In-depth reviews

Mercedes CLS saloon (2011-2017): owner reviews

"The Mercedes CLS is one of the most stylish saloons on the road. It has the good looks and driver appeal of a coupe, plus some added practicality."

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by Richard Ingram

26 Mar 2015

.polaris__post-meta--date { display: none; } .polaris__post-meta--date.no-script { display: block; padding-left: 45px } 26 Mar 2015

Carbuyer Rating

3.8 out of 5

Owners Rating

4.8 out of 5

Reviews

Owner Reviews

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100%of people would recommend this car to a friend

Common Problems

Review 1 of 5

Tell us what you think about your car?

i bought this car as I needed something more comfortable for my regular 100mile commutes and I have to say I haven't been disappointed. Going from a v6 to the 250 I was worried that I would miss the power, but you really get used to it, the car is good for country lane overtaking, motorway driving is great, the seats comfortable and pretty economical for me.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

It was a toss up btw the Merc and the Audi A7. Test drove new versions of both from local dealers and then shopped around for a second hand one at independents (what I always do - why pay the killer depreciation unless you're lucky enough to have one as a company car, which I'm not). Liked both, a lot, but the Merc just felt a bit more special, and you know the Audi thing where everybody hates you? I know, I had an A6 before. Anyway, l like: The looks - a beautiful, head-turning car. Oozes class and sophistication without being in your face. The performance - 270 bhp means effortless overtaking anywhere (esp. with V6 diesel torque. You'll never need more unless you're nuts in which case this car isn't for you anyway.) The handling - for a big car it is very flickable and has never unnerved me, definitely more poised than the A7. Haven't noticed loss of 4WD (altho' go easy with right foot in wet.) Economy - I reckon I get about 42-44 mpg at 82 on the m'way. Audio - cracking sound. Little touches - way the steering wheel moves out of the way when you get in and out. Passenger & driver triple memory seats. Quality of stitching and general leatherwork, which is everywhere. Boot - huge. My first non-estate. Ok the dog is dead now but why did I stick with an estate for so long? Reliability - 50k on the clock and hasn't put a foot wrong. Costs - I'm 49. Fully comp in driveway is £349. That's not bad! I don't like: Parking - can't see any corners so not easy but rear camera on newer models (if that helps, mine doesn't have one). Media screen - Audi & BMW's are bigger but its ok. Handbrake - foot operated. Why? Get rid of it, Mercedes! Ride - I have the AMG pack with 19" low pros. The ride is FIRM. If you want soft either go for air suspension (haven't tested) or 18" wheels. Having said that I'm used to it now. The other related issue, because of the ENORMOUS rear (staggered) tires is a significant amount of road noise, more than you might expect in a £60K car. So, if you want a fast, safe, reliable, economical, understated & classy car I think the CLS has it over the Audi & BMW.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

This is my third CLS having had the earlier 320CDI and 350CDI models in the past. This version seems to have taken a significant step up in most areas. The interior is good with a large screen for the COMAND system. The acceleration (0-62 is 5.3 secs) is noticeably better than the diesel versions and the sport option makes much more of a difference to the acceleration than in previous models. The intelligent lighting system is something to behold, makes a big difference when you're driving along roads where deer are an issue (as the lights project into the woodland as well as the road. Economy is pretty consistent, each tank is averaging around 32-35 mpg. After sales service from the dealership has been exceptional.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

-

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

Tell us what you think about your car?

Fantastic looks and Interior. All the right options on the Amg sport spec. The LED intelligent lights are great and bright. Seats are sporty but cosseting like an old fashioned GT car. Engine is a little tractory when cold and at rest. Once going very smooth and decent enough power. If not concerned with BIK I would suggest V6. The looks are stunning but be aware the 19 inch wheels on mine do take a pounding with the very low profile tyres. Two new tyres from pot holes and bulges in 2k miles. The ride is firm but not Audi or BMW sport firm, just right on the adaptive damping. Another reason for the V6 would be the airmatic suspension, but I haven't driven one enough to comment. The sport mode really does change the character of the car, first car I have had it really feels more sporty. I drive lanes on my commute mostly and it is surprisingly nimble on the back roads but is a more efficient cruiser. All in all a pleasure so far and a head turner. For background previous vehicles I have owned Mercedes CLC 2011, Range Rover Sport 2010, Volvo S80, BMW 5 Series. So have a good comparison.

Would you recommend the car to a friend?

Yes Green thumbs up

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