W219 CLS info needed

[Nigel_O]

Hi all - not a frequent visitor to the Merc forums - previous car history has a definite Italian flavour to it. However, I fancy something a bit wafty and I really like the cleaner shape and style of the early W219 CLS over the W218 facelift. It'll be a diesel, due to the 70 mile a day commute - I need to get close to 40mpg for it to make any sense.

I'm a bit confused about the info I've managed to glean so far from t'internet. I can see there are two models - 320CDi and 350CDi. I know they are both 3-litre engines, but is it simply a mapping difference? Some places list both models at 224bhp and some seem to show the 350 as 260-ish bhp.

Is it only the 350CDi Grand Edition or do all 350s have the higher power?

Is the Grand Edition worth the premium?

Is there a buyer's guide anywhere? I'm used to iffy reliability (the Italian connection), but I don't want to be buying something that's likely to generate big bills

Anything else I should know?

Thanks in advance

[Nigel_O]

J4CKO said:

Get a V8 Nigel, after your coupe the V6 may feel a bit tardy.

Still got the Coupe - now for sunny weekends.

TBH, even a V8 CLS is going to feel tame against the Coupe, which is why I'm looking for a comfy cruiser - if I want quick, I'll take the Fiat

[Nigel_O]

J4CKO said:

You need a CLS 55 then ! to be honest,

Still wouldn't be quick enough - my Coupe has more power and weighs 500+kg less, so you can imagine how well it goes. As long as its not from a standing start, it would even beat the CLS63AMG (Coupe does 60-120 in 7.2s, CLS63 takes 9.7s). In fact the Coupe has done a standing quarter faster than a stock CLS63, although I'll accept that the CLS driver is probably having an easier time while he's doing it though....

I'm just looking for a refined, good looking cruiser that will do mid to high 30s mpg (40s at a push) - it will get used for the awful 70-mile a day commute in the usual M42 rush-hour traffic.

My Alfa GT has been wonderful at this role for the last four years, but the four-pot diesel is grumbly and the whole car is a bit un-refined - time for something soothing....

[Nigel_O]

Exactly - if I want quick, I'll take the Coupe. After years of a slightly jiggly Alfa, I just want to waft for a while...

My youngest son has just bought himself a 2012(?) Jag XJ and it is epic - I'm so jealous...

That said, I polished the Alfa GT over the weekend and it passed its MOT on Saturday. It's running very nicely and it looks good, despite the mileage (226,000...)

I'm in two minds, so probably the best thing to do right now is nothing