The steering is well weighted and direct, the body control is good, and there is a reasonable amount of grip on offer. As a bonus, the CLS Coupe manages to feel a lot smaller than it actually is.
The engines are all lively and quick. The 220 Blue TEC diesel opens the range. It’s powered by a 2.1-litre 168bhp diesel engine that can get you from a standstill to 62mph in 8.5 seconds before maxing out at 155mph.
However, if you want to strike the right balance between performance and economy, the 350 BlueTEC diesel is a more appealing option. Its 3.0-litre engine delivers up to 201bhp, and can get you from 0-62 in 6.2 seconds.
The petrol engines faster, with the CLS 400 doing 0-62 in just 5.3 seconds, and the high-performance 63 AMG doing it in 4.1 seconds. But do you really need 577bhp?
Running costs are goo. The 220 BlueTEC is the most frugal of all, and can return 61.4mpg while costing £110 a year to tax. But check out the numbers averaged by the much quicker 350 Blue TEC – 52.3mpg and an annual road tax bill of £145.
So this isn’t exactly an expensive luxury. However, there is plenty of luxury inside. Comfort is second to none, and the plush cabin has taken its cues from the classy S-Class. Metal, wood and leather trims abound, and standard equipment includes LED rear and front lints, Bluetooth connectivity, heated front sports seats, and the brands COMAND online infotainment system.
However, one drawback of buying a car like this is that it isn’t the most versatile. Four adults can sit in comfort, and everyone gets ample leg and headroom. The rear windows should be bigger, but storage spaces are everywhere, and include a sizeable glovebox and a useful box in your centre console.
The boot is generous too, and measures 520-litres. However, where the Audi A7 has an advantage over the CLS is with its folded seats that come as standard. If you buy this Mercedes, you have to pay extra.
Price:
Mercedes – £47,000 – £87,000