Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI: Buzz creator

The Mercedes-Benz CLS has and always will be synonymous with style. It combines the best features of the E-Class with the suave looks of a coupe. When it made its debut in 2005, the CLS was a trendsetter because at that time there weren't any luxury coupes around. Today, of course, the CLS has competition from the likes of the Audi A7 and the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe. A decade later, the second generation CLS has sharper driving dynamics, is visually more appealing than before and, fortunately for potential buyers, the car is now a lot more affordable.

With Mercedes-Benz deciding to install a 2.1-litre, 204 bhp diesel engine in the CLS, purchasers' eyes should light up. However, this comes with collateral damage: the 3.5-litre, 304 bhp petrol version will be scrapped from the Indian market.

The first thing that stands out when you look at the new CLS is its beautiful, all-black diamond radiator mesh, very similar to the one seen in the CLA, the auto maker's compact luxury sedan. The bonnet creases are a lot more visible on the sides and it has equipped the car with state-of-the-art headlamps that consist of 36 LEDs, of which 24 can be controlled individually.

Apart from its tech wizardry, the headlight cluster also looks aesthetically pleasing. Even though the CLS has a very low and sporty stance, Mercedes-Benz has given it an air of elegance with wheel arches that beautifully merge with the well-crafted body. The eye-catching swoop of the coupe roofline makes the CLS look like it's ever ready for stylish action, more so because it has also retained the swanky frameless doors of the previous version.

A true luxury car is all about having the best comforts and cabins - therefore, it is with some expectations that we step into the CLS. Though a lot looks familiar inside, mainly because the CLS predominantly has the E-Class cabin, it does come with a bigger COMMAND infotainment screen.

It also sports a new 360-degree camera that makes parking very convenient. In addition, the new Bluetooth telephone feature allows the COMMAND system to connect to the Internet via the mobile phone. You can stream music by choosing apps like Tunein radio and let the 14 Harmon Kardon speakers take over.

To add a more luxurious feel to the CLS, it has been given wooden trims and white leather. But if you think white is too pristine for the dusty Indian conditions, you have the option to go for black, brown and beige trims. The seats, as expected, are big, supportive and comfortable, but the roofline does restrict your movement when you are entering or exiting the cabin. For the rear passengers, the CLS will prove to be a strictly four-seat car, and though there is ample legroom, tall people may find the lack of adequate headroom a pain in the neck.

The 2.1-litre diesel, while not earth shattering in its output, produces a reasonable 204 bhp of power. This may not sound like much, but that's where the torque comes in. The Newtons kick in as soon as the accelerator is pressed. Apart from the initial diesel clatter, the engine settles down even as the cabin keeps things quiet from the inside. In terms of refinement, the engine is right up there as long as it is within the 4,000-4,500 rpm range. The performance the engine churns is not lightning quick though, even if it is more than adequate for day-to-day driving.

The CLS has an "S" mode too, but this sports drive doesn't dope up the engine's eagerness by all that big a margin. So don't think that by pressing the S button, you will be able to convert a mundane drive into a raucous speed trip. You can make things more exciting, however, by operating the paddle shifters to work the seven-speed gearbox though. That's when the CLS is more in your control and you can push it a bit more. Gear shifts are smooth and quick and the gearbox is also a good operator in the auto mode.

Adjustable air suspension is standard in the CLS, but I felt the suspension set-up was slightly stiffer when compared with the E-Class's. You can feel this particularly at slow speed, so take it easy when you encounter potholes. Once the CLS picks up speed, however, it's smooth sailing. Even though the CLS is not renowned for being a smooth handler, the car does come with a "Sport" suspension set-up that makes it more agile around the corners. But then, you can feel the car's bulk weighing in on you.

Style is never cheap and with Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI costing Rs 76.5 lakh at the dealership, you will quarrel with your logical self for a justification. But then I guess whoever is thinking of taking the CLS home is not considering logic or reason - it is all about making a statement and creating a buzz in your social circle. The saner choice would, of course, be the E-Class, but the visual appeal of the CLS can guarantee you the priceless pleasure of a grand appearance. Sure, it is roughly Rs 31 lakh pricier than the E-Class, but then it is also Rs 13.5 lakh cheaper than the outgoing CLS. So for a true blue CLS connoisseur, it is a win-win situation.