2014 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz’s CLS occupies a genuinely oddball space in South Africa. It’s pitched as a four-door coupe, but really, it’s a sedan in a suit — flashier than an E-Class, nowhere near as bank-breaking as the S. You’re looking at something aimed at buyers who want to make a statement, but without springing for the full flagship experience. BMW’s 6 Series Gran Coupe and Audi’s A7 Sportback are supposed to be rivals, but you rarely spot any of them on Joburg’s roads. Diesel power only, automatic gearbox standard — none of that surprises anyone. With just two on the market between R379,900 and R399,900, it’s clear: there’s nothing mainstream about shopping for one of these. It’s not a casual browse; it’s a purposeful search. Both available cars are the CLS250 CDI, all within that narrow R379,900–R399,900 bracket, from 2014 and 2015, and both have clocked over 104,000 km. That’s decent mileage for something a decade old, but with a diesel Merc, service history is everything because parts are pricey and neglect gets expensive fast. The honest draw here? It’s the shape — the CLS still turns heads, even now. For urban South Africans, that 250 CDI badge means fuel bills you can stomach, and the cabin, even at this age, doesn’t feel like a relic. With no new CLS stock landing, it’s a pure used buy, so take your time and scrutinise every detail. That matters.