Mercedes-Benz CLS 2018 Review

The luxury executive coupe market in Malaysia has always been an arena balancing meticulous craftsmanship and performance. Representing this segment, the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 AMG Line, with its sleek coupe lines, extensive intelligent features, and balanced power performance, consistently attracts consumers who value quality and practicality. This test drive will focus on the static design details, dynamic driving experience, and everyday practicality of this car to determine whether it can meet both family and business needs within the price range of 350k to 600k Malaysian Ringgit.

At first sight of the 2018 CLS 350 AMG Line, the most intuitive impression is its harmonious coupe stance. With a body measuring 4988mm in length, 1890mm in width, and 1435mm in height, coupled with a 2939mm wheelbase, the overall lines extend seamlessly from the front fender to the rear, exuding strength without excessive angles. The front features a large star emblem grille, paired with an AMG Line-exclusive sporty front bumper, ensuring high recognizability. The LED headlight design is slim and sharp, with daytime running lights in a dual L-shaped layout, offering clear visual effects when illuminated. The side of the car showcases the sloping roofline characteristic of the CLS series, while 19-inch wheels paired with 245/40R19 tires in the front and 275/35R19 at the rear further enhance the sporty vibe. At the rear, the horizontal layout of the taillights, with internal LED sources echoing the design of the headlights, and a dual exhaust setup subtly highlight its performance pedigree.

Sitting inside the car, the sense of luxury in the interior mainly comes from the choice of materials and attention to detail. The dashboard is wrapped in soft leather, complemented by metal trim and piano black panels, offering a solid tactile quality. The 12.3-inch full LCD instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch central touchscreen are integrated into a single unit. The interface runs smoothly and supports both touch and steering wheel button operations, with functions like navigation and multimedia being intuitive to use. The driver's seat is equipped with electric adjustment and memory functions, providing adequate lateral support, and remains comfortable even after long drives. Although the sloping roofline affects headroom in the rear, the 2939mm wheelbase ensures sufficient legroom. The central floor is not overly raised, allowing three people to sit temporarily without feeling too cramped. In terms of storage space, the door pockets and central armrest provide ample capacity for daily use. The trunk offers a standard capacity of 490L, with rear seats supporting a 40:20:40 split, making it occasionally possible to store long items.

The CLS 350 AMG Line is equipped with a 2.0L four-cylinder turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum of 303PS and a peak torque of 400N·m, paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission and a rear-wheel-drive layout. At start-up, the power response is very linear, and the throttle tuning isn't aggressive, making it easy to handle even for first-time drivers. Switching to Sport mode enhances throttle sensitivity and makes the gearbox more aggressive in downshifting. The mid-to-late acceleration remains powerful, and the official 0-100km/h acceleration in 6 seconds provides ample confidence for overtaking in the city or cruising at high speeds.

The chassis features a front double wishbone and rear multi-link independent suspension, tuned towards comfort while maintaining a certain degree of support. During daily driving on city asphalt roads, small road imperfections are effectively filtered out. When passing over speed bumps or uneven roads, the suspension rebounds cleanly without excessive wobbling. The steering system has minimal play and provides moderate feedback. During cornering, body roll is kept within a reasonable range, maintaining overall stability.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 7.1L/100km. During actual test drives, the fuel consumption is approximately 8.5L/100km in congested urban conditions, and it can drop to 6.8L/100km during highway cruising. For a 2.0T luxury sports coupe, this performance meets expectations. Noise control is also commendable. At 120km/h cruising speed, both wind and tire noise are not significant. The 13 speakers of the Burmester sound system provide clear sound quality, further enhancing driving comfort.

Overall, the core advantage of the 2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 AMG Line lies in its balance: the sleek coupe design combines aesthetics with practicality, and the comprehensive safety features (such as 9 airbags, active braking, and 360-degree panoramic imaging) offer sufficient peace of mind. The combination of 2.0T power and a comfortable chassis is suitable for both daily commuting and long-distance driving. Compared to competitors in the same segment, such as the BMW 6 Series Gran Coupe or the Audi A5 Sportback, the CLS 350 AMG Line has an edge in brand appeal and interior luxury, with a relatively more affordable price tag.

This car is suitable for two types of people: first, users who value a balance between family and business needs, requiring the sleek appearance of a coupe for prestige as well as sufficient space and comfort for daily use; second, young professionals who seek quality and tech features, as the fully digital instrument cluster, integrated large screen, and Burmester sound system meet the demands for technology and luxury.

In summary, the 2018 CLS 350 AMG Line is a luxury sports coupe with no significant drawbacks. It proves its competitiveness in the niche market through its well-rounded performance, making it a reliable choice for consumers who emphasize quality of life and practicality.