Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10) - Review

Review by David Ross on
It's not immediately obvious where the CLS fits into the Mercedes-Benz line-up. The styling is similar to the CLK coupe, but its four-doors and sheer size make it more akin to an executive saloon. In essence the CLS is pretty unique and has few obvious rivals - but think of it as a four-door alternative to the likes of the BMW 6-Series and you're pretty much on the right track. There's little that can match the dramatic looks while the sumptuous cabin is well built and supremely comfortable. On the road it is composed and although there's a little body roll in corners it is wonderfully refined and will effortlessly cross continents.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£43,440 - £57,660

Used price range:

£10,264 - £32,486

View all used prices

Get a Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10) information pack

Next steps

Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 103 models like this for sale, starting at £9,995.

Find used Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupés for sale

Unique styling, extremely comfortable and refined

Compromised space for a four-door saloon, not as good to drive as the styling suggests

It's not immediately obvious where the CLS fits into the Mercedes-Benz line-up. The styling is similar to the CLK coupe, but its four-doors and sheer size make it more akin to an executive saloon. In essence the CLS is pretty unique and has few obvious rivals - but think of it as a four-door alternative to the likes of the BMW 6-Series and you're pretty much on the right track. There's little that can match the dramatic looks while the sumptuous cabin is well built and supremely comfortable. On the road it is composed and although there's a little body roll in corners it is wonderfully refined and will effortlessly cross continents.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "The entry-level engine in the CLS range is the only diesel - the CLS 320 CDI. As you'd expect it's..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "Long, low and wide, the CLS resists body-roll well, although you feel it lean into corners when..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "The CLS will seat four adults cocooned in leather-trimmed luxury, allowing them to relax in superbly..."

  • Practicality

    4 out of 5

    "As well as the convenience of four-doors, the CLS also offers a large boot (up to 505 litres..."

  • Equipment

    3.5 out of 5

    "Mercedes isn't renowned for being particularly generous when it comes to standard equipment but the..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "The CLS looks great from the driving seat - although the wood trim that's available on some models..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "If you opt for a diesel then you can expect reasonable fuel bills although it's not exactly frugal."

  • Green credentials

    1.5 out of 5

    "The CLS is a polluting model and with an average of 260g/km CO2 across the line-up, its emissions..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4.5 out of 5

    "Every CLS comes with a sophisticated electronic stabilisation programme, powerful brakes, six..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "We have some reservations over reliability because the CLS is based on the 2002 E-Class, and the..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2 out of 5

    "Like most premium makes, you'll struggle to get a discount on a new Mercedes and with only 4000 CLS..."

  • Buying used

    3 out of 5

    "Thanks to limited numbers the CLS will hold its value well compared to an executive saloon so don't..."

  • Selling

    3 out of 5

    "Thanks to its unique design and relative rarity, the CLS will always be easy to sell. A full..."

Gallery

  • Interior Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupé (05-10)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews