Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes CLS 250 CDI

Entry version of saloon delivers both luxury and efficiency.

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 fact that Mercedes has put a four-cylinder diesel in one of its most luxurious models proves that the downsizing trend is here to stay. The resulting economy is very impressive for a car of this size, and few owners will feel short-changed by the base variant as it delivers 90 per cent of the CLS experience with a fraction of the running costs. Yet the lack of overall refinement intrudes on the otherwise polished drive, and means this won’t be the pick of the range. At £46,350, it’s pricier than its rivals, too.

Advertisement - Article continues below

We were hugely impressed with the six-cylinder CLS 350 we drove in Issue 1,158. However, Mercedes has now introduced a new four-cylinder diesel version, which promises to combine the looks and performance of a luxury German saloon with the low running costs of a much smaller family car. 

Sitting under the sculpted bonnet is the first four-cylinder engine ever fitted to a CLS, but despite its smaller size, it’s no slouch. The twin-turbo diesel produces 204bhp and 500Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0-62mph in 7.5 seconds and on to a 150mph top speed. 

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

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

However, the superb economy and emissions figures are even more likely to catch the eye: the 250 CDI will return 54.3mpg on the combined cycle, and puts out only 135g/km of CO2. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

GLC Coupe

2023 Mercedes

GLC Coupe

56,300 milesAutomaticPetrol2.0L

Cash £29,840
View GLC Coupe
Niro

2022 Kia

Niro

33,060 milesAutomaticPetrol1.6L

Cash £18,499
View Niro
XC40

2022 Volvo

XC40

18,905 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £27,499
View XC40
1 Series

2021 BMW

1 Series

36,564 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £17,990
View 1 Series

Yet despite the incredible efficiency, this entry-level car looks every bit as striking as more expensive models. Its SLS-inspired grille and muscular rear arches set it apart from more conservative rivals such as the Porsche Panamera

It’s the same story inside, where the combination of high-class materials such as wood and aluminium, plus the armchair-like leather seats, makes it a truly luxurious place in which to spend time. 

On the move, the beautifully cushioned ride only enhances this feeling of effortless quality. Coupled with the super smooth seven-speed gearbox and well weighted controls, it makes the CLS an accomplished cruiser. 

There are some drawbacks to downsizing, though, as the new engine can’t match the refinement of the V6. It’s still very quiet at low revs, yet becomes gruff and intrusive above 3,000rpm when you are getting up to speed.

Another irritation is the automatic stop-start system. It worked well on the petrol model, but cuts in far too early in this variant, making the car tricky to manoeuvre through slow traffic. Fortunately, it can be turned off. That gripe aside, this is the car which proves massive luxury doesn’t have to mean massive fuel consumption.

Rival: Audi A7IN 3.0-litre TDI guise, the luxurious four-door coupé is quicker and more efficient than an equivalent CLS, thanks to its lightweight aluminium body and refined V6. Sadly, Audi doesn’t offer a four-cylinder variant.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £8,094 off RRP*Used from £13,199
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £13,895
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,911 off RRP*Used from £31,499
Kia Sportage

Kia Sportage

RRP £28,065Avg. savings £2,233 off RRP*Used from £15,297
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering
Opinion - Shanghai Auto Show

Chinese cars can’t match their European rivals when it comes to engineering

This new brand of cars might have battery tech on their side, but European buyers want much more than that
Opinion
25 Apr 2025
New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK
Tesla Model X on two-post inspection ramp

New electric car MoT tests could be coming to the UK

New technology and driver assistance systems require changes to annual testing, says EC
News
25 Apr 2025
Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible
Opinion - £10k used cars

Buying a modern used car for under £10k is almost impossible

Phil McNamara discovers that it’s harder than ever to find a good-value car at the affordable end of the market
Opinion
24 Apr 2025