Mercedes-Benz CLS 350

CLS 350 Review

Mercedes Benz India has officially rolled out the all new CLS 350 version in the automobile market. This latest variant comes with slight modifications to its interiors and exteriors. To start with its exteriors, it comes with a refurbished radiator grille and slightly tweaked rear profile. The company is offering this latest trim with a captivating set of styling aspects, which includes a classy set of 15-spoke based light weight alloy wheels that are of 18 inches. These are covered with tubeless radials, which further emphasizes the athletic character of its side facet. The insides have been improved with a slightly refined finish and improved color scheme as well. It also has a 3D instrument cluster, which adds to its incredible aspects. This Mercedes Benz CLS Class 350 trim is powered by a 3.5-litre, V6 petrol engine that is paired with a 7G-Tronic automatic transmission gearbox. This vehicle can achieve an electronically limited top speed of 250 Kmph and can break the 100 Kmph speed barrier in just 6.1 seconds. The company is offering this latest trim with a enchanting set of styling aspects like a sophisticated active park assist system that enables the driver to choose suitable parking space, active steering intervention, which offers reliable steering mechanism and provides effortless parking, a panoramic sunroof, LED based tail lights along with quite a few other aspects as well.

Exteriors:

This latest version received minor tweaks to its exteriors, especially to its front and rear facets. To start with the front profile, it comes equipped with a modified radiator grille that has two horizontally positioned slats, which are engraved with a stylish company's logo. The headlight cluster has been retained, which is equipped with high intensity LED lamps along with DRLs and turn indicators. Below this, it is fitted with a masculine bumper that has a perforated air intake section along with two air ducts, which are further fitted with LED fog lamps. Coming to the rear profile, the company has updated the bumper, which is fitted with a muffler cutter along with an aluminum protective cladding. Its gets a wide stance from rear as the shoulder line gets a minor tweak. The boot lid looks very sleek and is engraved with a chrome plated strip along with model lettering. The taillight cluster has been retained and is powered by LED lights . As said above, the company is offering this variant with stylish 15-spoke alloy wheels, which are covered with high performance tubeless radial tyres. Apart from these, the company is also offering a new Diamond Silver exterior paint option as well.

Interiors:

Coming to the interiors, this vehicle is blessed with a refined color scheme, which improves the plushness of its interiors. The space inside the cabin has been improved, which redefines the luxury of the cabin. In addition to these, the car maker has incorporated an exquisite three dimensional digital instrument cluster that is equipped with information based functions. Also, it gets a slightly updated steering wheel , which is covered in premium leather upholstery and is fused with gear shift paddles. The overall look is augmented by ambient lights with three different modes like Solar, Polar and Neutral. In addition to these, the company has also fitted a sliding sun roof, which lets in natural light and fresh air. Apart from all this, the automaker has also installed a custom-tuned 610 Watt Harman Kardon surround sound system. The remaining aspects of this 2014 trim have been retained from the outgoing model. The manufacturer has given several utility aspects including a cooled glove box, temperature control cup holders, storage compartment and several other such aspects.

Engine and Performance:

This 2014 version is equipped with a 3.5-litre petrol mill that has the latest generation direct fuel injection technology, which operates through high pressure piezo injectors. This V6 engine has a total of 24 valves that displaces 3498cc and is further incorporated with bi-turbo charging unit. This petrol mill can develop a peak power of about 306bhp at 6500rpm and produces a pounding torque of 370Nm between 3500 to 5250rpm. This engine is skillfully mated with a sophisticated 7G-Tronic seven speed automatic transmission gearbox that enables the front wheels to extract torque output. It takes only about 6.1 seconds to breach the 100 kmph mark from a standstill and it can reach a top speed of about 250 Kmph, which is quite impressive.

Braking and Handling:

All the wheels have been fitted with internally vented disc brakes, which are further loaded with high performance brake calipers. This disc braking mechanism is further augmented by adaptive braking along with hold function, brake assist and anti lock braking. It is monitored by ESP (electronic stability program) and traction control, which further helps to improve agility of this vehicle. This sophisticated coupe is also equipped with an AIRMATIC air suspension system featuring continuously variable damping system. The company has integrated a direct-steer system with speed sensitive function, which reduces the effort used on the steering.

Comfort Features:

This Mercedes Benz CLS Class 350 trim is blessed with several advanced equipments that makes the journey, extremely comfortable. Its front seats have electrically adjustment facility along with memory package that provides enhanced comfort. This coupe comes with a list of features, which includes a PARKATRONIC active park assistance, individually adjusted driving modes, THERMOTRONIC automatic air conditioning system , electric sun protection blinds for rear windows, rear center armrest with storage and cup holders and a leather wrapped multi functional steering wheel with 12 buttons. The company has also installed a sophisticated 610 Watt Dolby digital 5.1 sound system with 14-loud speakers and a sub-woofer that delivers outstanding sound.

Safety Features:

This vehicle comes with several PRE-Safe and assistance systems, which maximizes the protection for occupants inside. It has NECK-PRO adjustable head restraints in front, seat belts with pre-tensioner and two stage force limiters, ATTENTION ASSIST system, eight airbags and a cruise control system with speed limiter and brake intervention. In addition to these, it has side impact protection, tyre pressure loss warning, brake pad wear indicator and an engine immobilizer featuring ELCODE locking system and an infrared remote control as well.

Pros:

1. Refined exteriors and interiors are a big plus.

2. Improved comfort features adds to its advantage.

Cons:

1. Price tag is quite expensive.

2. Fuel economy can be made better.