Expensive Option
by David Finlay (01 Dec 05)

Of the three models in the CLS range, this one is expected to be the number one seller in the UK by a significant margin, being chosen by an estimated 65% of all customers. Don't expect to see many of them on the road, though, since Mercedes-Benz reckons that total annual sales will be around 4000 units. As Mike Grundon explained in his launch report , this is very much a niche model; part of the reason for this is that, although the CLS is closely based on the E-Class saloon, not many people are likely to favour it over the E-Class, since it's more expensive and has less interior space.

Another issue is that around 84% of E-Class buyers these days opt for diesel engines, and very few go for the large-capacity V6 or V8 petrol alternatives. Big petrol engines are all that's on offer with the CLS - there's nothing under 3.5 litres, and there are "currently no plans" to make a diesel available. Despite the close technical relationship, then, there's little threat of damaging the success of the E-Class.

The company expects to do better from conquest sales, attracting the interest of people who might have bought an Audi, BMW, Jaguar, Lexus or Porsche. In this respect the CLS will live or die by its looks, which are certainly distinctive. Whether or not this is a beautiful car is a matter for your own judgement, but personally I think it depends on where you are standing. From some angles the design is a success, but from others the car seems dumpy when the intended effect was surely that it should seem sporting.

If the CLS is truly aimed at, for example, potential Porsche buyers, you would also expect it to provide a sporting drive. No doubt this is the case with the more powerful (and vastly more expensive) AMG version, but I don't think the entry-level CLS 350 succeeds here. Unlike its higher-spec sisters, it uses conventional springs and shock absorbers in its standard form, though the test car had AirMATIC semi-active air suspension as a £1240 option. Mike Grundon has written that without this the 350 has a "solid, sporting ride", but that's not the impression I got from the more sophisticated set-up.

On the contrary, the test car felt to me like a large limousine - not because it's especially luxurious on smooth roads but because it lumbers along on twisty ones. Changes of direction are accompanied by a feeling of "oh, well, if you insist, but give me a good long straight soon, would you?" I can't quite see a Porsche enthusiast being impressed by this sort of thing.

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