Mercedes CLS

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d is a four-door coupe sedan that redefines luxury in India with its 4988mm length, 1890mm width, and 2939mm wheelbase, seating four in opulent comfort with heated/ventilated seats and ample rear legroom ideal for family road trips from Delhi to Jaipur. Powered by a 1950cc diesel engine producing 241bhp at 4200rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2400rpm, it pairs with a 9-speed automatic and RWD for refined acceleration and stability, backed by an 80-litre tank. Key highlights include dual 12.3-inch displays, automatic climate control, power steering, ABS, airbags, alloy wheels, and advanced aids like adaptive cruise—earning a 5-star Euro NCAP equivalent. At 118mm ground clearance, it navigates Indian roads confidently, though I advise against off-roading. With premium features like fog lights and remote access, it's engineered for those prioritizing style, performance, and tech in daily drives, making it a compelling buy for discerning owners.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d stands out in India as a 5-seater luxury sedan blending coupe-like elegance with grand tourer practicality, powered by a refined 1950cc turbo-diesel engine producing 241bhp at 4200rpm and 500Nm from 1600-2400rpm, mated to a 9-speed automatic and rear-wheel drive for poised handling. Measuring 4988mm long with a 2939mm wheelbase, it offers decent front space but tapered rear headroom suits couples over families. Key highlights include dual 12.3-inch displays running MBUX infotainment, ventilated seats, automatic climate control, 360-degree cameras, and ADAS like adaptive cruise. With an 80-litre tank, 118mm ground clearance navigates urban India adequately, while alloy wheels, LED lights, and premium audio elevate desirability. Built to BS6 norms, it promises reliability through Mercedes' widespread service, making it a strong buy for enthusiasts valuing style, tech, and diesel efficiency in the Rs. 1 crore segment against Audi A7 or BMW Gran Coupe.

In my years reviewing luxury sedans, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d stands out as a masterful blend of coupe-like elegance and grand tourer prowess tailored for Indian roads. I appreciate how its 1950cc diesel engine delivers 241bhp and 500Nm of torque through a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, offering effortless overtakes on highways like the Mumbai-Pune Expressway while maintaining composure in bumper-to-bumper city traffic. The rear-wheel-drive setup paired with adaptive suspension ensures planted handling, and the low 118mm ground clearance handles urban speed breakers adequately, though I caution against deep potholes common in monsoon-hit cities. Inside, the spacious four-seater cabin wraps you in premium leather with dual 12.3-inch screens, ambient lighting, and ventilated seats that combat India's sweltering heat. Safety features like ABS, multiple airbags, and advanced driver aids provide reassurance. While rivals like the BMW 6 GT offer similar space, the CLS's frameless doors and sculpted lines give it unmatched style. For buyers seeking a statement luxury sedan that balances thrill, comfort, and prestige without fully compromising practicality, I wholeheartedly recommend it—it's a car that elevates every drive.

I find the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d to be a compelling choice for those seeking a blend of striking design and refined performance in India's luxury sedan segment. Its iconic four-door coupe silhouette turns heads on city streets and highways alike, while the 1950cc diesel engine delivers 241bhp and 500Nm of torque through a smooth 9-speed automatic transmission, ensuring effortless overtakes and serene cruising. The rear-wheel-drive setup offers engaging dynamics, complemented by adaptive suspension that handles pothole-ridden roads reasonably well, though ground clearance at 118mm demands caution on speed breakers. Inside, the dual 12.3-inch screens, premium leather, and ambient lighting create a cockpit worthy of long drives from Mumbai to Pune. Safety features like multiple airbags and stability control add reassurance. While not the most practical for families due to limited rear headroom, it excels as a driver's car with superior build quality and prestige. At its price point, it outshines rivals like the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe in styling and tech, making it ideal if you prioritize presence and pleasure over outright space—buy it if luxury and performance define your drive, but test extensively for real-world fit.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has been discontinued as of August 2023, as part of the companys plan to rationalize its model lineup. This decision was made due to challenges in justifying the CLSs place in the market. I think this is a significant loss for fans of the four-door coupe segment.

Despite the discontinuation, the 2023 CLS models still boast impressive features, including a 362-hp turbo inline-6 engine with EQ Boost, a 9G-TRONIC automatic transmission, and advanced driver assists like MBUX and augmented reality navigation. The interior is luxurious with leather seats, ambient lighting, and a digital dashboard.

The CLS-Class was known for its sleek and muscular body design, featuring LED lights, a normal or Panamericana grille, flush door handles, and a sloping roofline. This design helped it stand out as a trendsetter in the automotive industry. I believe its design will be missed in the market.

The CLS 63 AMG version was particularly powerful, with a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine producing 603 hp and 627 lb-ft of torque, allowing it to go from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.4 seconds. This made it a favorite among performance enthusiasts.

The CLS-Class also featured a range of safety features, including adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot assist, rear cross traffic alert, parking assist, and a surround view camera. These features enhanced the driving experience and safety of the vehicle.

The Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d, the sole diesel variant available in India, carries a last recorded ex-showroom price of Rs. 86.39 Lakh, with the base variant at Rs. 84.70 Lakh, positioning it as a premium yet accessible luxury sedan in a market dominated by SUVs. On-road prices, factoring in registration, insurance, road tax, and fastag, typically push this to Rs. 98-1.05 Crore in major cities like Delhi or Mumbai, where higher taxes apply; in states like Karnataka or Maharashtra, expect around Rs. 1 Crore all-in, varying by location-specific levies. As someone who's crunched numbers on dozens of luxury buys, I find this pricing shrewd—it's competitively below the BMW 6 Series GT's top trims while undercutting AMG variants, making it a smart entry into Mercedes' elite coupe-sedans. Resale holds strong at 70-80% after three years due to brand cachet, and low depreciation offsets the premium fuel costs. For high-net-worth buyers eyeing long-term ownership, the value shines through superior build quality and service network across 50+ Indian cities, ensuring peace of mind without the full S-Class splurge.

In India, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 300d carries a last recorded ex-showroom price of around Rs. 86.39 lakh, depending on the variant and location, as seen across major cities like Delhi and Mumbai. On-road prices escalate significantly due to hefty taxes—typically 28% GST, road tax varying from 12-18% by state (e.g., higher in Karnataka at 18%), insurance around Rs. 3-4 lakh annually for comprehensive coverage, and additional fees like RTO registration and fastag, pushing the total to approximately Rs. 1.05-1.15 crore. For instance, in Delhi, expect ex-showroom at Rs. 86.39 lakh plus Rs. 10-12 lakh in taxes and Rs. 3 lakh insurance, landing near Rs. 1.10 crore on-road. I view this as premium but justified for the badge and features; depreciation hits hard in the first three years (20-30% loss), yet resale holds better than most thanks to Mercedes' service network. Factor in high maintenance—Rs. 50,000-80,000 per service post-warranty—and premium diesel costs. If budget stretches, it's a worthwhile investment for status; otherwise, consider certified pre-owned for savings without much compromise on luxury. Always negotiate dealer extras and check latest incentives for the best deal.

I rate the CLS 300d's ARAI-certified 16.13 kmpl impressive for its power in India, yielding real-world 12-14 kmpl on highways and 9-11 kmpl in cities with diesel at Rs. 90/litre—running costs around Rs. 7-8/km beat petrol rivals. For cost-conscious buyers, it's a solid pick over thirstier luxury sedans, saving Rs. 50,000 yearly on 15,000km.

I see the CLS 300d's ARAI-rated 16.13 kmpl as respectable for its class in India, delivering 12-14 kmpl on highways with diesel at Rs. 90/litre, keeping running costs around Rs. 7-8/km. City mileage drops to 9-11 kmpl amid traffic, but smooth driving mitigates this. For mileage-focused buyers, it's efficient enough versus thirstier petrol rivals, with low diesel prices aiding affordability—opt for it over petrol variants to balance luxury and wallet without regret.