Mercedes CLS Coupe 2005 - Present

Mercedes CLS is a good example of the modern proliferation of car styles.  It offers the style and drama of a luxury coupe, but with a dose of practicality afforded by an extra set of doors in the back.  Sitting on a heavily modified E-Class platform the CLS fits in the range above the E-Class and CLK coupe. It's a direct rival for the BMW 6-Series coupe and looks to  tempt buyers away from Audi A6s and Jaguar S-Types, among others.

The CLS is long and low, with very small rear windows.  Mercedes have taken the trouble to make the CLS a reasonably practical runner that will be able to take full advantage of it’s cruising ability if the owners want a family break.  Boot space is huge with great seats throughout the cabin, as long as you don’t want three in the back.  The shape of the car really means that headroom in the back is significantly compromised and the room will be best suited to the kids on long journeys.  The finish throughout the cabin is excellent, as we’ve come to expect from Mercedes.  Controls are excellent and materials used first class.

The range of engines is superb from the bottom up, with the only question mark coming from the economy figures which are only really anything useful from the diesel CDI unit.  The diesel model is the only version that isn’t restricted to 155 mph, topping out at a paltry 153 mph.  it also shares the slowest sprint times with the entry level petrol engine, the 3.5L V6, with times of 6.8 seconds.  Moving up the range it’s a tale of star performers.  The range topping CLS62 AMG has a 6.2L V8 powerhouse under the bonnet which generates 507 bhp and gets to 60 mph in four and a half seconds.  You’ll do well to keep hold of your license as the owner of one of those.  The engine choice is going to be dictated by how much you value the extra performance as the start point is so good, but there’s definitely room to move, such are the other models available.

On the road the CLS has a superbly set up suspension system that responds to your driving style.  If you’re putting the car through it’s paces then the suspension is firmed up and the ride more taught giving great grip and cornering ability.  If you’re in a more sedate mood, cruising and enjoying the view then the suspension will soften up and insulate you from the vagaries of the road as much as possible.  The result of this is a car as ready to tackle twisting mountain roads at speed as it is going cross country on the motorway. 

The CLS is the epitome of what modern Mercedes are all about it offers performance and luxury from the bottom up.  You’ll pay for the ride and the privilege of owning the car but it’s performance that you’re paying for not just the badge.

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