Mercedes-Benz has released their much anticipated CLS. While its previous model caused a positive shock when it was launched, this updated four-door coupe has proven that the combination of elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a sedan is a possible feat.

And perhaps, to a certain extent, Mercedes may have started this trend of luxury four-door coupe. The likes of Audi with its A7 and Porsche with its Panamera have joined the sports car elegance with four-door versatility market, pushing confines of coupe to another level. Although some reckoned that the CLS was a sedan that would never float on the shady waters, the German marque, with its current generation of CLS, is already leading the pack in its segment.

Exterior

This could be due to the stunning effect of the car's looks. Armed with a snout that shares strong design cues with the SLS AMG, the CLS sports sharp chiselled lines and an upswept profile that give it an attraction that will allow Merc fans to follow it to the ends of the Earth.

To the casual eye, is it a sedan? Hatchback? Coupe? The fact that Mercedes incorporated elements of all of these genres over the CLS gives the car a story that manages to wrench something primal and timeless. Thus, the low-slung stance, thanks to its quasi-coupe silhouette, resists easy categorisations.

Round the back, tail lamps are now more extended, giving it a teardrop shape when upclose and more of a pair of squinted eyes when viewed from a distance, thanks to the colour difference that fills up for the indicators. Still, it's a car that is brimming with elegance and aggressiveness all at the same time.

So with this updated model, the CLS has almost evolved maturely into its own class. With the shimmering details and majestic shape, it is an undeniable fact that the car has a new-found road presence that seems almost ripe for an inclusion in the next Transporter sequel.

Interior

Of course that's not to say that Jason Statham will be driving the red-coloured one that you see here. Imagine it in a subtly sinister black, accompanied with a luxurious interior that's filled with countless cool gadgets. But unlike the car that he's been driving in the movie (Audi A8), the Mercedes-Benz CLS fits a maximum of four full-sized adults. The centre console, while covered in high quality materials and piano black finishing, stretches all the way to the back row, giving passengers the necessary compartments to store their belongings.

Up front, drivers are faced with the same flowing lines and curbed surfaces as the car's exterior. Coupled with the electric memory seats, the car's interior sports a mixture of leather inserts, silver metallic and chrome, creating plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' that will come together harmoniously from passengers.

Despite its sloping roofline, the CLS doesn't compromise its roominess even for taller passengers in the rear bench. Measuring at 4940(L) x 1881(W) x 1416(H), the cabin allows for ample head and legroom for occupants all-round while allowing them to seek comfort in the luxurious leather-swathed seats.

However, first-timers of Mercedes-Benz may need a little bit of getting use to with the gear change. Gone is the gear shifter taking centre stage. Instead, the lever is now located on the right-hand side of the indicator stalk, making you feel like you're changing lanes every time you switch it from 'D' to 'R'.

The Drive

Mated to the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing under the swept back bonnet beats with flexibility and refinement. Tap on the throttle and the 1.7 tonne car propels with a vigour that will keep the passengers clinging on to dear life. Moreover, for all its delightful riptide of full-throttle growls that comes from 306bhp and 370Nm of torque, the CLS is capable of finishing the century dash in just 6.1 seconds while closing the top speed of 250km/h.

But what we really enjoyed most was the cruise control feature. While being able to set the speed you want the car to travel, the distance between front cars can also be stored. This enables the CLS to cruise and come to a complete stop without even having the need for the driver to intervene on the pedals. It's almost too serene and tranquil when using the cruise control late at night on the highway, enjoying the peaceful feeling before life gets in the way.

It doesn't get any worse when the car is handled manually too. Round the curves and bends, the CLS tracks with a lot of confidence, with power flowing to the rear wheels in a predictable and measured fashion. Even over bumps and ruts, the car is a joy to behold as the ride is generally pliant and unwelcome external noises are kept well at bay.

Not to mention that the car can also be equipped with driving assistance systems such as the Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist where the car detects a danger of collision if you're about to change lanes and brakes accordingly should you decide to ignore the nanny alarms.

Conclusion

Being one of the sexiest and head-turning models in the Mercedes-Benz stable, the CLS looks the business. All in all, the German marque deserves applause for creating a car of this refinement and performance while making reasonable fuel consumption possible.

Buyers, you know where to get one.

What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.

Mercedes-Benz has released their much anticipated CLS. While its previous model caused a positive shock when it was launched, this updated four-door coupe has proven that the combination of elegance of a coupe and the functionality of a sedan is a possible feat.

And perhaps, to a certain extent, Mercedes may have started this trend of luxury four-door coupe. The likes of Audi with its A7 and Porsche with its Panamera have joined the sports car elegance with four-door versatility market, pushing confines of coupe to another level. Although some reckoned that the CLS was a sedan that would never float on the shady waters, the German marque, with its current generation of CLS, is already leading the pack in its segment.

Exterior

This could be due to the stunning effect of the car's looks. Armed with a snout that shares strong design cues with the SLS AMG, the CLS sports sharp chiselled lines and an upswept profile that give it an attraction that will allow Merc fans to follow it to the ends of the Earth.

To the casual eye, is it a sedan? Hatchback? Coupe? The fact that Mercedes incorporated elements of all of these genres over the CLS gives the car a story that manages to wrench something primal and timeless. Thus, the low-slung stance, thanks to its quasi-coupe silhouette, resists easy categorisations.

Round the back, tail lamps are now more extended, giving it a teardrop shape when upclose and more of a pair of squinted eyes when viewed from a distance, thanks to the colour difference that fills up for the indicators. Still, it's a car that is brimming with elegance and aggressiveness all at the same time.

So with this updated model, the CLS has almost evolved maturely into its own class. With the shimmering details and majestic shape, it is an undeniable fact that the car has a new-found road presence that seems almost ripe for an inclusion in the next Transporter sequel.

Interior

Of course that's not to say that Jason Statham will be driving the red-coloured one that you see here. Imagine it in a subtly sinister black, accompanied with a luxurious interior that's filled with countless cool gadgets. But unlike the car that he's been driving in the movie (Audi A8), the Mercedes-Benz CLS fits a maximum of four full-sized adults. The centre console, while covered in high quality materials and piano black finishing, stretches all the way to the back row, giving passengers the necessary compartments to store their belongings.

Up front, drivers are faced with the same flowing lines and curbed surfaces as the car's exterior. Coupled with the electric memory seats, the car's interior sports a mixture of leather inserts, silver metallic and chrome, creating plenty of 'oohs' and 'ahhhs' that will come together harmoniously from passengers.

Despite its sloping roofline, the CLS doesn't compromise its roominess even for taller passengers in the rear bench. Measuring at 4940(L) x 1881(W) x 1416(H), the cabin allows for ample head and legroom for occupants all-round while allowing them to seek comfort in the luxurious leather-swathed seats.

However, first-timers of Mercedes-Benz may need a little bit of getting use to with the gear change. Gone is the gear shifter taking centre stage. Instead, the lever is now located on the right-hand side of the indicator stalk, making you feel like you're changing lanes every time you switch it from 'D' to 'R'.

The Drive

Mated to the creamy 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, the 3.5-litre V6 powerplant residing under the swept back bonnet beats with flexibility and refinement. Tap on the throttle and the 1.7 tonne car propels with a vigour that will keep the passengers clinging on to dear life. Moreover, for all its delightful riptide of full-throttle growls that comes from 306bhp and 370Nm of torque, the CLS is capable of finishing the century dash in just 6.1 seconds while closing the top speed of 250km/h.

But what we really enjoyed most was the cruise control feature. While being able to set the speed you want the car to travel, the distance between front cars can also be stored. This enables the CLS to cruise and come to a complete stop without even having the need for the driver to intervene on the pedals. It's almost too serene and tranquil when using the cruise control late at night on the highway, enjoying the peaceful feeling before life gets in the way.

It doesn't get any worse when the car is handled manually too. Round the curves and bends, the CLS tracks with a lot of confidence, with power flowing to the rear wheels in a predictable and measured fashion. Even over bumps and ruts, the car is a joy to behold as the ride is generally pliant and unwelcome external noises are kept well at bay.

Not to mention that the car can also be equipped with driving assistance systems such as the Active Blind Spot Assist and the Active Lane Keeping Assist where the car detects a danger of collision if you're about to change lanes and brakes accordingly should you decide to ignore the nanny alarms.

Conclusion

Being one of the sexiest and head-turning models in the Mercedes-Benz stable, the CLS looks the business. All in all, the German marque deserves applause for creating a car of this refinement and performance while making reasonable fuel consumption possible.

Buyers, you know where to get one.

What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.