CLS 320 or 350 CDI - opinions?
Discussion
I'm considering a used diesel CLS in the region of £15k-£20k and would be very grateful for first hand views.
I've arrived at this car via a slightly bizarre route: I want something sporty to rediscover the joy of driving; considered building myself a Caterham; decided I'd get more real-world use out of a Toyota GT86 (which would be a second car to the main family Passat estate); but now thinking I could combine my thirst for driver reward with need for family space in a single car: the CLS! The Passat would be sold, and our second car would be a small runaround instead.
So main questions:
1. How does the ride & handling compare to a true sports coupe like the GT86? Clearly the CLS is much heavier, but it has correspondingly more power, so straight line performance is no problem. (Fuel economy is also a factor for me, so the 63 version is definitely ruled out, and probably any of the petrol engines.)
2. How does space and practicality compare to a normal large family car? Again, obviously much smaller boot than my estate, but big enough for weekends, shopping etc., and I can always add a roof box for camping hols, right? Shame the seats don't fold though.
Cost wise, a used CLS looks great value compared to a (nearly) new GT86, especially as I'd be selling the Passat, but of course running costs will be much higher.
Is it a case of jack of all trades, or master of none??
Any advice much appreciated.
I've arrived at this car via a slightly bizarre route: I want something sporty to rediscover the joy of driving; considered building myself a Caterham; decided I'd get more real-world use out of a Toyota GT86 (which would be a second car to the main family Passat estate); but now thinking I could combine my thirst for driver reward with need for family space in a single car: the CLS! The Passat would be sold, and our second car would be a small runaround instead.
So main questions:
1. How does the ride & handling compare to a true sports coupe like the GT86? Clearly the CLS is much heavier, but it has correspondingly more power, so straight line performance is no problem. (Fuel economy is also a factor for me, so the 63 version is definitely ruled out, and probably any of the petrol engines.)
2. How does space and practicality compare to a normal large family car? Again, obviously much smaller boot than my estate, but big enough for weekends, shopping etc., and I can always add a roof box for camping hols, right? Shame the seats don't fold though.
Cost wise, a used CLS looks great value compared to a (nearly) new GT86, especially as I'd be selling the Passat, but of course running costs will be much higher.
Is it a case of jack of all trades, or master of none??
Any advice much appreciated.
If you think of the CLS as a smarter looking (and slightly less practical 4 seater) version of an E Class, you are on the right track.
Interior is more special and it will be slightly more driver-orientated, but it is at the end of the day a large, comfortable cruiser, especially in 320/350 CDI version, not a sports car by any stretch of the imagination.
Interior is more special and it will be slightly more driver-orientated, but it is at the end of the day a large, comfortable cruiser, especially in 320/350 CDI version, not a sports car by any stretch of the imagination.
I guess I was hoping for 'sporty' rather than 'sports'!
The problem I have is that reviews (obviously) always compare cars to others in the same class. So I can read that the CLS has as much or more driver appeal than, say, a 5 series BMW or an E-class, but that doesn't tell me how it compares to a genuine coupe.
I'm guessing it'll fit roughly in the middle between my Passat and the GT86, would that be about right?
Any other opinions on its usability as the main family luggage carrier?
thanks
The problem I have is that reviews (obviously) always compare cars to others in the same class. So I can read that the CLS has as much or more driver appeal than, say, a 5 series BMW or an E-class, but that doesn't tell me how it compares to a genuine coupe.
I'm guessing it'll fit roughly in the middle between my Passat and the GT86, would that be about right?
Any other opinions on its usability as the main family luggage carrier?
thanks
Zulu 10 said:
I think the CLS will be closer to the GT86 than the Passat on speed, but far closer to the Passat on handling.
Not really helped much, have I?
You certainly have helped, and thanks to other posters too - it sounds like I'm hoping for too much from a 1.9 tonne beast.Not really helped much, have I?
But you're also right that a used CLS currently looks like an awful lot of car for the money! I guess that the kind of person who buys a luxury car, tends to buy a NEW luxury car - especially when a new model comes out. Hence more cars than buyers = good value.
So part of me knows that the Passat+GT86 combination does everything I want, and does it superbly well - but I can't help thinking that I could have a gorgeous CLS instead, with change to spare!
Clearly I need three cars!!
I'd wager the CLS being RWD will have all the handling traits of a GT86 and not that of the Passat.
The way its set up means it will still understeer and the GT86 will oversteer more readily. Road holding, given the GT86 comes on skinny wheels/low resistance tyres probably means the CLS will probably be able to corner at speeds similar to that of the GT86.
The GT86 is a tinny lump of crap, the CLS a really nice solid big car but thrills will be greater in the GT86 as its set up to be a drivers car but a CLS can put a grin on your face on a roundabout, still has nice steering and costs buttons to run unless it breaks down
The way its set up means it will still understeer and the GT86 will oversteer more readily. Road holding, given the GT86 comes on skinny wheels/low resistance tyres probably means the CLS will probably be able to corner at speeds similar to that of the GT86.
The GT86 is a tinny lump of crap, the CLS a really nice solid big car but thrills will be greater in the GT86 as its set up to be a drivers car but a CLS can put a grin on your face on a roundabout, still has nice steering and costs buttons to run unless it breaks down
You'll have to drive one to see if it meets your wishes; one man's 'sporty' is another's 'cruiser'.
I have an E350cdi coupe (265), have previously had a Caterham for many years, have driven a GT86 and currently also still have a TVR. Is the E350 sporty?? Compared to the Caterham, no. They're like chalk and cheese. Do I enjoy driving the E350? - yes. I thought that the GT86 was a fun car to drive, but needed to be 'driven' to get anything out of it. I thought that the road noise was excessive, and the interior a bit 'flimsy'. However, I'm sure it would be a great car to own, and reliable, but it's very different to either the E-class or a CLS.
CLS is a great car though.
I have an E350cdi coupe (265), have previously had a Caterham for many years, have driven a GT86 and currently also still have a TVR. Is the E350 sporty?? Compared to the Caterham, no. They're like chalk and cheese. Do I enjoy driving the E350? - yes. I thought that the GT86 was a fun car to drive, but needed to be 'driven' to get anything out of it. I thought that the road noise was excessive, and the interior a bit 'flimsy'. However, I'm sure it would be a great car to own, and reliable, but it's very different to either the E-class or a CLS.
CLS is a great car though.
Cls is a great car but not sporty imo.
I have just bought one. If you want decent pull get the Grand Edition which is what I went for, it also as a Brabus chip which increases hp by 48 to 272 so it is quick.
Mine came with paddles too so you dont have to drive it in auto mode all the time.
It is a grand coupe/executive cruiser as mentioned already.
I love it but would not describe it as sporty. Its a motorway mile muncher for me and fits the bill very well.
I have just bought one. If you want decent pull get the Grand Edition which is what I went for, it also as a Brabus chip which increases hp by 48 to 272 so it is quick.
Mine came with paddles too so you dont have to drive it in auto mode all the time.
It is a grand coupe/executive cruiser as mentioned already.
I love it but would not describe it as sporty. Its a motorway mile muncher for me and fits the bill very well.
jsmjsm said:
If you want decent pull get the Grand Edition which is what I went for, it also as a Brabus chip which increases hp by 48 to 272 so it is quick.
How does the Brabus chip achieve that increase in power - presumably at the expense of fuel economy? That seems to be born out by the figures - 35mpg compared to 37. Do you lose a little economy with that chip even if you don't "use" the extra horses?jsmjsm said:
Mine came with paddles too so you dont have to drive it in auto mode all the time.
I've been meaning to ask about that - which models have the paddles? Is manual gear change possible in those that don't?thanks
hillwalker said:
jsmjsm said:
If you want decent pull get the Grand Edition which is what I went for, it also as a Brabus chip which increases hp by 48 to 272 so it is quick.
How does the Brabus chip achieve that increase in power - presumably at the expense of fuel economy? That seems to be born out by the figures - 35mpg compared to 37. Do you lose a little economy with that chip even if you don't "use" the extra horses?jsmjsm said:
Mine came with paddles too so you dont have to drive it in auto mode all the time.
I've been meaning to ask about that - which models have the paddles? Is manual gear change possible in those that don't?thanks
Not sure. In mine you can also use the gear knob to go up and down the gears so I assume if you don't get the paddle option you would get that.
Sounds like you need to get to a merc dealer and have a look to see if its what you want.
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