The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLS (C218 sedan and X218 Shooting Brake) debuted at the 2010 Paris Motor Show. Based on the E-Class W212 platform, the C218 adopted a sculpted exterior styling with muscular rear haunches inspired by classic 1950s Mercedes models and offered active all-LED lighting. In 2012, Mercedes introduced the five-door CLS Shooting Brake (X218), which stood out for its distinctive roofline and optional designo American Cherry wooden luggage compartment floor.

Engine offerings comprised 3.5-liter V6 and 4.7-liter biturbo V8 gasoline units alongside 2.1-liter inline-four and 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesels. For the first time, 4MATIC all-wheel drive was made available on CLS models. The performance AMG versions utilized a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 outputting up to 585 hp in the CLS 63 S. A major 2014 refresh introduced Multibeam LED headlights with individually controlled micro-LEDs, a 9-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission, and a updated tablet-style infotainment display.