CLS FACELIFT questions

[Lennox]

Hi, first post and still a Merc virgin...... Looking at replacing my wife's 2014 A6 s-line Ultra Avant next year with a CLS Shootingbreak and wanted a bit of a steer:

1: is the 220 too underpowered? 350 the only way to go?
2: I'm leasing it so cannot really load on many options, but are there option that's are must haves?
3: it's either this or an F11 535d (I had an E61 535d and X5 35d and miss the twin turbo straight six) anyone had experience of both??
4: is the new E Class estate out next year? Should I wait for that??

Appreciate any comment / help.

 

[b1g1an]

Given 3, why even asking 1?

 

[Lennox]

Given 3, why even asking 1?

£££££

 

[regbuser]

Hi, first post and still a Merc virgin...... Looking at replacing my wife's 2014 A6 s-line Ultra Avant next year with a CLS Shootingbreak and wanted a bit of a steer:

1: is the 220 too underpowered? 350 the only way to go?
2: I'm leasing it so cannot really load on many options, but are there option that's are must haves?
3: it's either this or an F11 535d (I had an E61 535d and X5 35d and miss the twin turbo straight six) anyone had experience of both??
4: is the new E Class estate out next year? Should I wait for that??

Appreciate any comment / help.

Hi Lennox,

I've had a 350SB for two years, to answer your questions:

1 - yes, go for 350; i can get 44mpg if i stay at 70mph, 35 mpg for spirited driving - and it pulls like a train
2 - airmatic, makes the ride plush if you're doing long miles; sunroof, brightens up the cave-like interior; space saver spare wheel, dealer only aftermarket option now they don't suppy a spare (replaced by bluetec/urea tank)
3 - kind of, imho the 535d is not in the same class as the CLS SB stylewise (hugely personal opinion)
4 - possibly, depends on how much boot volume you need, but teh e class interiors to date have been lacking refinement

contractcars.com have some good leasing deals, or I try MB Exeter, they (so far) have been exemplary wrt my lease renewal this September

 

[b1g1an]

£££££

So you meant to say, that or a 520d or 535d then

 

[Lennox]

I'm trying to stay below £500 per month on a lease deal and the CLS is currently coming in at under £400!!!!!! With the 220 spec. It's a stunning car and to be honest I have put up with the Audi Ultra engine so far. So the CLS 220 might just do. The 350 is currently over the budget but I don't want to get the 220 if it's going to be depressingly slow as is down BhP and NM on the Audi. (Test drive may need to be arranged closer to the time). The bmw 535d and 335d are currently in budget but it's an engine choice as they both IMHO lag behind the CLS in style, presence and head turning ability.

I could extend the A6 to meet the early delivery of the new E Class though. But assume there will be few cheap leasing deals on launch.

 

[Dryce]

That's quite a range in performance. From a CLS220 to the 335d.

And you have to watch the options - when I was looking at the CLS two years back the 250 was the lowest option and the 350 cost more to lease but was better equipped - if you optioned up a 250 then the 350 started to make more sense very quickly.

The 535d is a performance step up from the MB 350. But a basic 535d will maybe not feel that great compared with the CLS350 - so the options become an issue again. Rather than optioning up a 535d then the 640d is sometimes available on aggressive deals as long as the mileage restrictions are acceptable.

335d? A step down in terms of interior - so options become an issue perhaps - but it should be another step up from the 535d in terms of performance because of its lower weight.

I would add that I think MB are a better marque than BMW - though I feel both are chasing each other downwards.

I would also add that my experience of having a quick 3.0 litre diesel lump is that it's nice to have - especially with passengers and luggage - but on UK roads and traffic it doesn't always give you much tangible benefit in terms of journey times.

 

[Lennox]

That's quite a range in performance. From a CLS220 to the 335d.

Yes, lol. I'm basically trying to max my cash. I started with what do I need over our current A6 and all we need is a half decent family wagon and something that will make me smile. I loved my 535d but as you say less opportunity to really use it. Each car has its merits and foibles.

 

[Dryce]

I loved my 535d but as you say less opportunity to really use it. .

My feeling over the last year or two is that driving culture that was developing over the last decade or more has reached a tipping point where the tangible benefits of any performance over and above a 2.0l diesel is becoming neutered.

Basically chances are with a 335d or 535d you'll make good progress for a while on As and Bs until you either encounter (a) that line of traffic with no gaps that refuses to take safe the available overtaking opportunities to advance around a 40mph goods vehicle or (b) or that CLS220 you could have bought that is making decent progress but you can't get by without speeding because he's up to NSL just fast enough after every bend.

 

[regbuser]

on contracthireandleasing.com there are 3 deals for a CLS350SB below £500 inclusive of VAT

 

[Lennox]

on contracthireandleasing.com there are 3 deals for a CLS350SB below £500 inclusive of VAT

Thanks, sorry. I change every 2 years and therefore don't want a massive deposit due, max I am happy with in 6 months up front so it's a 6*23 deal I want. The costs over the 2 years work out as:

CLS350 = £15,448.30
CLS220 = £10,814.65

I don't see the 350 worth 43% more. Plus insurance and running cost will be higher. So it looks like a CLS220 (or E220 if it's out in time) could be the best choice. Just need to replace the GTD later in the year with a Golf R to get my kicks.

 

[regbuser]

agreed, horses for courses

I've put 30k into mine running up and down to Newcastle, the comfort and pace have helped ease the stresses of those journeys

 

[C240Sport97]

the BMW equivalent for the CLS is the 6 series Gran Coupe

 

[Lennox]

the BMW equivalent for the CLS is the 6 series Gran Coupe

Agree but I'm looking at the Shooting break (estate) hence the 5 series.

 

[Lennox]

Library shot are nice....

But s real car looks even better I think.

Pity the lottery hasn't come in yet

 

[JBD]

Library shot are nice....

But s real car looks even better I think.

Pity the lottery hasn't come in yet

I was driving that car in the second pic on Friday, it's one we have for sale. The 350 is definitely better, but I don't think it justifies being more than 40% more expensive.

 

[Lennox]

I was driving that car in the second pic on Friday, it's one we have for sale. The 350 is definitely better, but I don't think it justifies being more than 40% more expensive.

Stunning car, is that palladium or tenorite??

So would you be happy with the 220?? It's to replace an a6 Ultra which I have to say is and i was surprised is sufficiently powerful for today's heavily policed roads.

 

[JBD]

Stunning car, is that palladium or tenorite??

So would you be happy with the 220?? It's to replace an a6 Ultra which I have to say is and i was surprised is sufficiently powerful for today's heavily policed roads.

It's Paladium Silver. Tenorite is more like a gun metal colour. I'd be happy with the 220, it's significantly more efficient and has plenty of go in it for motorway driving.

 

[Lennox]

It's Paladium Silver. Tenorite is more like a gun metal colour. I'd be happy with the 220, it's significantly more efficient and has plenty of go in it for motorway driving.

Thanks, why is the facelift the 220 and you could get a 250 in the old shape?? The 250 was a twin turbo if I am correct?? Did they drop the engine for a reason??

 

[JBD]

I believe the 250 isn't Euro6 compliant, which is why it's been dropped on the E class recently. It is strange that they continue to sell the c class in 250 guise though.