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By Jonathan Crouch

Ten Second Review word count: 61

The Mercedes CLS was the original 'Gran Turismo'-style four-door coupe model in the full-sized Executive segment and its always been the only choice if you only want four doors in a model of this sort. This third generation version reprised much of the style of the original and showcases the brand's most cutting-edge engine technology. Particularly in this lightly updated form.

Background word count: 188

There are some cars that don't need to try very hard to justify their place in the overall scheme of things. Other rivals might do things better when you examine the numbers, but this rare cadre of vehicles thrive merely because they're beautiful things to own. On the face of it, there's nothing a Mercedes-Benz CLS does that's significantly superior to a garden-variety E-Class, but just look at the thing. It's a car most would love to own. The first generation CLS appeared in 2004 and lasted for six years, pioneering the 'Gran Turismo' part of the executive segment later taken up by five-door rivals like the Audi A7 Sportback and the BMW 5 Series GT. The second generation CLS model launched in 2010 didn't look quite as extreme, but was better in virtually every other regard. The pace of development at Mercedes is utterly breathtaking and many of the systems developed for the latest C, E and S-Class models found their way into this MK3 model CLS-Class line up when it was launched in 2018. A light update in mid-2021 kept this car looking and feeling current.

Driving Experience word count: 205

The standard 400d CLS model comes with the in-line six-cylinder diesel engine that Mercedes first launched in later versions of the last generation S-Class saloon. It produces 326hp and 700Nm of torque in the 400d and can sprint from rest to 62 mph in 5 seconds en route to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. The Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 features a six cylinder petrol unit putting out 435hp and 520Nm using the brand's clever EQ Boost technology, includes a 48 volt inline starter generator offering an extra 22hp boost for overtaking. It can travel from standstill to 62mph in 4.5 seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive comes as standard across the range. More technology is provided by the optional autonomous driving set-up that when activated, allows the car to pretty much drive itself, working with the adaptive cruise control and active steering systems to keep this CLS rolling in its chosen lane at any chosen speed up to 130mph. All models get 9-speed auto transmission and Mercedes' 'DYNAMIC SELECT' driving modes system. Twisting secondary roads don't really sit in this car's comfort zone - the steering's not especially feelsome but the brilliant ride quality and superb refinement offer ample compensation.