Mercedes CLS review - Interior, design and technology

As you’d expect, the CLS is beautifully trimmed inside and out, with the finest materials money can buy. Every car gets the widescreen dashboard display from the E-Class, as well as ambient lighting that can alter between 64 different colours. While most owners will choose one and leave it that way, it’s nice to know your car can – if you want – switch from green to pink and back to blue in the blink of an eye.

There’s leather everywhere you look, covering the car from head to toe. The quality of craftsmanship is absolutely excellent, and is on par with the more expensive S-Class saloon. It feels incredibly classy, with well-integrated switchgear and perfectly placed buttons throughout.

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Sat-nav, stereo and infotainment

While Mercedes will charge you extra for the biggest digital dash and dials in an E-Class, CLS customers get the twin-screen 12.3-inch displays as standard. Whichever model you choose, you’ll benefit from the huge widescreen display, which comes packed with functionality and connected services. 

Every car gets a high-definition reversing camera, and if you opt for the Premium Plus package (£3,895) you’ll add other goodies including a Burmester stereo and the Comand Online infotainment system. The standard sound set-up is pretty good, though – so make sure you need the extra kit before taking the plunge.