2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS300d 4Matic Automatic C257

It doesn’t seem that long ago that we were testing the then new third-generation CLS-Class, but that was 2018, and just over three years on, it’s time for the mid-life update to arrive. But with just 372 examples finding homes during what was a turbulent last year, we’re surprised that the German firm continues to import it to these shores. The update sharpens up the exterior, with revisions to the bumpers front and rear, a more prominent grille, fresh alloy wheel designs, and new colours. Inside, there’s a brand-new steering wheel with gloss black spokes and touch sensitive controls, fresh choices for the wood trim and a redesigned controller for the infotainment system between the front seats.

The cabin of the CLS was already a suitably plush environment to spend time, and the modest changes just enhance that experience a notch, with the afterburnerlike air vents remaining, and the super widescreen instrument cluster and infotainment screen that merges as one. We love the mood lighting that bathes the cabin in light at night and the new wood trim that looks and feels better than ever. All of the surfaces are plush, and in keeping with the lofty price tag. The haptic feedback for the steering wheel controls take a moment to get used to, but you’ll soon be making full use of the new ways of communicating with the car’s infotainment system. The driving position is low and perfectly in keeping with the grand tourer ambience. The front seats are supportive, there’s plenty of headroom up front, while in the rear there’s a decent amount of legroom on offer. Only really tall occupants will baulk at the headroom in the back, on account of the curvy silhouette. Boot space is good at 520 litres, though there’s a narrow aperture to load items, and the sill is quite high to haul luggage over.

For the CLS 300d 4Matic C257 model, as tested here, it adopts the latest 2.0-litre mild hybrid turbodiesel engine that made its first appearance in the C-Class saloon and estate. Along with the engine’s 261bhp, there’s a 15bhp boost from the mild hybrid drivetrain. It’s designed to harness energy while you brake or slow down and deliver a boost to the engine so the powerplant isn’t working quite so hard, improving its efficiency and enhancing fuel economy. It’s a lovely powerplant, with great sprinting ability off the line, and the strong overtaking poke delivers a sense of effortless. The steering is light, yet accurate, and the road manners reassuringly planted, with excellent grip afforded by the standard-fit 4Matic all-wheel drive system. Refinement is immense with road, tyre, and wind noise all nicely muted. The suspension set up is well judged, with a cross between attentive sports saloon and long-legged luxury limousine.

FACTS & FIGURES 2022 Mercedes-Benz CLS300d 4Matic Automatic C257

• On sale Autumn 2021
• In showrooms Autumn 2021
• List prices From £60,000 approximately
• Bodystyles 4-door Coupé
• Powerplants 2.0 Diesel automatic (261bhp), 3.0 Diesel automatic (326bhp)
• Trim levels AMG Line
• Also consider Audi A7 Sportback, BMW 8 Series Gran Coupé,
• Version tested CLS300 d 4Matic Automatic C257
• List price £ tba
• Built in Sindelfingen, Germany
• Codename C257 Platform MRA
• Bodystyle 4-door coupé, 5-seats
• Layout Four-wheel-drive
• Powerplant 1,993cc, 4-cylinder, 16-valve, turbo diesel with mild hybrid technology
• Gearbox 9-speed automatic
• Stop-start Yes SCR Yes
• Max power (engine) 261bhp @ 4,200rpm
• Max power (mild hybrid) 15bhp
• Max torque (engine) 406lb ft @ 1,800-2,200rpm
• Max torque (mild hybrid) 148lb ft
• Top speed 155mph
• 0-62mph 6.4secs
• CO2 emissions 153g/km
• Economy (combined) 48.7mpg
• Fuel tank 66 litres
• Range 707 miles
• Insurance group tba
• BIK rate (2021/2022 tax year) 34%
• Size (length/width with mirrors) 4,996/2,069mm
• Boot space 520 litres
• Kerb weight/max towing 1,935/1,900kg
• Euro NCAP crash rating Not yet tested
• Warranty 3 years/Unlimited miles
• Wheels (Full-size/spacesaver/run-flat/self-seal/repair kit) No/no/no/no/yes
• Verdict The changes are relatively small in the scheme of things, but bring enhancements to useability. We like it.
• DrivesToday rating 8/10