Mercedes CLS 320 CDI: 2007-2010 Diesel Luxury Review

The Mercedes CLS 320 CDI redefines luxury coupes with its unique ‘four-door coupe’ design, merging the sleekness of a sports car with the practicality of a sedan. Powered by a sophisticated 3.0-liter V6 turbodiesel engine, this model delivers a balance of performance, refinement, and efficiency that appeals to discerning drivers seeking grand touring excellence.

Iconic Styling That Turns Heads

From the moment you approach the CLS 320 CDI, its low-slung silhouette and curvaceous lines command attention. The frameless doors and flowing roofline create a distinctive profile that sets it apart from traditional saloons or coupes. This design philosophy, pioneered by Mercedes, emphasizes elegance over aggression, evoking classic grand tourers of the past while incorporating modern aerodynamics.

Build quality is exemplary, with tight panel gaps, premium paint finishes, and robust materials throughout. Access to the rear seats is surprisingly generous for a car of this style, thanks to wide-opening doors and ample legroom. The interior exudes sophistication, featuring high-grade leather, wood veneers, and metallic accents that elevate the driving experience to luxury levels.

• Sleek exterior lines enhance aerodynamics and visual appeal.
• Frameless windows add a premium, coupe-like flair.
• Spacious cabin accommodates four adults comfortably.

Powertrain Excellence: Smooth Diesel Performance

At the heart of the CLS 320 CDI lies a 3.0-liter V6 common-rail turbodiesel engine producing 224 horsepower and a substantial 510 Nm (376 lb/ft) of torque from as low as 1,600 rpm. Paired with a seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic transmission, it offers seamless gear shifts and responsive acceleration. While not the outright quickest in its class, with a 0-60 mph time around 7.0 seconds, it excels in real-world usability.

The engine’s refinement is a standout feature, idling almost silently and delivering power with minimal turbo lag. On motorways, it pulls strongly in higher gears, making overtaking effortless. The transmission adapts intuitively to driving styles, with optional paddle shifters available for more engaging control—though an extra fee applies.

This table highlights how the CLS prioritizes smoothness over raw speed, suiting its grand tourer ethos.

Driving Dynamics: Comfort Meets Competence

Behind the wheel, the CLS 320 CDI shines as a composed cruiser. The steering provides decent feedback through a thick-rimmed wheel, though it lacks the razor-sharp precision of sportier rivals. Suspension tuning favors comfort, absorbing road imperfections with poise, delivering one of the best rides in its segment.

Body control is generally excellent, minimizing roll during cornering, but it feels heavier than petrol counterparts like the CLS 350. This weight contributes to stability at high speeds but can make it less agile on twisty roads. Rear-wheel drive enhances traction in dry conditions, and the overall experience is relaxed—perfect for devouring miles on autobahns or long trips.

• Superior ride quality handles bumps gracefully.
• Stable high-speed handling instills confidence.
• Refined cabin isolation reduces noise and vibration.

Owners praise its low-profile tires for maintaining comfort without excessive harshness, even on poorer surfaces.

Interior Refinement and Practicality

Step inside, and the CLS envelops you in luxury. The dashboard layout is driver-focused, with intuitive controls and a high-mounted COMAND infotainment system. Leather-wrapped surfaces and soft-touch materials create a premium ambiance, while supportive seats offer excellent long-haul comfort.

Rear passengers benefit from good headroom and legroom, defying the coupe profile. Boot space is adequate for luggage, with a 505-liter capacity expandable via folding seats. However, minor ergonomic quirks exist, such as the stop/start button’s unconventional position atop the gear lever.

Running Costs and Efficiency

Fuel economy averages 27.5 mpg in mixed driving, supported by an 80-liter tank for a range exceeding 480 miles—ideal for extended tours. CO2 emissions place it in a higher tax bracket, and insurance reflects its premium status. Maintenance requires Mercedes specialists, but reliability is strong with proper servicing; many examples exceed 60,000 miles trouble-free.

Compared to petrol variants, the diesel offers better economy, though resale values hold well due to enduring appeal. Prospective buyers should budget for premium fuel additives and timely oil changes to preserve the engine’s longevity.

Safety and Technology Features

The CLS 320 CDI comes loaded with Mercedes’ safety suite, including multiple airbags, stability control, and optional adaptive cruise. Euro NCAP ratings for the era were strong, bolstered by rigid chassis and advanced braking. Modern examples often include bi-xenon headlights, parking sensors, and navigation as standard.

Italian owners highlight its ‘sicurezza’ (safety) and roadholding, rating it highly for family use.

Comparing to Rivals: Why Choose the CLS?

Against the BMW 6-Series, the CLS trades outright pace for refinement and value—priced around £44,000 new, it’s cheaper yet similarly equipped. The BMW feels sportier, but the Mercedes excels in comfort and style. Audi’s A6 offers saloon practicality, but lacks the CLS’s charisma.

Ownership Verdict: Is It Right for You?

For those prioritizing elegance, comfort, and diesel torque, the CLS 320 CDI is a compelling choice. It’s not a track weapon but shines on open roads, making it ideal for executives or families seeking a stylish daily driver. Low-mileage used examples from 2007-2010 remain desirable, often with full histories.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the Mercedes CLS 320 CDI reliable?

Yes, with regular Mercedes servicing, it’s highly dependable, with many owners reporting minimal issues up to 100,000 miles.

How does the CLS 320 CDI handle compared to the BMW 6-Series?

It’s more comfortable and refined for cruising, less agile on twisties than the firmer BMW.

What’s the fuel economy like?

Expect 27-30 mpg combined, with longer ranges thanks to the large tank.

Are parts expensive for the CLS 320 CDI?

Mercedes parts are premium-priced, but availability is good via specialists.

Can it seat a family comfortably?

Four adults fit well, with good rear legroom for the class.