Many would have remembered - it was the marque with the three-pointed star that came out with the idea of a four-door coupe. As ridicule as it seems in yesteryears, the CLS has somewhat got us acquainted and marvelled - at how alluring a "towkay" carrier can turn out to be.
The handsome looks may have bewitched the lot of us - in grey-beige hue (Mercedes-Benz calls it Indium Grey) - the test car's statuesque, modern looks makes it arguably one of the best looking four-doors around.
Under the hood however, is the first four-pot for the CLS - a unique composition considering the up-class status of the CLS. We find out soon if the engine choice tarnishes the image of the sleek grand tourer.
Exterior
The latest CLS inherits most of the elements which made the predecessor a hit - coupe-like low-slung roof, elongated front and rear overhangs. In its latest iteration, it seems that the new CLS tips towards masculinity rather than elegance, which might not be a bad thing at all. For instance, the fresh look exudes road presence much better than its predecessor.
The handsome looks may have bewitched the lot of us - in grey-beige hue (Mercedes-Benz calls it Indium Grey) - the test car's statuesque, modern looks makes it arguably one of the best looking four-doors around.
Under the hood however, is the first four-pot for the CLS - a unique composition considering the up-class status of the CLS. We find out soon if the engine choice tarnishes the image of the sleek grand tourer.
Exterior
The latest CLS inherits most of the elements which made the predecessor a hit - coupe-like low-slung roof, elongated front and rear overhangs. In its latest iteration, it seems that the new CLS tips towards masculinity rather than elegance, which might not be a bad thing at all. For instance, the fresh look exudes road presence much better than its predecessor.
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The CLS joins the bandwagon for daytime running LEDs, but done in a more subtle manner - short strips underline each side of the front facet. Such canny characteristic flows nicely with the design cues found in other parts of the car, such as the pronounced bonnet and creased shoulder lines.
And as if the designers decided to pull the reins on the incorporation of masculine elements, the rear end receives styling tweaks that speak elegance, just like what they did to the predecessor.
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Interior
Despite being the 'budget' entry-level variant of the CLS-Class, the interior of the CLS250 offers a palatable array of niceties, such as soft leather all around, wood trimmings, and an elegant analogue central timepiece on the console.
Exquisite attention to detail, despite being the entry-level CLS
Up close in the driving position, you are faced with beautifully leather-clad, aluminium-trimmed three-spoke steering with multi-function switches. The protruding thumb-arch provides great support and adds to the sporty feel of the overall package.
Despite the slopping roof, rear occupants have no lack of head room, with voluminous leg-room to match - as you would have expected of a car this length.
Despite being the 'budget' entry-level variant of the CLS-Class, the interior of the CLS250 offers a palatable array of niceties, such as soft leather all around, wood trimmings, and an elegant analogue central timepiece on the console.
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Up close in the driving position, you are faced with beautifully leather-clad, aluminium-trimmed three-spoke steering with multi-function switches. The protruding thumb-arch provides great support and adds to the sporty feel of the overall package.
Despite the slopping roof, rear occupants have no lack of head room, with voluminous leg-room to match - as you would have expected of a car this length.
One, however, may be questioning the presence of an outdated foot-operated parking brake, when most of its closest-rivals have opted for electronically-operated ones. And although Mercedes-Benz is one of the fore-runners in creature-comforts and high-tech infotainment systems, the one found in the CLS may seem a tad geek-ish, especially when compared to the later-gen systems found in other marques.
Well-appointed cabin a genuinely nice place to be in
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The Drive
Firing up, the four-pot powerplant responses with a noticeable tinge of clattering - serving as a constant reminder that it is the diesel variant in which you are in. The engine also seems slightly grumpy at low speeds. On cruising however, it transforms into a different beast - albeit having only a 2.1-litre powerplant and two cylinders down from its petrol stablemates, the CLS250 munches the highway with absolute ease. Credits to the twin-turbochargers, the powerplant delivers a beefy 500Nm of torque which is great for traffic sprints and highway cruising.
The 7G-tronic gearbox - German's iteration of more being better, is very smooth indeed. With seven speeds to choose from, the car picks up from speeds with ease, instilling confidence be it in overtaking manoeuvres or at filtering lanes.
The low centre of gravity induced by the low ride height brings out the potent handling capabilities of CLS250, which belies what you would have expected of a car this size. The firm suspension further enhances the driving dynamics, but however, it does give rise to overt bumpiness over pocketed roads - trading off comfort for poised, agile handling in this case.
Firing up, the four-pot powerplant responses with a noticeable tinge of clattering - serving as a constant reminder that it is the diesel variant in which you are in. The engine also seems slightly grumpy at low speeds. On cruising however, it transforms into a different beast - albeit having only a 2.1-litre powerplant and two cylinders down from its petrol stablemates, the CLS250 munches the highway with absolute ease. Credits to the twin-turbochargers, the powerplant delivers a beefy 500Nm of torque which is great for traffic sprints and highway cruising.
The 7G-tronic gearbox - German's iteration of more being better, is very smooth indeed. With seven speeds to choose from, the car picks up from speeds with ease, instilling confidence be it in overtaking manoeuvres or at filtering lanes.
The low centre of gravity induced by the low ride height brings out the potent handling capabilities of CLS250, which belies what you would have expected of a car this size. The firm suspension further enhances the driving dynamics, but however, it does give rise to overt bumpiness over pocketed roads - trading off comfort for poised, agile handling in this case.
Conclusion
As one of the latest offerings from the highly-credentialed German carmaker, it is without doubts that CLS250 is a competent contender in the luxury sedan segment.
Compared to its elder CLS350, the CLS250 eases nearly S$30,000 off the burden on your wallet. Besides, Mercedes-Benz claims that you will be able squeeze out four more kilometres per litre of fuel on the CLS250, as compared to its bigger petrol-driven brother - the V6 CLS350. That translates to a wholesome 268 kilometres on a full tank of fuel (since both variants have identical capacity fuel tanks).
When you lose some, you win some - how true for the car in question. The CLS250 is then, a testament that luxury need not start with six-cylinders.
As one of the latest offerings from the highly-credentialed German carmaker, it is without doubts that CLS250 is a competent contender in the luxury sedan segment.
Compared to its elder CLS350, the CLS250 eases nearly S$30,000 off the burden on your wallet. Besides, Mercedes-Benz claims that you will be able squeeze out four more kilometres per litre of fuel on the CLS250, as compared to its bigger petrol-driven brother - the V6 CLS350. That translates to a wholesome 268 kilometres on a full tank of fuel (since both variants have identical capacity fuel tanks).
When you lose some, you win some - how true for the car in question. The CLS250 is then, a testament that luxury need not start with six-cylinders.
