--- title: "Another Sedan Bites the Dust: Mercedes-Benz CLS Ends Production This August" description: "The Mercedes CLS is officially dead, as production will end on August 31, while Mercedes pushes its electric EQE and EQS." date: "2023-05-08" modified: "2023-05-08" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/another-sedan-bites-the-dust-mercedes-benz-cls-ends-production-this-august" categories: - "Mercedes-Benz News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "cls-class" - "Mercedes-Benz" - "sedan" --- # Another Sedan Bites the Dust: Mercedes-Benz CLS Ends Production This August ![]() Mercedes-Benz is continuing to tighten and simplify its product portfolio as it dives headfirst into electrification. Traditional coupes, convertibles, and sedans are the first models to go and the latest four-door Benz to get the axe is the Mercedes CLS, which will end production on Aug. 31 of this year. The third-generation [Mercedes CLS]() shares its chassis, powertrains, and technology with the soon-to-be-replaced E-Class, too. But while Mercedes just revealed a new generation E-Class, a fourth-generation CLS won't be coming along with it. A spokesperson for Mercedes-Benz USA told *The Drive*: "In consideration of the global growth potential, and as part of our strategic product portfolio planning, we have decided to end the lifecycle of the CLS on August 31, 2023, with the changeover of the E-Class to the 214 model series." According to the automaker, CLS customers who still want that sleek four-door design can scratch their itch with one of the brand's new electric sedans, the[ Mercedes EQE]() or EQS. ![]() "In our opinion, our current product portfolio addresses emotionally appealing design more than ever. In this respect, models such as the EQE and EQS with their coupe-like lines offer attractive alternatives both in terms of design and price segment. Furthermore, the 4-door AMG GT will continue to be part of the model range as a 4-door coupe," said the spokesperson. While it makes sense that Mercedes will kill off the CLS, it feels odd that it's the first of its kind to go. Almost every German brand now has at least one stylish four-door "coupe" like the CLS. BMW has two (4 and 8 Series Gran Coupes), Audi has two (A5 and A7 Sportbacks), and Volkswagen has the Arteon. They've become so popular that there are reports Audi is going to replace the iconic A4 nameplate entirely with the sleek A5. However, it's the Mercedes CLS that started it all when the first-generation car debuted in 2006. For better or worse, the CLS genuinely was a game-changer. *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()