Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé First Drive Review

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé has just arrived in Ireland, priced from €64,085. Caroline has been driving the new CLS at the Irish launch.

Styling

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is now in its third generation and it’s looking better than ever. It’s a cross between a saloon and a coupé with a lot of physical presence, but a more unique and sportier design than an E-Class saloon for example.  Frameless side windows add prestige to the low sporty profile and high waistline.

Interior

The new CLS Coupé shares interior features with the S-Class and comes with the latest Mercedes-Benz touchscreen infotainment, safety and driver assistance systems. The driver information display is fully digital and there are a number of other cool features including 64-colour ambient lighting, illuminated air vents, and air conditioning with colour-guided, red/blue, warmer/cooler temperature control. It’s plush!

Practicality

The CLS Coupé used to be a four seater, but now it’s a five seater. The large transmission tunnel won’t be much fun for a middle passenger and a sloping roofline to the rear eats into headroom. The boot is a generous 520 litres.

Engines

Engine options include a CLS300d – this 245hp 2.0-litre diesel is expected to be the most popular choice in Ireland – along with a CLS350d 4MATIC and CLS400d 4MATIC. A CLS220d version will follow in early 2019. The most powerful model is the CLS450 4MATIC with 367hp.

At the launch I drove the CLS300d. With 500Nm of torque, 0 to 100kmh is just 6.4 seconds, while emissions are 142g CO2. The engine is refined and capable.

On the road

The Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is a comfortable and relaxing drive. The handling is confidently agile, though it never feels overtly sporty. A steel comfort suspension comes as standard but a sportier setup is available as an option with continuously adjustable damping at the front and rear axles with selectable comfort, sport and sport plus modes. Air suspension is also offered.

Equipment

In Ireland the 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.

Pricing

Irish pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS diesel start at €64,805 for a CLS300d Automatic, €76,965 for a CLS350d Automatic 4MATIC, and €85,760 for the CLS450 Automatic 4Matic.

Rivals

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé goes up against other premium four door coupé rivals like the Audi A7 Sportback, Porsche Panamera and the BMW 6-Series Gran Coupé.

Verdict

The new Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé is a handsome, long distance cruiser with plenty of style and kerb appeal. The new CLS Coupé brings significant enhancements in technology, safety and comfort, while Mercedes-Benz Ireland is pricing it keenly among rivals.

Caroline Kidd