Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes CLS 350 CDI

We drive the diesel version of the new Mercedes CLS four-door coupé

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes CLS
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The new Mercedes CLS may not be quite as ground breaking as the original, after all that one created a whole new class of vehicle - the four door coupé. But, following our first drive of the 3.5-litre V6 petrol, there was no doubt the new model is better than its predecessor in every conceivable way.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mercedes CLS

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68647","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

Now though, we have tested the 350 CDI, which has a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel. And it’s this version which is going to be the best seller.
 
It’s blend of effortless performance and impressive economy suits the nature of the CLS far better than the petrol.
 
In fact the new diesel is 21 per cent more efficient than the one in the old Mercedes CLS 350 CDI. Economy is now up to 47 miles per gallon yet with 262bhp on tap it’s more powerful too and capable of the benchmark 0-62mph sprint in just 6.2 seconds.
 
But it’s the in-gear shove that’s most impressive, making the CLS perfect for motorway overtaking. And because the car’s new slick seven-speed automatic gearbox, which is standard on the 350 CDI, comes with paddle shift you can change gear yourself. This facility enhances the CLS’s fun factor when the road gets twisty.
 
Our test model came with Sports’ suspension which uses a slightly firmer set-up than standard. It makes the CLS feel slightly sharper and more responsive through corners. There doesn’t seem to be that much of a trade of in terms of comfort although we were testing the car on the smooth roads of northern Italy. We will have to wait and see how it feels on bumpy British tarmac to be sure though.
 
However, regardless of which suspension setting you go for, the 350 CDI version of the new CLS is the pick of the range.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £1,675 off RRP*
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,600
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,137 off RRP*Used from £15,496
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

RRP £15,255Avg. savings £1,704 off RRP*Used from £7,295
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring
Baby Nissan Juke exclusive image - rear

New baby Nissan Juke EV on the way to challenge the Dacia Spring

Nissan to fast-track development of new battery-powered city car to take on forthcoming Volkswagen ID.1, and our exclusive images preview how it could…
News
18 Apr 2025
Best SUVs to buy 2025
Best SUVs - header image

Best SUVs to buy 2025

There are plenty of great SUVs to choose from, so we’ve picked out the very best
Best cars & vans
17 Apr 2025
You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest
Opinion - ease of EV ownership

You can run an electric car with nowhere at home to charge it, honest

Chris Rosamond explains why ultra-fast charging could convince you to make the switch to driving an EV
Opinion
17 Apr 2025