Should You Buy a MERCEDES CLS? (Test Drive & Review 2012 MK2)
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2021
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In my opinion this was the best looking generation of CLS
Facts !!
Yep these headlights and taillights were special
One of the best looking mercs! Hands down. New mercs look awdul on the outside
@@hedzt6667 in my opinion the 280 is the best looking or the 300sl in my opinion anyways.
I think so too. But when it came out I didn't like it, it looked too boring I thought back then compared to the first gen. Now I love it though.
To me the 1st gen is one of the most beautiful cars ever made by Mercedes!
It was favourite looking cook back in 2007, second from that was the BMW 1 series.
Totally agree ,,,my favourite car
Absolutely spot on 👍
Yes I agree, nice clean uncluttered styling.
I'm in Australia, and we have a chain here called "Specsavers". Do you know it?
For a 9 year old car it still looks new , a timeless shape that has not dated and like the colour combination . Good to hear that electrical issues are sorted out , my 2007 model had many electrical gremlins and did not like being left without being driven and was why I sold it last year which was a shame because I loved driving it.
I only just realized you're nearly at 100k. Holy Miata.
As a diesel one hopes its just getting broken in!
@@jonnycando I thinks he's talking about the amount of subscribers to this channel not mileage!
Now hey at 300k🥳
one of the prettiest cars Mercedes ever made, I do like the first gen too
@Kli Psh ….without the style and va va voom!
Brilliant review! I’m a total and complete CLS addict!
I’m on my 4th and have owned them over a combined period of 10.5 years!
I bought one of the first diesels (CLS320 CDi) that came out in UK in September 2005, loaded it and absolutely enjoyed it for the next 5 years and 50k miles, only selling as had to go work abroad.
On my return years later I bought another loaded Mk 1 CLS320 CDi (used) which I owned for 3 years and 30k miles then bought a used, loaded 24k miles Mk 2 CLS350 CDi AMG Sport you just tested and that was an absolute joy to own and drive and covered 30k extremely happy and enjoyable miles in it up to Feb last year when I then bought a used extremely loaded low miles facelift Mk2 CLS350d with the premium plus package (recommended) plus optional air suspension (very rare) which I’ve enjoyed driving 6k pandemic limited miles! Absolutely love it’s looks!
I’m still trying to decide if I like the current Mk3 shape which has lost most of the distinctive styling cues that CLS models have been known for, especially the wide rear haunch, low stance and swage lines on the sides...
From the front it’s so generic looking you could easily mistake it for an A Class and it’s become a bit slab sided...
These cars are par for the course in reliability terms but I’ve found that high miles versions of the Mk1 particularly between circa 80k and 105k miles (circa 9 to 15 years old) like other Mercs and BMWs (have owned a fair few) tend to have various parts expire from miles or age. That’s my (and many friends) experiences.
Low miles full Dealer history cars maintained scrupulously are quite reliable. The only quirks I’ve found have been the odd electronic gremlin or 2 eg proximity sensor on my Mk 2 went at 25k miles.
The other thing I found with CLS cars is that they do not like to be left sitting undriven on driveways for weeks at a time....things start seizing, rusting leaking etc. Drive them every 2 to 3 days and give them a motorway run at least fortnightly and I’ve found them to be fine.
Maintaining them scrupulously and not letting things pile up keeps them going fine.
From a DRIVING perspective, the Mk 1 cars are motorway cruisers and will eat up the miles with ridiculous ease, leaving you nice and fresh at the end of your journey. They are though average for handling.
The Mk2 however and fitted up front with the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres (they don’t make the rear tyre size) which I can not recommend enough, make the handling of this car an absolute revelation!! I can’t speak for anyone else but I’ve owned multiple 5 and 3 series BMWs plus a host of other cars (owned over 40 cars in last 30 years) and can tell you unreservedly that this car on those tyres is the best handling car I’ve driven and by a mile....
The only down side to the brilliant handling is that the Sports suspension give it a slightly firmer ride than is normal, not harsh but you can feel the little lumps and bumps.
My current used Mk2 facelift 350d had the optional Airmatic air suspension fitted and of course immediately fitted the Michelin Pilot Sport 4 S tyres to its front and its given me a nice balance between good handling (not as razor sharp as my Pre facelift Mk2) and a magic carpet ride, which is an absolute revelation.
It has also had a lot of additional sound deadening fitted so is considerably quieter than my last one and is nice and hushed on the inside. It also has the syrupy smooth 9 speed auto which changes gears imperceptibly
Final thing I love about my current and previous Mk 2 CLS350 CDi is the intelligent LED headlight system which simply put, turns night into daytime!!
I used to hate night driving but it makes no difference to me now whether it’s night or day
Will I upgrade to the Mk3 CLS in a year or so?
I’m not sure...
I love the interior but am neutral at best to the exterior...
70 to 80% of why I love the CLS is how it looks from the outside, so....
If I decide to go ahead from habit, a loaded CLS 400d with 4 wheel drive and a 0-62mph time of 5 seconds dead does sound enticing....
Excellent write up.
I agree . Mk 2 was the best looking ones and I've got one parked in the garage. It'll grow old with me 😊
I can confirm every word on the 218 - I have a nice S218 350 SB 4Matic AirMatic after over 30 cars (5 Benzs): nice car !!!
@@amhandweiser43 The 4matic must be a joy to launch off a junction on a cold wet day!
The traction must be stupendous with 457 lbft of torque to deploy from near idle…!
@@paulkeaney1609 Thank you Paul
Really enjoy watching this channel, helped keep me sane through all these lockdowns thank you
Great to hear!
The shooting brake would be my choice, quite an underrated estate.
not underrated...its way too expensive for people to afford
Nearly went for the shooting brake myself.
Stunning car and £1300 cheaper than the BMW 530d touring I chose with 10k more miles.
The BMW just appeared better to me.
All personal preference, but it's undeniable that's its a beautiful car
I have one and its lush, pleasantly surprised
I have got cls 250 cdi shooting brake automatic 2013
And is amazing, very spacious .
Same!
Who’s been since the beginning ? It’s good to see the growth !
Great video Matt what a stunning looking car. This is an amazing looking car but the first generation will always be my favourite. I remember seeing it for the first time in around 2006 and I was 12 years old, ever since its been my dream car!
Looks like a car that will look great for years. Great review - thanks from Australia.
Great review ! No long intro asking to subscribe etc. Straight to the point
I have to say Matt the sound quality is great now, well done on sorting it, O and yes another gret review
Thanks!
Was just looking at reviews on these. Then this pops up.. I love the look of this model
The first gen CLS will always be a timeless classic and a trend-setter. It's probably the best design Mercedes has ever produced. Calling it dated is like looking at Mademoiselle Pogány and calling it simple.
I had one of these as a company car for 6 months back in the day. As we say in Bristol, it was mint
The estate version is even better looking with its shooting break design and in silver looks awesome
Keep the videos coming love them!
Personally I prefer the look of the mk1 over the mk2
The shooting brake version of this also looks amazing!
Loving the vids!! Keep them coming!!
Thanks! Will do!
Can't believe I caught this video before 30 seconds since it's upload! I love this CLS btw.
100k tomorrow 💪 well done matt. Well deserved. 🔥👍
I always watch your reviews. Really good knowledge and I like your enthusiasm for cars. You don’t seem like a pointy shoe car sales man.
This channel is the best in the UK right now. Honest and Encouraging reviews. You just gained a new sub. Thanks🙌🏾
Thanks! Welcome aboard!
Lovely colour combination. A real motorway muncher.
Indeed!
I have always loved this car, Matt. It's such an elegant design. Absolutely love it. Great job.
Great stuff as usual. Would run some DPF cleaner in the diesel twice a year. My old school mechanic was unconvinced till it got me through an MOT. He is now a convert.
Excellent presentation, very good reviewer, on point and good delivery of facts. Keep up the good work!
Glad you enjoyed it!
With you from 6k!! Good growth almost at 100 keep going bud
Always loved this car. Especially the Shooting Brake. It looks like it's 2-3 times more expensive than it actually is.
I absolutely agree. Next car will be one of those.
@@jeremyaustin9103 I have one best car ever .. still stop and look at it just cos it’s so damn good looking and it’s a great car.. saving up for a low mileage younger one
@@CGAT147 Brought one in May. waggon 350 prem plus...with tiny miles.
lovely motor
@@jeremyaustin9103 one thing and it s a Mercedes thing.. service costs are soo steep so find a reputable independent and save at least 50%
@@CGAT147 very very lucky local indy is awesome
A friend of mine had one of these and it was lovely. Great review. thank you.
This generation design is really timeless
No one does used car reviews better than you.
Your knowledge and expertise about the products and their respective engineering as well as the market is second to none.
Thanks! I appreciate that
Great vid again . Great advice everytime . Keep going . 👍👍👍
Great and entertaining review as always. Now to find that A7 video you were talking about...
Good honest review as always.
This has been my company car opt out choice for ages...if I ever do it. I’d have the shooting brake 250d. Good to see it reviewed here. 👍🏼
Great review 👏 thank you
Brings back the memories. I had the 2009 model of this and it was bullet proof in respect of in 4 years I had it, it never broke down. Obviously the normal things needed looking after like the glow plugs and various other things. The one annoying problem I use to have with it was when the engine was cold and I would put my foot down it would sometimes go into limp mode. I finally managed to cure this problem by getting a new battery. Overall I was very happy with this car, on the motorway it was a joy to drive. I changed it for a BMW 520d in the end because of emissions charges will be coming into play around our area, so didnt fancy paying £15 per day to drive it.
great video as usual !! keep them coming 😬🔥💪🏻
Thank you. Most of my suppliers’ representative’s have driven these, I’ve always hankered after one.
Great review of a lovely looking car. I've always liked the 2-rear-seats format, it gives the vehicle a sense of luxury, it's as if they can dispense with the vulgarity of squeezing in a 3rd seat!
Hi Matt, as soon as I saw new video, I said great a bit of Ray Donovan, almost, so chuffed when you agreed, keep up the great work, stay safe, regards Dave.
Very informative information Matt I was thinking of buying one of these in the same spec as the one your driving to replace my vw passat cc which I’ve had for five years had a few issues with egr valve and rear suspension probs which are there renowned for other than that it’s been great I think you’ve made up my mind of what to get next I’m going to hit the subscribe button now.
I pick up my 2015 cls next week! thanks for such an insightful video and great review!
Glad it was helpful!
Nearly 100k ? Fair play mate keep em coming, excellent as ever !
Thanks, will do!
You nailed this one
Enjoyed it
Thanks! I am driving 2011 CLS 250 which I bought to replace my 2010 CLS 350. But I was reluctant to sell my W219 and thus kept both of them. Both gens are special in a way. This one is much better built and more up to date, more economic , cheaper to tax and so on. But I so love the original looks of W219 , dated or not. Both gens are very cool. One thing you didn't mention - there is a wind-noise due to design of side mirrors on W218.
As always great video and presentation. Now for vans 👍.
You’ve made me seriously think about these 👍🏾👊🏾👌🏾
Yes! Liked , subscribed and want to say plz review the shooting brake. Epic car ! Love the videos !
Thanks! Will do
BEAUTIFUL. I LIKE THIS CHAP'S REVIEWS.
That is a beautiful car. Great review as usual 👍🏽
That interior looks so luxurious and good quality. Must be such a nice place to be on a long run.
It is!
Those seats both front and back look super comfy. Interior looks like a lovely place to cover the miles in.
Nearly 100k!
Lovely Jubbly on the video, it's a Mercedes I actually like, trim and finish on that one looks excellent
Another truly informative and no-nonsense review, completely seeing through the car! In my view, the problem with the CLS is the E-Class. You get so much for your money there. I’d only consider the shooting brake as a compromise, so you get the extra refinement but you don’t feel that you are an antique dealer with a grandfather clock in the back!
Always loved this car...I’m amazed the saloon version didn’t come with a 3 seat option. Massively cut out a huge market share in my opinion and is the only reason I never bought one.Love the rear lights and quarter panels.
The 63 AMG Shooting Brake is my all-time favourite practical car.
Love that shape CLS and in that colour, looks amazing. Defo have that over an E-Class of the same era
An excellent video and an underrated car hope you get to 100k soon love the vids keep them up mate😁
Fingers crossed! Thanks!
@@HighPeakAutos will you be doing something at 100k
Great vid again Matt, I’ve had one of these on a 07 glow plugs went on it and were murder to get out had to leave it at garage for 3 days while they soaked them with lubricant also a fault on them are electric window motors had to do them as well 👍🏻
Good video matt
Great video! Very interesting :)
I have a first gen 60 plate 350 in mercedes matt pearl white! Ive had it 7 years and love it!
Fabulous looking machines. I think of these as something of a land yacht. Would make for an excellent looking car to arrive to any social occasion in. The option of 4Matic and a Shooting Brake could make for a great package. Good video. Thank you.
That really looks like a beautiful car. Well done.
Haha, he literally said the same thing I say to my wife “buy the CLS500, that’s the one Ray Donovan drives!” Great video
Thanks again for an excellent video!😁
My pleasure!
Another great video.
Thanks Matt at last a real car, although the mark3 is still the best looking, I have one and really love it, I agree the BMW gran coupe is stunning but a 2016 model is over 20.000,i got my 2015 2.2 cls amg line. Blue tec with only 27.000 on the clock for 18.000.smells and looks brand new. I did send you a picture in
Your what car do we have, u have seen your video of 1 and 2 but you did not show it. So here it is. Great videos Matt.
Solid review. Straight to the point. Also, I never heard anything bad about this car. Like it almost doesn't have any so called diseases and weak points. Definitely looks like a solid built car in terms of both quality and reliability.
The odd electronic issue tends to be the thing that you may find with well maintained low mile ones
Really great looking cars, I could see me owning one as my only car 👍
Just searched this car to see what it's about and seen you've just hit 400k subs, congrats on that 😀
Stunning looking car, I bought an AMG line E-Class coupe about 18 months ago and it's got to be the nicest car I've ever driven. As already mentioned I'd love to see a review of one of the twin-turbo or supercharged V8s
Very glad to see this vid of the CLS albeit 6mnths too late for me. I bought one! 2013 350d Shooting Brake in Magno Matte. Your closing argument against the comp. is valid for the coupe (and I would have gone 640d)....except you didn’t mention the shooting brake... this is unique (maybe even marmite to some people) but has no such rivals. (2 medium sized dogs do fit).
My Dad absolutely loves the CLS and has done since day one! He would have one in a heartbeat if he could afford it! Always been a Merc fan myself but amazingly never got around to owning one either Lol 🙄
Great looking car! Was tempted to buy this but ended up going for an E350 coupe and haven't looked back since!
My 2010 550 gets me down the road
QUICK! , still love it!
I have had my Iridium silver 2007 CLS500, 5.5 litre V8 MK 1 covered 141,000kms for 3 years. Still in love with the looks. I use 95 RON fuel as recommended.In Australia or more to the point the state I live in Victoria, 95 fuel is about Pounds 0.78 per litre.
I now have 1 of these, well the shootingbrake but love it.
Fantastic car to cover miles in. I had a W219 (Mk1) - bought it at 3yrs old, ran it 2 and a bit years for the work schlep ( up to 5-6hrs drive to suppliers, work all day, then head home). Lovely smooth V6 diesel, torquey, 40+mpg all day without trying, 80 litre tank (free option on CLS & E-Class that most seemed to have) meant I didn't have to figure on fuel stops. And it never missed a beat.
Was looking for a W218 to replace it... got a bit distracted and ended up with a C63! #whoops 🤣
Made in conjunction with Eddie stobart 😁
I bought a CLS new in 2014 and loved it, such a calm cruiser it just chilled you out. The column gear selector was ace, nothing I’ve owned since has worked better
Ergonomically its great, once you're used to it
On the facelift of this they do a gorgeous white interior with white steering wheel etc its stunning
Lovely car Matt! Really like the 2nd generation. 100% with you on the other 4 door coupe marques. The navy colour looks great 👍
It does doesnt it. Cheers
I own a 2011/12 CLS 350 AMG trim, 3.0 V6 diesel, I’ve had the car for 3 years now, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned so far, my previous car was a Jaguar XF luxury 2008, 2.7 diesel, that was unreliable, lots of people told me the newer 3.0 V6 engines are more reliable. I had a reverse camera fitted on my CLS, no heated seats, fortunately this magnificent car heats up really fast. I usually do urban driving not had any mechanical issues at all, I use Shell V power premium diesel only, it drives well, for a 3.0 it’s really good on fuel I get 30 mpg urban 53 mpg on the motorway, no electrical issues, it’s well built, looks the part for a 10 year old car, I used to take it to Mercedes for a service, I think they just rip people off with their fees so for the last 2 years I use Halfords major service ( I get a lot more for my money, highly recommended) the drive is so smooth and the suspension is solid well built all rounder, I cannot fault this car I fell in love with it when I watched Ray Donovan in one, as looks go, it’s one sexy beast it’s incredibly fast. I will keep this car for as long as it lasts,if I have one complain, the DAB cuts out from time to time, that’s an issue I can live with unlike the thousands of £££ I spent on repair bills for my former Jaguar XF. I was going to get the newer 15 plate model but the infotainment screen just sits there, it’s just ugly puts me right off plus most in that year are 2.1 Diesel engines,I think a car of this size must have the 3.0 diesel V6 for a better ride and comfort in my opinion.
Sound advice as usual.
I have been running a facelifted CLS 320cdi on a 58 plate for 11 years. Apart from fuel and serviceable items she has been a peach of a vehicle.Highly recommended.
Only gripe: I hit 50 this year and the seats are getting more difficult to climb out of.
Hahaha😂@Mr Reindeer
That’s a very familiar problem!
Another great review. A few years ago I had a c250 diesel on a 64 plate..it was a nice car but imo had huge turbo lag...you could check autotrader between gear changes .so I got rid. Mate of mine had the s350d same year and he had the same issue...and years ago I had an 88 s500 petrol with zero turbo lag...so this cls being reviewed here may actually be better than new mercs
Thanks for giving Audi A7 a ‘name check’ (it is how I found you). I find the grand coupe a bit confined in the front area and twin turbos on the Diesel engine are a nightmare when they go, along with the glow plugs that went sooner on my basic 6 series convertible.
1st gen gang. Starting right at 07 was the real sweet spot of engine/trans mating with raw naturally aspirated performance
Agree, mk1 looked great when it came out, looks haven’t aged well, a long drive into France with one was epic, handling and refinement 👌🏻, the same car I sat in the rear from Amsterdam to Birmingham at 6’2” was a bit cramped but far better than I thought it would be ... great car, good review 👌🏻😎
Good one Mate, need to video when you get the plaque from youtube!
The design is pretty good for a 9 year old car. Love it!
I agree
I even like the interior multi media integration better that the facelift when they went with the tablet style display. No idea what they were thinking.
The design is so intentional, influential and meaningful
This is one of the best cars Mercedes ever made until they completely ruined it in 2015 as well as with all their lineup with those horrendous ipad-wannabe interior screens
Agreed, they had a nicely integrated design and then 🤷
They also dropped the NA V6 and I think the V8
I agree, I really hate the design after 2015
Great Video, that’s a fine looking car.
Must review next generation CLS. A work in progress that can only improve. I like the style element.
I’d like to see a review of the Citroën C6 and BMW X5 F15.
C6 , bravo
That's a great looking car, specially with those rims. However, as you said, the competition is at another level. Good review!
Thanks! 👍
The cls exists, but has effectively been replaced by the gt63s as a competitor for the gran coupe (beem) and A7 (Aud)
@@tangodown86 I know, but we're talking about the car on the video. 2012 is the context.