Mercedes CLS 350d 2018: In-Depth Review Of Diesel Luxury

The 2018 Mercedes CLS 350d stands out as the accessible entry point to the CLS lineup, delivering a compelling mix of brisk acceleration, whisper-quiet refinement, and premium features at a competitive price. This four-door coupe redefines executive travel with its 3.0-liter diesel engine producing 282 horsepower and 600Nm of torque, achieving 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds while promising up to 50mpg combined economy.

Design and Exterior Appeal

Mercedes crafted the CLS 350d with a sleek, aerodynamic silhouette that captures attention on any road. The elongated hood, fastback roofline, and frameless doors create a dramatic profile, distinguishing it from traditional saloons. Standard AMG Line trim adds aggressive styling cues like a bold front grille, sculpted side sills, and 19-inch alloy wheels, enhancing its sporty yet elegant presence.

LED Multibeam headlights provide superior illumination with adaptive high-beam assist, ensuring safety during night drives. The rear features slim taillights and dual exhaust tips, maintaining the coupe-like flair. Available in various metallic finishes, the bodywork resists chips and corrosion, promising longevity in daily use.

• Sweeping roofline for coupe aesthetics in a practical four-door format.
• Aerodynamic efficiency aids fuel economy and high-speed stability.
• AMG Line elements including sporty bumpers and larger wheels.

Powertrain and Driving Dynamics

At the heart of the CLS 350d is a refined 3.0-liter straight-six turbodiesel engine, shared with higher-end Mercedes models like the S-Class. It unleashes 282bhp at 3,600-4,200rpm and a massive 600Nm from just 1,200rpm, paired with a slick nine-speed 9G-Tronic automatic transmission. This setup propels the car to 62mph in 5.7 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155mph, with effortless torque for overtaking.

Standard 4MATIC all-wheel drive distributes power intelligently, maximizing traction in wet or slippery conditions. The gearbox shifts seamlessly, holding gears during spirited drives or relaxing into higher ratios for cruising. Optional air suspension adjusts ride height and damping via Dynamic Select modes—Comfort, Eco, Sport, Sport+, and Individual—delivering a plush ride on motorways while firming up for corners.

Steering is precise yet light, prioritizing long-distance comfort over razor-sharp feedback. On undulating B-roads, the chassis remains composed, absorbing bumps with air springs while body roll is minimal thanks to adaptive damping. Noise insulation is exemplary; wind and tire roar are barely audible at highway speeds.

Interior Comfort and Technology

Step inside the CLS 350d, and you’re enveloped in a cabin borrowing the best from Mercedes’ S-Class playbook. Dual 12.3-inch displays form a widescreen cockpit for the COMAND infotainment and digital instrument cluster, displaying vivid graphics and customizable views. The touchpad controller is intuitive, supporting handwriting recognition, though voice commands handle most tasks efficiently.

Seats are multi-contoured with electro-pneumatic lumbar support, heated and ventilated in higher specs, wrapped in premium leather. 64-color ambient lighting bathes the space in mood-setting hues, complemented by brushed aluminum pedals and open-pore wood trim. Rear space accommodates adults adequately for a coupe, with folding 40/20/40 seats expanding the 520-liter boot for versatility.

• Active Parking Assist with reversing camera simplifies tight maneuvers.
• Burmester audio (Premium Plus pack) delivers immersive sound.
• Wireless charging and dual-zone climate control as standard.

Build quality shines through soft-touch materials and precise panel gaps, though the central storage bin’s plastics feel slightly less premium. Headroom suffers from the sloping roof, but legroom is generous.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

Mercedes equips the CLS 350d with a comprehensive suite of active safety tech. Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring come standard. Adaptive cruise control maintains distance in traffic, while traffic sign recognition updates speed limits dynamically.

The optional Driving Assistance Package adds evasive steering assist and active speed limit assist. Multibeam LED headlights adjust to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic, illuminating up to 650 meters ahead. Euro NCAP would rate it highly, given its shared platform with five-star E-Class siblings.

Practicality and Ownership Costs

Priced from around £57,500, the CLS 350d undercuts the 400d while matching its prowess, offering strong residual values in the luxury market. Fuel efficiency of 50mpg offsets running costs, with CO2 at 148g/km attracting moderate taxes (£450 first-year VED).

Service intervals are 15,000 miles or yearly, with Mercedes’ prepaid plans easing budgeting. Warranty covers three years/ unlimited mileage, extendable to five. Reliability is solid, though diesel particulate filters require careful highway use.

Market Position and Rivals

The CLS 350d competes with the BMW 6 Series Gran Turismo and Audi A7 Sportback. It excels in ride refinement over the sportier BMW, while offering more power than base Audis at a similar price. Its diesel torque suits UK motorists favoring economy without sacrificing luxury.

For pure performance, AMG CLS 53 looms, but the 350d suffices for most, blending usability and excitement.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2018 CLS 350d reliable?

Yes, it inherits robust engineering from the E-Class, with few reported issues beyond routine diesel maintenance.

How does the CLS compare to the E-Class?

The CLS prioritizes style with a coupe roofline, sacrificing some rear headroom but gaining visual appeal.

What’s the best engine choice?

The 350d offers the ideal balance of power, efficiency, and cost for long-distance drivers.

Can it seat five comfortably?

Five seats are available, but the middle rear is best for children due to the transmission tunnel.

Is air suspension worth it?

Essential for ultimate comfort; standard steel setup is capable but less adjustable.

Verdict: Why Choose the CLS 350d?

The 2018 Mercedes CLS 350d elevates daily driving into a luxurious experience. Its potent diesel, serene cabin, and cutting-edge tech make it a standout, especially for motorway warriors. While not the track star, it excels as a refined grand tourer, proving entry-level doesn’t mean compromising on excellence.