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CLS Saloon

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon 250 CDI BlueEfficiency 4dr Review

For This four-cylinder engine is cheaper to buy and run than the 350CDI, but it still has plenty of urge for overtaking or getting up to cruising speed.

Against It doesn't sound quite as creamy at low revs as the 350CDI.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

A very tempting version of the car - and proof that luxury and refinement don't have to start with six cylinders.

What Car? readers say

4


Key facts

0–60mph
7.5 secs
Top speed
150 mph
Average mpg
54.3
Tank range
798 miles
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Features

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Size

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Cheaper

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The full Mercedes-Benz CLS review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

Every Mercedes CLS blends sleek, coupe-like styling with four-door practicality, but it’s important to spec your car carefully because there are three suspension setups: air suspension; steel springs with adaptive dampers; and a Sport option that uses firmer steel springs and dampers.

We’ve sampled the air and adaptive systems, and there’s no denying the comfort gains the air suspension brings. The steel spring cars are noticeably firmer, but the upside is they’re more agile.

When it cxomes to choosing an engine for your CLS, it’s hard to look past the 2.1-litre diesel (which is rather misleadingly badged 250 CDI). It doesn't sound quite as creamy as the bigger engines, but it gives strong performance and affordable running costs.

Reader test team says:

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon 250 CDI BlueEfficiency Sport 4dr

Picked up my 2nd CLS at the end of March 2012. Having run the old shape CLS500 for over 5 years I opted for the most economical version but with the…

Andrew Helme

4 out of 5 stars
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