank, sunroof and active cruise control, but its four-seat cabin and lack of autonomous braking make it harder to justify.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 if you want the larger 520-litre boot, 89-litre fuel tank, sunroof and active cruise control.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 if you want far lower RM376 annual road tax, five seats, 400 Nm and Active Brake Assist.
Key differences
- Price: C218 RM757,888; C257 RM570,888
- Road tax per year: C218 RM4,371; C257 RM376
- Engine: C218 3,498 cc naturally aspirated petrol; C257 1,991 cc turbo petrol with 48V motor assistance
- Torque: C218 370 Nm; C257 400 Nm
- Cabin and boot: C218 4 seats and 520 litres; C257 5 seats and 490 litres
- Fuel tank: C218 89 litres; C257 66 litres
C218
- 520-litre boot, versus 490 litres
- 89-litre fuel tank, versus 66 litres
- Sunroof, active cruise control and soft-close doors
- RM4,371 annual road tax versus RM376
- Four seats versus five
- No Active Brake Assist or collision warning
C257
- 400 Nm and 6.0-second 0-100 km/h time
- Five seats and a 2,939 mm wheelbase
- Active Brake Assist, collision warning and 360-degree camera
- 490-litre boot versus 520 litres
- 66-litre fuel tank versus 89 litres
- No sunroof, active cruise control or blind spot information system
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM757,888 | RM570,888✓ |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CBU |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM4,371 | RM376✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 24-valve DOHC with direct fuel injection, naturally-aspirated, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC with Direct Fuel Injection, Turbocharger and Variable Valve Timing, 48V Electric Motor Assistance |
| Capacity | 3,498 cc | 1,991 cc |
| Horsepower | 306 hp✓ | 299 hp |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 400 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 92.9 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 12 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 14 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 150 Nm✓ |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 7G-TRONIC | 9G-TRONIC |
| Gears | 7 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) | Mercedes-Benz (Daimler AG) |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 6.1 seconds | 6 seconds✓ |
| Rated Economy | 6.8 L/100 km✓ | 7.1 L/100 km |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Co2 | 159 g/km✓ | 184 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,940 mm | 4,988 mm |
| Width | 1,881 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,416 mm | 1,435 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,874 mm | 2,939 mm |
| Weight | 1,735 kg | 1,775 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 89 litres | 66 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 4 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres✓ | 490 litres |
| Front Tyre | 255/40R18 | 245/40R19 |
| Rear Tyre | 285/35R18 | 275/35R19 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | — | Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 3 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Germany (CBU) | Germany (CBU) |
| Front Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-Link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 18" Alloy | 19" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Assist) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Agility Control with Selective Damping System |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front Pelvis, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side | Driver and Passenger, Driver Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain, Rear Side |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 4 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | — |
| ISOFIX | Available for rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | — | Yes, Active Brake Assist |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | Warning Only |
| Collision Warning | — | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Full LED Directional | LED Projector with Auto High Beam |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split Fold | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Sunroof | Front Tilt and Slide, Rear Moonroof | — |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Rear, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 colours) |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Powered rear sun shade | Twin Sunvisors with Vanity Mirrors, Powered Rear Sunshade |
| Audio | 7.0-inch COMAND Online with DVD Changer, harman/kardon sound system with 14 speakers, 610 watts | 12.3" COMAND Online with Touchpad, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, USB and 13-speaker, 590 watt Burmester Audio System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | — | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Active Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered boot | Powered Boot, with Contactless Operation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes, with 360 camera |
| Auto Parking | Yes (Manual Steering Input ) | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Power Door | Soft close function, all doors | — |
| Hill Start Assist | — | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | — | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 2 years | 2 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
C218 vs C257 FAQ
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218 or Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 better?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 is better for most buyers: it is RM187,000 cheaper, has five seats, 400 Nm, Active Brake Assist and much lower annual road tax. Choose the C218 for its bigger boot, larger tank and sunroof.
What is the price difference?
The Mercedes-Benz CLS C257 costs RM187,000 less than the Mercedes-Benz CLS C218.
Which CLS is more practical for long-distance travel?
The C218 carries more luggage with its 520-litre boot and can travel further between refuelling stops with an 89-litre tank. The C257 is better for carrying people, with five seats instead of four and a 65 mm longer wheelbase.