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

Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,261 off RRP*Used from £13,211
Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,831 off RRP*Used from £15,519
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,075 off RRP*Used from £14,448
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £18,725Avg. savings £4,199 off RRP*Used from £15,337
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k
Kia PV5 Passenger - show front

New Kia PV5 Passenger MPV undercuts the VW ID.Buzz by a huge £25k

New entry into the electric people carrier market undercuts the VW ID. Buzz by a significant margin
News
29 Apr 2025
Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price
BMW X7 - front

Car Deal of the Day: BMW’s ultimate luxury SUV at an unusually low price

German firm’s flagship SUV could never be called cheap but it is exceptional value at £735 a month – making it our Deal of the Day for Sunday 27 April
News
27 Apr 2025
New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645
Kia PV5 Cargo on display at Commercial Vehicle Show - front 3/4

New 2025 Kia PV5 van starts from a tempting £22,645

All-new entry into the van market promises competitive pricing and comes with a range of up to 247 miles
News
30 Apr 2025