Mercedes: CLS vs S Class

 CLS 250

Powered by a twin-turbo 2.1-litre diesel engine with 201bhp and 369lb ft of torque, the CLS 250 CDI not only has more than adequate performance but also gives usefully lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions than any of its six-pot siblings.

This diesel is more refined than any other Mercs and in any case, everything becomes silky and quiet when it reaches over the 30mph mark, aided by a very smooth seven-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox. Along with this, with so much torque, its in-gear performance is very impressive.

One of the CLS’s biggest attributes is its eye catching cabin. Its shallow windows create a coupé-like scenery and it has enough extra luxury features to make it feel more high-end than an E-class. The CLS is also noticeably more agile than the equivalent E-class; you wouldn’t call it sporty, but it’s highly satisfying to drive – and not just at speed on a motorway. Well worth purchasing as a cheaper version with many of the same aspects making this motor very satisfying overall.

 

S Class

There are few experiences more relaxing than driving or being the passenger in an S-Class. Vibrations through the pedals and steering wheel are non-existent, even at motorway speeds you won’t hear any wind or tyre roar.

 The wide engine choice is quality for different users and Mercedes also offer a six-cylinder diesel-engined model that returns more than 50mpg. For the ultimate in speed, there are high performance S 63 V8 or S 65 V12 Mercedes-AMG versions. Stepping down a peg, there’s the S 500 straight-six which is still no slouch, hitting 0-62mph in under five seconds and averaging more than 40mpg.

In short, the Mercedes S-Class has set the standard for luxury and cutting-edge technology for over 40 years - and this sixth-generation car is the best yet. Other revisions for the 2017 model year include some minor styling updates and some major technical changes, including a new straight-six diesel engine and a new mild-hybrid powertrain.

Depending on style or budget, you can also add either the Premium or Premium Plus packages. The former adds a 360-degree camera with remote parking assistant, heated/cooled front seats, a panoramic glass sunroof and nappa leather upholstery; and, on top of that, the latter adds an uprated stereo, massaging front seats and both the Energising Comfort and Air-Balance packages. Even further, there’s an executive package, which includes adjustable backrests, heated/cooled electrically operated seats, blinds in the rear windows and rear climate control. All in all a dream car, world class when compared to it’s rivals in most aspects.