2026-07-22 · 5 min read
Mercedes CLS Generations — C218 vs C257 Malaysia Guide
C218 (2012–2018): M276 V6 or M278 V8, 7G-Tronic, AIRMATIC standard, larger exterior. C257 (2018+): M264 4-cyl or M256 inline-6 with EQ Boost, 9G-Tronic, MBUX, sharper styling. C257 CLS450 is the recommended choice for Malaysia.
CLS Generations — C218 vs C257
- C218 (2012–2018): M276 V6 or M278 V8, 7G-Tronic, AIRMATIC standard, larger exterior, W212 E-Class platform
- C257 (2018+): M264 4-cyl or M256 inline-6 + EQ Boost 48V, 9G-Tronic, MBUX, sharper sculpted styling — CLS450 is recommended for Malaysia
- C257 commands RM 100,000–200,000 premium over C218 in Malaysia used market
Mercedes-Benz Model Generations — Malaysia
Key generation notes for Malaysian buyers: C-Class W204 (2007–2014) — most affordable used, M271 timing chain risk; W205 (2014–2021) — 9G-Tronic complaints, better safety; W206 (2021+) — current, most refined. GLC X253 (2015–2022) vs X254 (2022+): X254 has 48V hybrid. CLA C117 (2013–2019) vs C118 (2019+): C118 uses newer M282 engine. G-Class W463a (2018+) uses 4.0L M176 V8 biturbo. GLE W166 (2015–2018) vs W167 (2019+): W167 introduced MBUX. For all models, post-2019 units with MBUX and the latest ASSYST+ generation offer significantly improved reliability and features over older generations.