For The CLS is stylish, refined and surprisingly practical, plus this engine provides ballistic performance and averages over 45mpg.

Against It’s quite expensive compared with less shapely diesel executive saloons and the standard suspension makes the ride quite firm.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The combination of stunning pace and impressive fuel economy make this the pick of the CLS range – at least until the four-cylinder diesel goes on sale.

What Car? readers say

4


Key facts

0–60mph
6.1 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
40.9
Tank range
601 miles
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Features

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Size

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View the whole Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon range

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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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