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Melissa McCormick6 Oct 2011
REVIEW

Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI: Road Test

New Mercedes-Benz CLS is currently the most head-turning Merc... And in 350 CDI guise, one of the brand's most efficient and best handlers

Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY C218

Road Test

Price Guide (recommended price before statutory and delivery charges): $159,200
Options fitted (not included in above price): quick-fold rear seats $1100
Crash rating: 5-star (ANCAP)
Fuel: Diesel
Claimed fuel economy (L/100km): 6.2
CO2 emissions (g/km): 163
Also consider: Audi A7; Porsche Panamera; BMW 5 Series GT; Jaguar XF

It's said imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. While some observers of Benz's original CLS declared the slinky saloon would never make it, others have since tried the four-door 'coupe' formula. The likes of Audi (with A7) and Porsche (Panamera) have also pushed coupe confines but M-B's version is now in its second generation... The brand, as it was, already leading the pack.

So by now the CLS has come into its own. The sleek profile combined with a cosy (read: confined) but well-appointed cabin makes this an exclusive four-door, especially among its sedan counterparts in the luxury segment. The update includes M-B's latest style themes, adding a more resolved and mature appearance to the CLS -- despite the newfound niche it created.

The 350 CDI's 3.0-litre diesel is quiet at idle and makes a welcome, growly noise when hustled. In fact, we've said before that the V6 diesel actually sounds more akin to the brand's V8 petrol offering. The diesel's turbo lag is minimal from standstill and there's hearty urge in the mid-range (around 3000rpm). Cruise revs hovered around 1700rpm, helping turn out (high) 7s in L/100km results over the week, which included several city runs but also a couple decent highway stretches.

Some members of the motoring.com.au team aren't fond of the column-mounted shift 'stick' for the auto but this tester likes its quick and easy operability. It could be shorter, however, to prevent confusion for those accustomed to a right-hand side indicator stalk. The 7G-tronic seven-speed auto unit itself is smooth and well-matched to the diesel, and for faster-action getaways there's paddle shift as standard.

Ride is soft and the suspension lacks damping at highway speeds, causing a floaty feel over less-than-flat surfaces. Otherwise, short and long-distance travel in the CLS is serene and extremely comfortable -- better than many of its coupe (and sedan) competitors.

M-B's new electromechanical steering system can't go unnoticed. It's excellent for city streets and during parking, lightening and tightening for sharp angles. Highway travel and speeds are managed via adequate steering feedback and weight, which didn't become tiring over longer stints during the week.

The test car was fitted with fully adjustable front-seating, complete with inflatable side bolsters and lumbar support. Team members used both features but the writer found the driver's and front passenger seats were just right even in 'standard' form (settings as close to possible to non-optioned version) due to the well-shaped seat backs and small but supportive leg cushions.

The CLS cabin's main compromises are space for rear (two only) passengers, and rear and side vision for the driver. Front passengers are treated to good legroom but adult travellers might find headroom an issue in the rear. On the upside, climate control is adjustable for rear passengers and the two bucket seats are bordered by a neat centre console.

The CLS's wide rear pillar is mostly to blame for compromised rearwards vision. The rear windscreen is well-shaped, however, and allows good sight directly behind. The test version included the lane warning system which is unobtrusive but as noted by our reviewer during the international launch, vulnerable to confused signals: for example, when encountering environments like Melbourne's tramway system.

As mentioned, the second-generation CLS wears M-B's latest style codes and we like what we see. The brave original has always looked underdone whereas the new CLS is arguably one of the most head-turning Mercedes models -- even in this 'usual', non-AMG state -- especially now that it can be taken more seriously.

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Written byMelissa McCormick
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