For Twin-turbo V8 has 517bhp, which is plenty. Acceleration is unsettlingly quick; the handling is reassuringly secure. Brilliant.
Against Officially, it'll do 28.5mpg; realistically, you'll get nowhere near that. It's also a four-seater only. The steering could do with a bit more feedback, too.
What Car? says
Staggeringly quick and capable sports saloon - but with pretty monumental running costs.
What Car? readers say
4
View the whole Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon range
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 4dr
The CLS 250CDi is a bit of a mixed bag. It's undoubtedly a striking car to look at, from every angle it's a very clever neat piece of design, not…
4
out of 5 stars
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…
4
out of 5 stars
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Our pick of the range
Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon 250 CDI 4dr
A very tempting version of the car - and proof that luxury and refinement don't have to start with six cylinders.
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