Louth Motors: The Classy Conservatism of the Mercedes CLS 220d Coupé

When the CLS first appeared back in 2004 it was unlike anything else around. It was a large saloon made to look like a coupe and was quite ground-breaking. It had pillarless windows and its sweeping curves stood out amongst the luxury cars on the road. I was an instant fan and the car was an instant hit.

It took six years for the second generation to appear and then eight years for the third generation.

This model I've been driving is the mid-life facelifted version.

It's safe to say that as the model has aged the design has become less daring and is more homogenous with other models in the Mercedes range.

I'm always against that and prefer more diversity, but if all the PR and Marketing people put together disagree with me then this must be what the buyers want, right?

And what they get is still a very stylish car but from every angle it looks more or less the same as the CLA, only bigger, at the entry level of Mercedes ownership and If I'm being asked to separate myself form the guts of €85k I'd truly want a car a bit more distinctive.

But remember, the CLA is probably the best-looking car in its sector, any sector really, on sale.

You can debate who followed who, but the fact remains the CLA/CLS shape is achingly beautiful. To put an end to the point the CLS should have moved the bar a little bit higher.

The biggest improvement to the design of the CLS is at the rear where I think the current look is a lot more modern and sophisticated and blends in better with the overall car.

I love the design of the aptly entitled Star front grille and the way they managed to bring out the three-pointed star from the underlying hexagon configuration.

Whoever came up with that design is destined for a stellar future and one of the best "why didn't someone think of that before" experiences I've had in a few years.

Inside the use of wood is very welcome and adds to the luxurious feel. You just can't beat a natural material for feel.

Also, I believe the interior seat covering colour must be bright to accentuate the luxurious feel and the leather macchiato beige on the seats complimented by the magma grey dash is spot on.

The central, illuminated and functional vents never fail to impress.

The MBUX intelligent multimedia system is one of the best voice-controlled systems around and gets your instruction generally on the first attempt that encourages you to use it more.

The first-class sound system, despite not being fully optioned with the Burmester® 3D surround sound system that's available, was an aural delight.

The central and steering wheel function controls in the CLS are a masterclass in light touch control with haptic feedback and overall, everything is light and easy and expensive feeling with nothing you touch letting the side down.

There is an abundance of technology on the new CLS in terms of driving, safety, control and entertainment.

The road is where the car is made for and it really is at home on it.

I wish those responsible for our road finishes took as much pride as car makers in their strive for perfection.

It seems it's up to the car makers to make up for the lower standards of road designers and builders and the cars are required to make all the allowances.

On a good surface the CLS shows what refinement is all about.

When things get a bit rougher, in appearance, the CLS does an amazing job of keeping most of it from the driver and passengers and continues to provide the comfort expected in a luxury car.

When pushing on legally on our roads the CLS works harder to deliver that beguiling, cushioned ride. With the 194hp, 4-cylinder turbodiesel engine in my test car there was enough power to make effortless progress, but it never felt like it had loads more power to give.

To get that abundant power feeling you'll need the 300d/265hp or 400d/350hp models that have considerably more power.

There are two petrol models as well, one with 367hp and the other has 435hp in the flagship AMG model. My test model returned a fuel use of 6.3l/100kms.

For your €85k you get a 5-seater but the mistake the original CLS made of just being a 4-seater now looks like the right decision because whilst you get 5 seat belts you will have drawn a very short straw if, as an adult, you were the rear middle set passenger.

All that luxury would be wasted on you because its only "designed" for short use.

The outer passengers are well catered for in all the "room" categories and will have a splendid experience. Same for the front passengers.

For the trips you'll enjoy in the CLS there's a very useable 520l boot to carry all your needs.

The CLS is an excellent exponent of a stylish, saloon coupe which is what it set out to do and others like the Audi A7 followed but it could have been a bit more daring and a bit less corporate.

I don't think its current shape will deter buyers in the least because it is such a compelling overall package.

Every day in the CLS would be a cossetting and rewarding experience and an insulated escape from the mundane world.

It's your own little world unimpeded by external issues unless of course you invite them in via the phone, radio or your preferred streaming service or podcast. The CLS facilitates this effortlessly.

People who plum for a CLS want style, elegance, luxury, comfort and performance. Other than my small reservation about performance the CLS delivers this effortlessly.