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Styling and interior<\/strong><\/p> The first question that I asked myself when approaching the CLS was \u201cWould Ray Donovan drive this new version?\u201d I would say that the answer is an emphatic, yes, not only does the new version put a modern spin on the saloon coupe, but it somehow makes the E-Class and even the E-Class coupe look slightly plain with its angular headlamps, smooth side profile and wedged rear-end.<\/p>\n Inside the theme continues, with my Edition 1 test car finished with many brown carbon fibre accents, black leather seats with brown stitching and the odd AMG badge.<\/p>\n The general fit and finish are exemplary as is the specification with a Burmester sound system and a pair of 12.3-inch screens that extends from the centre console to the instrument cluster. The CLS is a sublime place to spend your time, with all of the creature comforts expected in a luxurious AMG variant from Affalterbach.<\/p>\n That powertrain<\/strong><\/p>\n In an age where V8 engines have been placed on the endangered species list and indeed, where potent four-cylinder engines and electric powertrains appear to be the way forward, it is admirable of Mercedes to design, develop and produce a straight-six engine. This is potentially one of the most impressive powertrains that I experienced in 2019 when one considers efficiency, performance, aural quality and refinement.<\/p>\n The engine is a rather impressive piece of kit, displacing 3.0-litres and producing 320 kW and 520 N.m. It is paired with a 48-volt electrical system that sits between the engine and the nine-speed gearbox, providing an extra 16 kW. The will allow the car, thanks to a four-wheel-drive system, to get from 0-100km\/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds and on to a top speed of 270 km\/h with the limiter removed despite an almost two-ton kerb weight.<\/p>\n What\u2019s it like to drive?<\/strong><\/p>\n Those expecting and analogue sportscar best spend their money elsewhere as the CLS does a rather impressive job of isolating its driver from many of the sensations associated with rapid propulsion. The steering is sharp but numb while the air suspension and extensive sound-proofing make this rapid isolation tank, from which the only reprieve is the activation of the sports exhaust system, which provides a sonorous straight-six wail and pops on the overrun.<\/p>\n For me, the CLS isn\u2019t supposed to be brimming with feel, so the fact that it\u2019s a large, fast Luxo barge isn\u2019t a problem for me. There are various driving modes, ranging from Comfort to Sport+, which alters the car\u2019s behaviour quite a bit, although the latter is best left for only the most pristine of roads as the ride is quite harsh.<\/p>\n Verdict<\/strong><\/p>\n The AMG variant of the latest CLS is a bit of a departure from its predecessor, which was an absolute brute of a V8, however, this latest variant has carved and incredibly small niche for itself and is a far more usable product than before. I just struggle to see a massive market for a vehicle of this type, even though it\u2019s so great to drive.<\/p>\n Price<\/strong><\/p>\n R1 502\u00a0100<\/strong><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/kemptonexpress.co.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/30\/2020\/01\/LRM_EXPORT_36289465262162_20190819_093009781.jpeg\")
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