About This Mercedes-Benz CLS W218 Build
We love featuring real builds from real owners. This Black Mercedes-Benz CLS W218 sits on a set of 22×9 and 22×10.5-inch Forgiato TEC S1 wheels, and the result speaks for itself.
The owner chose Forgiato for a reason. This brand delivers serious quality and a design language that turns heads at every car meet. We see hundreds of Mercedes-Benz CLS builds come through WheelFront every month, but this one stands out. The combination of the Black exterior with the Forgiato TEC S1 creates a look that balances aggression with elegance.
Fitment Breakdown: Forgiato TEC S1 on the Mercedes-Benz CLS W218
I stood right next to this CLS yesterday, and the fitment is absolute perfection. We are looking at a 22x9 up front and a massive 22x10.5 in the rear. These Forgiato TEC S1 wheels completely change the stance of the W218 platform.
The ET25 front offset pushes the wheel right to the edge of the fender line. It clears the stock Mercedes calipers with room to spare, which is a relief for such a large diameter. You get that aggressive look without needing any sketchy spacers.
Out back, the ET38 offset tucks perfectly under the rear quarter panel. Because the W218 has those iconic flared arches, this 10.5-inch width fills the void beautifully. It is a precise calculation that keeps the rubber flush with the bodywork.
The barrel depth on these Forgiatos adds a layer of depth you just do not get with factory rollers. I love how the spokes stretch all the way to the rim edge. This design trick makes the 22-inch diameter look even bigger than it is.
The hub bore sits perfectly on the Mercedes hub, so you have zero vibration at highway speeds. We know these cars are sensitive to aftermarket wheels, but these are balanced spot on. The engineering here is top-tier.
You have to be careful with the suspension height, though. If you drop the car too low on these 22s, you will definitely kiss the fender liners on big bumps. I recommend a quality lowering module if you want to dial in that final millimeter of clearance.
The tire choice is critical for this setup. We have 235/30 up front and 295/25 in the rear. That thin sidewall is the only way to squeeze 22s under the CLS without constant rubbing issues.
Watch out for those inner fender plastic clips in the front. On full lock, they can grab the edge of the tire if your alignment is off. Keep your alignment aggressive and your fenders clean to avoid any nasty surprises.
What We Recommend for Mercedes-Benz CLS W218 Owners
If you own a W218, stop buying generic wheels that look like every other car on the block. The CLS needs a premium, multi-piece or high-end monoblock look to match its aggressive lines. Stick to 20 or 21 inches if you want a daily driver, but go 22s if you want the show-stopper look.
We always tell people to aim for an offset between ET25 and ET35 for the front. Anything higher makes the wheels look sunken, and anything lower will poke way too far. Keep it tucked inside the fender lip to maintain that classy Mercedes aesthetic.
Staggered setups are mandatory on this car. You need the wider rear footprint to put the power down and balance the visual weight of the car. Running a square setup on a CLS ruins the aggressive rake that makes the car look fast even when it is parked.
Do not cheap out on tires. When you run a 25-series sidewall, you need a tire with a stiff sidewall construction to protect your expensive rims. A soft tire will fold over on a pothole and crack your barrel in a heartbeat.
Avoid massive spacers if you can help it. Buying the right offset from the jump is always better than pushing a wheel out with a slab of aluminum. It keeps your wheel bearings happy and your handling sharp.
Style and Build Analysis
The Brushed Silver finish on these Forgiatos is a masterclass in contrast. Against the deep Black paint of the CLS, the wheels pop without looking cheap or flashy. It is a sophisticated, industrial look that screams money.
The TEC S1 design uses clean, sharp lines that mirror the creases in the CLS bodywork. Most people go for black wheels on black cars, which just makes the car look like a blob. This silver finish keeps the geometry of the wheels visible from twenty feet away.
I love the proportions here. The W218 is a big car with a long hood, and these 22s provide the visual anchor it needs. It looks like a high-end fashion piece rolling down the boulevard.
Compared to other builds we feature, this one relies on the quality of the finish rather than neon colors or wild aero. It is a mature build. It respects the original design language of the Mercedes-Benz engineers while turning up the aggression.
Every time the light hits the brushed texture, you see a different shadow. It is subtle but incredibly effective. This is how you modify a luxury sport sedan without losing its soul.
Why We Love This Build
There is something special about seeing a black CLS sitting perfectly over those brushed Forgiatos. The car looks like a predator waiting to pounce, with the light dancing across the silver spokes as it cruises past. It is elegant, mean, and perfectly executed.
We see a lot of cars, but this one stops us dead in our tracks. It proves that you do not need widebody kits or crazy camber to stand out from the crowd. You just need the right set of wheels and the guts to do it right.
This is the ultimate setup for anyone who wants to own the road. Trust me, you need this look on your own car.
Full Specs Breakdown
Here is exactly what this owner is running. We break down every detail so you can replicate this build or use it as a starting point for your own setup.
- Car Make & Model: Mercedes-Benz CLS W218
- Vehicle Color: Black
- Wheel Brand & Model: Forgiato TEC S1
- Wheel Size: 22×9 and 22×10.5
- Offset: ET25 and ET38
- Wheel Finish: Brushed Silver
- Tires: 235/30/22 and 295/25/22
Before You Buy: Fitment Checklist
We talk to Mercedes-Benz CLS owners every day. These are the questions we hear most before they pull the trigger on new wheels.
Will 22×9 and 22×10.5-inch wheels fit my Mercedes-Benz CLS? Yes, but fitment depends on width, offset, and tire size working together. A wrong offset means rubbing. A wrong tire size means poor handling. Always verify all three.
Do I need to modify my fenders? That depends on your offset and suspension. A conservative offset with stock ride height usually fits without modification. Go aggressive and you may need to roll or pull your fenders.
Can I daily-drive this setup? Absolutely. Thousands of Mercedes-Benz CLS owners run 22×9 and 22×10.5-inch wheels every day. The key is choosing the right tire with enough sidewall to absorb road imperfections.
