Review Mercedes CLS

OVERVIEW

This will be the second generation with the CLS and it also trades the elegant lines on the first one to have an overall sportier and much more muscular look. The desirability is possibly stronger than in the past thanks to the AMG Line trim that literally brings AMG searches for nearly half with the price with the CLS 63.



Designed as being a sporty solution to the E-Class, the CLS is a useful one fun to push despite the intimidating size from the car. Adaptive dampers which could change the ride firmness with the push of the mouse button are standard and limit body roll very well. The direct steering and smooth-shifting nine-speed auto enhance the pleasant driving experience.

Ignoring the bonkers 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 petrol inside the CLS 63 model, you have a choice between two diesels and something petrol. Both the CLS 220 d and CLS 350 d are impressively frugal with the performance offered, whilst the CLS 400 petrol is silky smooth in any other case as exciting as being the AMG model.

Where the CLS starts falling behind rivals slightly could be the interior and that is based around the previous generation with the E-Class and like a result has a multitude of buttons including a telephone number pad. The rest on the cabin holds true to Mercedes tradition, furnished in posh materials and seemingly chiselled from a single solid section of interior.

The highly desirable AMG Line trim will be the entry-level one and like a result has a load of kit including LED lights, 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, parking sensors, heated front seats along with the list goes on and on. The most desirable options grouped in packs that is very helpful when configuring the auto.

Overall, the CLS is definitely a well-sorted car containing plenty of appeal. Though not quite as graceful as the pioneering predecessor, though the styling continues to be just as head turning, along with the new car is suitably spacious and practical, whilst also offering up good performance and impressive efficiency.

It's in no way a cheap car to purchase, where there are other four-door coupes discounted as well, such since the Audi A7 Sportback and Porsche Panamera . However, the CLS is one in the best all-round executive cars you can purchase, and if you're inside market for a real machine, we definitely reckon it's worth looking at.

INTERIOR

Style

As you'd expect from your modern Mercedes , the build quality from the CLS is superb – you will end up hard pressed to seek out any cheap materials, it feels sturdy and appearance quite stylish at the same time for executive car standards.

Infotainment

All cars get Mercedes's top infotainment system called Comand Online. It is sold with an eight-inch screen and also a fairly advanced sat-nav. The online bit from the name means it's linked to the internet most on the time and may receive live traffic alerts, lookup fuel prices around you too as call the emergency services in case you have a bit of a moment.

However, although this may be the most effective that the engineers from Stuttgart offers, it isn't really the best that German engineers can provide – the system inside BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe is a lot easier to navigate and takes you better to your destination.

Passenger space

Despite period of time and sloping roofline, there's actually a fair bit of room inside for passengers – taller people may experience a bit cramped from the back, but overall the CLS is spacious enough all-round for many individuals. There are, though, only two rear seats.

Storage space

The CLS has a decent number of storage areas, the most known being the bigger lidded cubby below the elbow rest that houses two USB ports for charging devices or connecting them to the auto's infotainment for music storage. The rest in the cubbies for instance door pockets and glovebox are as huge as you'd expected.

Boot space

The boot can be another decent size, and will come with an optional 'boot bag' which stops smaller items from rolling about. However, though it's under no circumstances the smallest rolling around in its class, some rivals will be more practical and commodious from the back – investigate CLS Shooting Brake if you would like more luggage room.

DRIVING

Performance and Economy

There's a rather broad range of engines to be had, varying from economical diesels for an outright performance-oriented AMG V8. The diesels are praised for frugality as the two petrols will be more powerful. Refinement isn't an issue with many Mercedes cars, plus the CLS isn't different.

The lowest priced engine within the range is found within the 220 CDI. The four-cylinder diesel the cheapest to obtain and run and has now the lowest emissions too. However, most testers recommend opting with the V6 diesel, when they reckon its enticing combination of efficiency as well as makes it normally the one to go for. If you want more performance, though, as there are the V6 petrol CLS400 and snarling CLS63 AMG S.

Comfort and Handling

Mercedes themselves report that the CLS defines 'refined sportiness', along with the critics apparently agree with that – the CLS is a superb cruiser, with impressive overall refinement along with a supple ride, especially about the optional air suspension. However, it's also a reasonably good car to push – it does not set the globe on fire, though the Merc still handles well for a real large and car, which enable it to put a smile with your face on twisty roads.

There are, however, some niggles here and then there – some testers didn't like how a steering, though linear, was missing much feel for it, we have a fair bit of wind noise on the wing mirrors at higher speeds and rear visibility is bound. Thankfully, the CLS does consist of rear parking sensors as standard.

Specifications

AMG Line
RRP from £47,995
The AMG Line would be the entry level CLS, but it really comes with 19-inch alloy wheels, parktronic, LED lighting sport suspension, sportier exterior styling, a tyre pressure monitoring system plus a full leather interior, to but a few.

Mercedes CLS AMG Line equipment

Interior Features

• AMG floor mats with red leather edging

• 3 spoke flat bottom AMG tyre in nappa leather with red stitching

• 1/3 to 2/3 split folding rear seats

• Easy-pack folding rear seat backrests

• Illuminated glovebox

• Storage compartment under load area

• floor Front and rear door pockets

• Adjustable lumbar support

• Partial electric front seats

• AMG floormats

• Dual zone climate control

• AMG sports seats

• Sports pedals with stainless surfaces and rubber studs

• Steering wheel gearshift paddles

• Centre armrest and door handle illumination

• 3 spoke flat bottom AMG tire in nappa leather