Mercedes-Benz CLS Coupe (2005 - 2010) CLS 320 CDI (04/08-06/09) 4d Tip Auto (2009/09) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

Difficult to say... perhaps I've realised at 50-something that you "can't take it with you".

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Don't know and don't really care to be honest. Me and my family love it and that's all that matters.

Would you buy this car again and why?

Definitely. Truly awesome driving and ownership experience so far.

What are you likely to buy next?

Another CLS - probably a current shape model at about 2 or 3 years old.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

No

What price did you pay?

£24,000

When did you buy the car?

January 2012

Did you get a good deal and why?

Not too bad - car was two-and-a-half years old with only 15k on the clock. Part-exed my C-Class and had a fair valuation against the CLS.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Looks primarily, but also for overall build quality and a long held desire to own something a bit special.

What was the dealer like?

Friendly and informative... then again I was giving them nigh-on £18k and a clean swapper. I think they were happy!!

What's it like to drive?

Super smooth and pretty quiet - 70mph equates to only 1,800 rpm in top gear - very relaxing... 7 speed auto box is jerk free and also amenable to swift down changes to overtake.... From 50mph, drop a couple of gears and plant your foot... brutal acceleration results... in about 3 seconds you're doing 75mph. Handling is good for a big car too - it's precise and pretty firm on the road but isn't crashy except over the bad potholes that are now a characteristic of the roads. Fuel economy is good given the power from the 3 litre V6 turbodiesel - around town expect 25-26mpg. On the motorway at a steady 75ish you'll get about 41mpg. I've averaged 32mpg over 15k in a mix of journey types. Brakes are superb.

What's it like to park?

Fairly easy with the PARKTRONIC. Still can't get away from the fact it's long and also fairly wide though.

Have you had any problems with the car?

Totally reliable in 15k of motoring in 15 months. Seems to have been hewn from a block of granite!

What's most practical about your car?

It's not a particularly practical car since it only has 4 seats. If you want something really practical get an estate!!

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Parktronic IS A MUST on these cars - it's 16 foot long and you can't see the end of the bonnet or the back end. COMAND is over-rated and not worth paying extra for on a new CLS or a secondhand one.