Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

The fourth 'coupé' in the 2005 Mercedes-Benz line-up, although this is being marketed as a unique concept in having four standard doors. Therein lies the dilemma: is it a compromised four-door saloon or a four-seat coupe with improved access for rear seat passengers? Mercedes-Benz suggests the latter and its customers will be inclined to agree. At this price buyers could choose a high-specification E-class or perhaps stretch to an S-class, while it could be argued the CLS offers the elegance of a coupé with none of the compromises of the CLK or CL. It does offer a clear space advantage over rivals like the BMW 6-Series and Jaguar XK8, and is more exclusive than an E-class. It is also good to drive and well built.

GCI, CDI

Part-leather trim, climate control, steering wheel-mounted audio controls, electrically adjustable front seats are all standard. Bi-xenon cornering lights, in-dash CD autochanger, massaging seats, Distronic adaptive cruise control, Linguatronic voice control, Parktronic parking sensors and heated front and rear seats are available as options.

5.4