Mercedes CLS 250 CDI long term review, first report

The engine is the familiar 2,143cc diesel unit and it’s coupled to the equally familiar 7G-Tronic gearbox. There are two driving modes – Eco and Sport. While the Eco mode does dull down performance, it’s perfect for ambling home through rush hour traffic. It does not hold revs too high or long and the throttle response seems perfect for Mumbai’s start-stop traffic. The Sport mode, however, could be better; there is a change in the shift urgency but even so, you will find yourself sometimes reaching for the paddles to improve performance.

As far as features go, you’ve got the regular luxury bells and whistles, with the party trick being the park assist system. The system comprises 360-degree cameras and audio and visual guides. The park assist can also take over steering duties to help you parallel or perpendicular park, but on a few occasions, it required two passes to pick up the available slot. The video feed also isn’t among the best out there as the 360-degree view presents a much distorted video unlike some of the other systems available. What is top notch as far as electronics is concerned is the Harman Kardon sound system – it delivers clear, crisp sound and a very controlled deep bass. It impressed us a lot and has us considering asking our sister magazine Stuff doing a full review for us.

Based on my experience so far, I can say that the CLS would be great for long weekend drives, thanks to it being best suited to highway cruising and being able to put the kids to sleep. Perfect for a run to Goa, now if only our editor will let me test out this theory.