USED Mercedes-Benz CLS Saloon (05 - 10)

My car

I bought a Mercedes CLS 320 CDi a couple of months ago, and have driven about 5000 miles. I love this car. My previous car was a Mercedes E220 CDi - it was lovely but had the old man's car stigma attached.

The new CLS is great as a family car but with added benefit of being sporty and it certainly turns heads and makes you feel good while driving.

As a father of two, I thought I had to wait another 10 years before we could have a sportier car, because most coupes and sports cars have two doors, which is impractical with a small family. With the CLS this is no longer a problem.

This car is suitable for a wide audience, but I would sum it up as a great family sports car. The interior is well put-together and seems solid. The engine has ample torque and is very quiet - the seven-speed auto is smooth and comfortable to drive. I average around 37mpg, which is good for the size of engine.

Externally, the car looks gorgeous, from any angle, and it really does turn heads.

I would like to add one more thing regarding Mercedes quality of service. I bought mine from Austin at Mercedes Benz in Leicester. I must have seen Austin about a dozen times before ordering the vehicle - he always gave us his full attention, and never treated us like we were wasting his time, like some sales people do when you have been in a few times and not bought anything.

Even after he had my deposit and the car was delivered, he still had time for us to sort out the little niggly problems.

My car

This car is a symbol of importance to the ever-growing world, like our parliaments. It represents the perfection of what a saloon car should be - perfect, elegant and fast. Look at the people who drive Mercedes today - their lives don't consist of plastic or imperfections, their lives are perfect, without flaw.

Add to that the CLS is the best car in its class. The cabin is elegant with a rich feel. The exterior is gorgeous from any angle and it's well built and sure to be reliable.

However, the handling truthfully cannot be matched to that of the BMW 5 Series, but the BMW is supposed to be sporty - this isn't, and combines the plush smooth ride comfort of a true luxury vehicle and sporting potential of a sports saloon.

Quality is back to how it's supposed to be and there are no longer any nasty plastic or rough edges to the interior. This is the ultimate glamour Mercedes, it does represent the past of the marque - brilliance, always two steps ahead of everyone else, and an automotive colossus. It's the perfect car, for an imperfect world.

My car

I bought this car in Jan 2005, one of the first in the country. I have covered 12000 KM of trouble free motoring. The car is the best looking car on the road. Fantastic looking car, very nice to drive everyday, an excellent motorway cruiser. The engine is silky smooth, handling is v.good, at high speed very stable.

Cabin access is restrictive for larger persons, especially 6,2 FT +, as the sweeping lines are low people bang heads getting in & out, especially the front passengers.

Equipment levels are excellent, very elegant interior.

No real negative points, when driving slowly, gearbox 7G tronic box can be a little clunky (same happens on my 500 SL).

If you want a stylish car that seats 4 only, with a decent boot & swift performance this is a very fine balance, one of the best cars I have bought, & definitely the best looking

My car

I think you either love this car or hate it. I was seduced by the good looks and bought a 320 diesel. When I got it, I found I didn't like the high-gloss wooden dash and found the reflections off it where the steering column comes out very annoying.

The steering around town was numb, and the Parktronic option was wasted on me. On the other hand, the engine was powerful and, as a fast cruiser, it was suberb. I couldn't live with its faults, but miss having it.