Bentley
Continental
Mercedes-Benz
CL
Bentley Continental vs Mercedes-Benz CL: 2025 Comparison
The short answer
Based on available data, the Bentley Continental comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz CL on fuel economy and power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
Continental
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly contextual, split between profound satisfaction with the vehicle's core attributes and significant apprehension regarding long-term ownership costs. The Continental GT is consistently praised as a supremely comfortable, powerful, and luxurious grand tourer that delivers a unique, commanding presence and a "feeling of supreme luxury." It is described as a "tank" with interiors that hold up very well over time, even in high-mileage examples. However, a very strong and recurrent theme is the extreme cost of maintenance, repairs, and parts, which is characterized as a major financial liability that can quickly eclipse the car's purchase price.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a specific model year or trim (e.g., Speed, Supersports) as a consensus "best version." Owner discussions reference various generations (e.g., 2003-2009, Series II 2012-2018) without clear preference. The convertible (Continental GTC) and four-door (Flying Spur) variants are mentioned as alternatives for different use cases.
Known issues
- ⚠Extremely high maintenance and repair costs: parts and labor are described as "insanity," with examples including $16,000 for an infotainment unit, $24,000 per fender, $8,000 for a bumper cover, $6,000+ for air suspension refurbishment, an…
- ⚠Aging component failures: plastic hoses perishing and dumping fluids, failing headliners, and various electronic module failures in older models. Frequency: recurrent.
- ⚠Potential powertrain concerns (early W12): isolated note that early W12 engines had issues largely addressed in the Series II (2012+) models. Frequency: isolated.
CL
Overall
Owner sentiment is highly conditional, centered on the significant and well-documented maintenance costs associated with the complex Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension system. The vehicle is universally praised for its timeless design, luxurious feel, and potent V8/V12 engines, offering an exceptional driving experience when fully functional. However, the consensus is that ownership is a high-risk, high-reward proposition, suitable only for those with substantial maintenance budgets and access to specialized independent mechanics.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to designate a single "best" version. Discussions indicate a trade-off: earlier models (pre-2003) are noted to have first-generation ABC components with known issues, while later facelift models (2003+) may have addressed some of these problems.
Known issues
- ⚠Active Body Control (ABC) hydraulic suspension failures: includes leaking struts, failing accumulators (spheres), valve block issues, and pump failures. Very expensive to repair, with full system replacement sometimes required.
- ⚠High general maintenance and repair costs: attributed to the car's complex technology and luxury status. Electronics, plastic engine bay components, and other wear items are costly. Frequency: very frequent.
- ⚠Engine-specific concerns (varies by model year and engine): for 2007+ models (C216 generation, M273 V8), balance shaft sprocket/chain wear leading to potential engine failure is noted as a major issue.
The verdict
The Bentley Continental is the better choice for most buyers.
It has better fuel economy on its best-equipped version than the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the data above. If power matters more to you than running costs, the Mercedes-Benz CL is worth a closer look instead.
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Bentley Continental or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Bentley Continental and the Mercedes-Benz CL. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Bentley Continental or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Both seat a similar number of passengers based on our data. The Bentley Continental is classed as a Cabriolet, the Mercedes-Benz CL as a Coupe, which affects cargo space and ride height for family use.
Which has better fuel economy, the Bentley Continental or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
The Bentley Continental is more fuel-efficient on paper: 10.6 L/100km combined versus 14.3 L/100km for the Mercedes-Benz CL, based on the best-equipped catalogued version of each.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Bentley Continental or the Mercedes-Benz CL?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Mercedes-Benz CL than the Bentley Continental. See the known issues comparison above.