What We Like
The best looking four-door coupe currently
500Nm of torque means it gets off the line quick
Rides very well thanks to air suspension
What We Dislike
Suspension still very much comfort oriented when put in the sportiest setting
A fast Mercedes is always cool. They make a great sound, and offer lots of drama in the form of squealing tyres and outright speed - like the C 63 S.
The CLS450 here, aside from some AMG bits and bobs, is not an AMG car. But it is special, as it offers a high level of comfort and quietness that you'd come to expect from a Mercedes.
So what is it then?
Well, it is the top-of-the-range car from the current Mercedes CLS range available here, sitting above the CLS350 that we reviewed earlier.
The Mercedes-Benz CLS450 looks striking, and now comes with more powerThe CLS450 has kept its good looks, and it now comes with an all new 3.0-litre straight-six powerplant - a comeback since it was phased out close to 20 years ago in favour of V6 engines.
Is it really fast?
Not AMG fast, but definitely fast enough. The CLS450 will dispatch the century sprint in 4.8 seconds without a hitch, thanks to the engine that puts out 362bhp and 500Nm of torque.
The 3.0-litre straight-six puts out 362bhp and 500Nm of torque, accompanied by a nice burbleAlso helping with the output in the CLS450 is its EQ Boost, which gives electric assistance to the powertrain. This means before the engine unleashes all 500Nm, the electric motor can assist with up to 250Nm of torque.
Thus, moving this almost two tonne coupe is a fuss-free issue, accompanied by a nice throaty exhaust note.
Right, so its pretty quick, but how is it like to drive?
You will be surprised how quick the CLS gets up to speed. The car puts power down without a fuss, leaving you with a slight euphoric experience every time as the car shoots forward with gusto.
The CLS450 is four-wheel driven, and comes in good measure when you want to manage all 500Nm of torque from the word goIt is a pretty good cruiser, too, thanks to the Airmatic suspension that allows the CLS450 to glide along in a comfortable manner.
The CLS450 here, aside from some AMG bits and bobs, is not an AMG car. But it is special, as it offers a high level of comfort and quietness that you'd come to expect from a Mercedes.
So what is it then?
Well, it is the top-of-the-range car from the current Mercedes CLS range available here, sitting above the CLS350 that we reviewed earlier.
Is it really fast?
Not AMG fast, but definitely fast enough. The CLS450 will dispatch the century sprint in 4.8 seconds without a hitch, thanks to the engine that puts out 362bhp and 500Nm of torque.
Thus, moving this almost two tonne coupe is a fuss-free issue, accompanied by a nice throaty exhaust note.
Right, so its pretty quick, but how is it like to drive?
You will be surprised how quick the CLS gets up to speed. The car puts power down without a fuss, leaving you with a slight euphoric experience every time as the car shoots forward with gusto.
Put everything into Sport+ and the CLS450 gets louder and more brash. And because of the mild-hybrid assistance, it feels as if there is torque virtually all through the rev range.
Lots of grunt, but is it a nice place to be in?
Very much so. The CLS450 we tested was specified with Bengal Red nappa leather, and grey open-pore ash wood trim - which had a nice texture and feel to it.
The combination of red, black and grey in the interior might sound outlandish but it is surprisingly pleasantAlong with the 64-colour ambient lighting, it provides the chance to make some shocking colour combinations when the lighting casts off the red interior.
But more than just that texture and feel, the cabin sports two stunning 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system is feature-rich, which can take a while to get used to.
The ambient lighting can make the interior of the CLS look like a swanky night club
So, this or the CLS350?
You'd be hard pressed to find a visual difference between the two when you put them side by side. The only minute differences are the bigger 20-inch wheels and the extra 4MATIC moniker at the rear.
The CLS450 looks stunning from all angles, thanks to sharp creases and its swooping rooflineThis makes the CLS450 quite an unassuming thriller driver, which gives it that rather special touch.
If you want a four-door coupe that drives brilliantly and has the pace to rival even two-door coupes, this is it.
Lots of grunt, but is it a nice place to be in?
Very much so. The CLS450 we tested was specified with Bengal Red nappa leather, and grey open-pore ash wood trim - which had a nice texture and feel to it.
But more than just that texture and feel, the cabin sports two stunning 12.3-inch screens. The infotainment system is feature-rich, which can take a while to get used to.
So, this or the CLS350?
You'd be hard pressed to find a visual difference between the two when you put them side by side. The only minute differences are the bigger 20-inch wheels and the extra 4MATIC moniker at the rear.
If you want a four-door coupe that drives brilliantly and has the pace to rival even two-door coupes, this is it.
