In-depth reviews

Mercedes CLS review - Interior, design and technology

Like most modern Mercs, the CLS feels luxurious and built to last. Every model comes loaded with the latest tech, too

Overall Auto Express Rating

4.0 out of 5

Interior, design and technology Rating

4.4 out of 5

Price
£75,775 to £75,775
Find your Mercedes CLS
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Advertisement

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.

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.

Which Is Best

Cheapest

  • Name
    CLS 300d AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £50,090

Most Economical

  • Name
    CLS 300d 4Matic AMG Line Ngt Ed Pr + 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £57,600

Fastest

  • Name
    CLS 400d 4Matic AMG Line 4dr 9G-Tronic
  • Gearbox type
    Semi-auto
  • Price
    £59,965

Most Popular

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost
Jaguar XF Sportbrake - front tracking
Road tests

New Jaguar XF Sportbrake 2024 review: big estate with value boost

Jaguar's XF Sportbrake may be 8 years old but it just got a whole lot cheaper!
7 Dec 2023
New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power
Nissan Qashqai exclusive image - front
News

New Nissan Qashqai to get radical look and all-electric power

Major investment in Nissan’s Sunderland plant underpins the new fourth-generation Qashqai
8 Dec 2023
Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News
Polestar 4 - front studio
News

Polestar 4 awarded Car Design of the Year by Car Design News

Car design’s most auspicious peer-awarded prize goes to Polestar 4, while Dacia Manifesto wins Concept Design of the Year
7 Dec 2023