The new generation CLS Coupé, was introduced in the autumn of last year with a new petrol engine taking the form of a 333 bhp, 3.5 litre V6. Whilst current diesel and supercharged AMG V8 engine options remain, the petrol-engined V6 offers niche level refinement along with economy, widening up the scope of buyer choice for this popular car. AMG Line trim is now fitted as standard on the car, whilst the package as a whole comes with better standard equipment and improved economy. The Mercedes COMAND Online multimedia system, for example, along with heated front seats and an ambient lighting system are all fitted as standard. As is a new eight-inch tablet-style screen running the latest ‘NTG 5’ software allowing you to download more Mercedes apps. The previously optional LED multi-beam headlights are now standard too. Two equipment option packs are available – the Premium Pack (comprising an electric sunroof, a seat memory package, a reversing camera and split/folding seats) and a Premium Plus Pack.
This features the same equipment as the Premium Pack but adds a Harman Kardon sound system and Keyless Go to the mix. The Premium Plus Pack is easily worth the extra circa £3,500 when you are spending at least £56,000 on your new purchase. The CLS 400 is highly refined and rewarding to drive and the consummate long distance cruiser, making distance and long haul travel a pleasure. The car is engaging to drive at any speed and has electronically adjustable seats to suit every want and need. That, along with the deep pile carpets, wood, leather, and brushed steel finishes to the interior trim make for a great all round feel to the cabin. The switchgear looks and feels good too, as it should on a premium car. More importantly it is intuitive, thus preventing you forever fiddling around for switches when you ought to be focusing on the road. The car is also very easy to live with day to day. Mercedes has catered for the needs of the everyday business and pleasure driver; there’s a really large centre console mounted glovebox to dump your odds and ends in away from the prying eyes of thieves. The door pockets also have plenty of oddment space. Even the drink-holders are a good size, located considerately for driver and passengers alike.
This car’s user friendliness is enhanced by the Premium Pack option of Aerial 360 degree parking giving near on perfect parking precision at the press of a button – very impressive! The CLS sits solidly and confidently on the road. Even the wipers are silent! At 70 mph the seven-speed, semi-automatic gearbox turns over at a lazy 17-1800 rpm allowing you to choose between economy, sport, and manual. ‘Manual’ is by steering mounted paddle shift, making for instant up and down changes with smooth easy, barely interrupted progression.
Fuel economy is a highly credible 39.2 average mpg (official figures), whereas there is no lacking in speed and power with keen overtaking pickup on demand. It’s been a while since we’ve sampled a Mercedes Benz, there has certainly been a massive step change over the last few years, and if the CLS 400 is anything to go by we have been clearly missing out.
Tech spec in brief
Model – CLS 400, petrol, 3,498cc six-cylinder
Transmission – 7G-Tronic Plus
Power (hp) – 333
Torque (Nm) – 480
Economy (mpg) – 38.7
CO₂ (g/km) – 170
Price (RRP OTR) – £55,850
