Mercedes-Benz CLS Review (2018)

Caroline drives the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé!

Earlier in 2018, Mercedes-Benz Ireland launched two new models to the Irish market, at opposite ends of the scale – the new A-Class hatchback and the CLS Coupé. While the A-Class is the entry point into the Mercedes-Benz range, the CLS Coupé has the esteemed position of being one of the most opulent and exclusive models that Mercedes-Benz currently offers.

With pricing starting from €64,805, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is a stylish four door coupé that’s still good at carrying people and their things. The CLS is now in its third generation and has evolved into a real beauty with Merc’s new corporate face finding an ideal home on this car’s grand proportions. The sleek, classy profile makes the CLS a perfect entrance for any occasion, while the lowered look and 19″ alloys of the AMG Line model on test put it in the sporty realm too.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé nice inside?

Inside, the interior will be familiar to any E-Class driver, but the Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé takes the opulence to the next level. The driving position is cosy and sporty and the cabin feels like it wraps around you. An ambient lighting system with 64 colours to choose from and some stunning illuminated circular vents add to the artistry of the cabin and it would be a cold heart that would not feel seduced by the cabin of the CLS. The driver information display is fully digital and the CLS also features the latest Mercedes-Benz touchscreen infotainment system with impressive 12.3″ display.

The interior will now seat five rather than four though the rear still feels like more of a place for two VIPS to relax, than three. The two footwells are large but the transmission tunnel is quite high in the middle. The boot is large at 520 litres but the narrow saloon style boot opening makes access to that space more impractical.

If you are looking for a slice of stylish, prestigious and refined motoring, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is deeply satisfying. The CLS 300d on test was powered by Mercedes’ new 2.0-litre diesel engine. In AMG Line trim, this model retails from €71,990. Here it has 245hp and it’s a swift mover with 0 to 100 kmh reached in just 6.4 seconds with 500 Nm of torque available. It’s a refined and capable engine, while over a week of driving my fuel consumption was 6.1l/100km. Other models in the range include the CLS 350d 4MATIC and CLS 400d 4MATIC (3.0-litre diesels). The most powerful model is the CLS 450 4MATIC with 367hp (3.0-litre petrol).

What’s the Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé like to drive?

On the road the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d glides along with seamless power delivery, a slick shifting gearbox, and a comfortable ride. There are driving modes to play with for more urgency though the throttle, though the CLS is not a sports car. It has good agility through bends and is a stealthy smooth operator even on tighter country roads, but it’s more about a relaxed pace than a heavy hustle through hairpin bends! But then why on Earth would you want to rush things when sat behind the wheel of a luxury wagon like the CLS…

In Ireland the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is available as an entry model or in AMG Line. Standard equipment includes 18” alloys, active brake assist, active lane assist, ambient lighting with 64 colours, leather upholstery, heated front seats, dynamic select, reversing camera, and speed limit assist. AMG Line models add 19” alloys and AMG bodystyling.

Would you buy it?

The 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is everything you could wish for from a big Merc. This handsome car drips with class and kerb appeal and the interior of this new generation is nothing short of contemporary brilliance. Technology is on point and the CLS 300d on test proved to be an excellent mate for the car with great power and reasonable running costs. There are plenty of premium models that offer this level of refinement, even within the Mercedes-Benz range, but there is a level of prestige and style to the CLS Coupé that really justifies it. Bravo Mercedes-Benz!

Caroline Kidd

Model tested: Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d AMG Line Automatic
Price: €71,990 (Range from €64,805)
Engine: 2.0-litre turbo diesel
Power: 245 hp
Torque: 500 Nm
0-100km/h:  6.4 seconds
Top speed: 250 km/h
Economy: 5.2 -5.4l/100 km
CO2 emissions: 142 g/km
Motor tax: €390 per year