The big diesel CLS that would look at home in an episode of Ray Donovan comes in at close to R1.3-million. This means that it will appeal to a very, very specific customer, someone who wants a coupe, but with four doors and a diesel engine.
A unique proposition
The CLS has always managed the tough balancing act of being a great luxury sedan, with the elegance of a coupe and the latest iteration is arguably the best of the breed. The CLS has a problem though, and that comes from its own stable, you see, the E350d exists, which granted, isn’t as powerful, but it will do 90% of what the CLS does, but with added rear occupant practicality and at around R250 000 less.
Under the bonnet
Still, there’s a 2.9-litre straight-six diesel with 250kW/700Nm in this CLS, so the performance is effortless, while consumption is impressive, with my 500km+ stint resulting in a figure of 7.3-litres/100km. This car is fantastic for open-road cruising with reasonable fuel consumption ensuring longs trips between fuel stops while the 700 N.m on offer makes for easy going, regardless of what needs to be overtaken.
Appeal
Being a CLS, this means that stylistically it sits somewhere between the E-Class and E-Class coupe, but with sharper, more aggressive front and rear design. This is a beautiful car both inside and out with the very latest onboard technology, including a fully digitised dashboard, a great emphasis on connectivity and a feeling that you’re in something utterly premium.
Verdict
I can’t help but think that despite its virtues, a big diesel sedan seems like the antithesis of where the automotive world is going. It’s safe to say that we won’t be seeing many of these on our roads. However, those who do take the plunge will be getting a great luxury sedan that stands out from the crowd in the best way possible.
