Mercedes-Benz has equipped its CLS with a 2,1-litre turbodiesel engine. With “only” 150 kW it may not seem like the sort of engine best suited for a vehicle that has a kerb weight somewhere in the region of 1 735 kgs, but at the local launch, Kelly Lodewyks found that the output figures are not what makes this car.
Design and packaging
The CLS has always been one of my favourite Merc designs. The large grille flanked by angular headlamps dominate the front of the car, but the best angle for me is when viewed in profile. When viewed from this angle you can see the distinguishing character line that runs from the front wheel arch to the C-pillar, as well as how the long nose and the sloping roofline complete the overall coupé look. Inside it’s typical Mercedes-Benz. There’s the wrap-around effect of the cockpit, chrome accents and highlights that give the CLS a premium feel.
Powertrain and performance
Under the bonnet lies a 2,1-litre 150 kW turbodiesel engine. This unit has a peak torque output of 500 Nm that is available between 1 600 and 1 800 r/min. Mercedes-Benz claims a fuel consumption of between 5,1- and 5,3 litres/100 km and a CO2 emissions figure of 134 g/km.
On the road
There’s not too much lag from this turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, but initially it does feel as though the weight of the car hampers progress a little bit. But as soon as the engine revs climb to 1 600 r/min and the 500 N.m of torque makes itself present, the CLS really gets going and I soon found out that the CLS250 CDI is quite at home at highway cruising speeds. Its 7G-tronic transmission system was quick and smooth during gear changes and the CLS gave a hassle-free drive. I’ve always felt that the steering on most Mercedes-Benz vehicles lean a bit on the heavy side, but other than this I can’t really fault it because it’s still quite precise.
I attempted to achieve Mercedes’s claimed fuel consumption figure for this model, but it was quite difficult with my heavy foot and me trying to keep up with the rest of the CLS launch cars. I managed about 7,0 litres/100 km while trying to keep to the prompts from the eco display on the instrument cluster. This read-out shows the driver how their acceleration, cruising and deceleration affect the consumption and is meant to encourage the driver adjust their driving style accordingly. It’s a bit gimmicky, but I had quite a bit of fun with it on the launch.
Overall
Mercedes-Benz claims that the reason behind equipping its luxury coupe with a diesel engine is that there has been an increase in demand for such a vehicle lately. And I can see the appeal of this one in particular. It provides a great deal of comfort and luxury for cruising, while also returning respectable fuel consumption.
Specifications
Model: CLS 250 CDI BlueEfficiency
Price: R700 000 (R28 700 extra for the AMG Sports Package)
Engine: 2,2-litre, 4-cylinder, in-line, turbocharged
Power: 150 kW @ 4 200 r/min
Torque: 500 N.m @ 1 600 – 1 800 r/min
Fuel consumption: 5,1 – 5,3 litres/100 km
CO2: 134 g/km
Maintenance plan: MobiloDrive 120 maintenance package of 6-years/120 000 km