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CLS Saloon

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon 350 CDI BlueEfficiency 4dr Review

For The CLS is stylish, refined and surprisingly practical, plus this six-cylinder petrol engine averages over 40mpg.

Against Performance is a little disappointing, and the CLS is quite expensive compared with less shapely executive saloons.

Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon

What Car? says

4 out of 5 stars

The CLS has massive appeal but, unless you simply have to have a petrol engine, you’re much better off with this 350 CDI.

What Car? readers say

4


Key facts

0–60mph
6.2 secs
Top speed
155 mph
Average mpg
46.3
Tank range
681 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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