Mercedes CLS 350 CDI, test drive (Equipment, prices and overall assessment)

Over the past week we have been revealing everything about the test of the Mercedes CLS; in the first part of the test we talked about the engine. A powerful 265 hp V6 diesel with exceptional torque that translated into strength and punch when pressing the accelerator.

In the second part we looked at the exterior design, which was updated in the second generation, which reached the market last year. The new features accentuate the sportiness, while the interior has also undergone changes, while maintaining a high level of finish quality.

And now we come to the third part, where we will tell you in detail everything related to the equipment, including the safety equipment. We will also analyse the specific equipment details of our test unit. Finally, as always, the prices and the overall assessment of the Mercedes CLS.

Equipment

It is common for premium brands to charge for any extra within the equipment, but the safety equipment is very complete, and in the case of the Mercedes CLS this is the case. As standard it has a comprehensive specification that makes this saloon coupé a very safe vehicle. Standard features include front and side front airbags, curtain airbag and knee airbag for the driver, as well as stability control, active head restraints and the PRE-SAFE system. I want to dwell a little on this last system, because we have seen it in action and it surprised us.

When it detects a sudden braking, the stability control activates or in general anticipates a possible collision, the system tensions the seatbelts (holding us more firmly in the seat), pre-charges the brakes to mitigate the force of the impact should it occur, and even closes the electric sunroof (if fitted) or moves the passenger seat backwards (if the seats are electric).

During the test, the rear tyres were not in good condition and were already due for replacement. On a long bend where the tarmac was wet, the car lost some grip and did not follow the steering inputs; the stability control quickly intervened and, while the car returned to its path, we saw the PRE-SAFE activate, almost at the same time as the stability control. What surprised me was the speed, having the situation under control at all times and the driver barely noticing anything, whereas the same situation in a car without ESP or a less safe one would have forced the driver to manoeuvre more or even given them a small scare.

As for Euro NCAP tests, we have no data since it has not been submitted for testing, but judging by the standard equipment, the structure of the vehicle and the current safety advances of the brand with the star, we have no doubt it would have achieved five stars without problems.

Now that we have seen the safety equipment, let’s look at the standard equipment if you buy a CLS 250 CDI starting at 63,225 euros. In addition to the aforementioned safety equipment, it has bi-xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, cruise control, LED rear lights, CD20 radio with colour screen and AUX input, wood trim inserts, two-zone climate control, among other features.

Optionally there are some items such as the sound system, which can be Harman/Kardon, and the Comand APS navigation system, which could be improved in some of its functions since the navigation section is not as clear or precise as it should be. Meanwhile, three types of connections are available for USB, iPhone and AUX, at a price of 247 euros.

Other features the CLS offers include the blind spot warning, an interesting safety feature that comes in a pack with lane change assist, and it also has automatic high beam that switches on and off by itself (as standard).

Finally, there is the Airmatic air suspension, which allows us to adapt the suspension to the type of driving we do, and we can also raise the suspension at specific moments to clear any obstacle.

Prices

• CLS 250 CDI 204 hp 63,225 euros
• CLS 350 CDI V6 265 hp 67,275 euros
• CLS 350 CDI V6 265 hp 4MATIC 73,050 euros
• CLS 350 V6 306 hp 68,600 euros
• CLS 500 V8 408 hp 90,450 euros
• CLS 500 V8 408 hp 4MATIC 93,300 euros
• CLS 63 AMG V8 525 hp 132,799 euros

Overall Assessment

The Mercedes in 2004 managed to get ahead and create a saloon for a segment that had no representation, sitting halfway between a Class E and a Class S. The venture turned out very well for the firm with the star and now it has been renewed with a design that won’t leave you indifferent.

Exteriorly it is a personal, sporty, elegant car, and inside the quality of finish is its best quality. The space is more measured if you are tall, and we must always remember that it only has four seats; in return we have storage spaces and glove boxes as if it were an MPV.

The engine is powerful and punchy, with extraordinary consumption for all the horsepower hidden under the bonnet. That said, if you opt for this diesel, the 4MATIC all-wheel drive may be the more recommendable choice. In terms of mechanics, and with this 265 hp V6 diesel, it is hard to find anything to object to, because it really moves the CLS as if it were a compact, conveying sportiness and effectiveness.

Perhaps the gearbox, and being fussy for a moment, could be a bit quicker at changing gears, but overall its operation is correct.

I was surprised by the standard specification, such as the bi-xenon headlights with LED technology or some of the interior equipment. On the other hand, the starting price is at a logical level, starting at 63,225 euros, being slightly more expensive than an A7 3.0 TDI of 204 hp which starts at 58,590 euros; that said, practically all versions of the A7 have all-wheel drive as standard.

Photos | David Taboada/ Diego G. Moreira