Bangkok post : Shooting Star

Shooting Star
18 Mar 2013 at 00:00
When Mercedes-Benz launched the CLS nearly a decade ago, many people said the Germans were beginning to run
out of ideas.
But look at what the class-defying car has done to the brand today. The four-door coupe, now in its second
generation, has become one of the most popular imports for Mercedes.
And because the Thai grey market took a substantial amount of the CLS's cake, the local Mercedes office had to
counter by revising its pricing strategy.
The result is an unusually low price for the CLS, particularly for the 250 CDI version whose price now kicks out at
4.99 million baht. Try checking out prices in Europe, add local taxes and you'll get the picture.
In Mercedes tradition, the CLS is supposed to enjoy a higher position than the E-class _ the car which it is based
upon _ in the luxury car market.
Yet, the imported CLS is just a million baht dearer than the Thai-built E-class with the same 204hp 2.1-litre dieselturbo engine.
The CLS250 CDI, then, sounds a good deal for punters needing to
look different from the norm. Better even is the arrival of the estate
version called Shooting Brake that asks for basically the same in price
as the regular CLS.
Anybody who has thought of going for the E-class wagon _ just to
look distinctive on Thai roads _ might as well just go for the Shooting
Brake, which is only 400k dearer.
Take the Shooting Brake's design, as one example. The low-riding
and sleek profile looks pretty good on the road and adds a sense of
sportiness the Shooting Brake needs to differ itself from the E-class
donor vehicle.
Despite the low roofline, headroom isn’t a
problem.
We aren't going to delve into numbers like the Germans love to do, but the Shooting Brake is still a highly practical
car for those needing more versatility than both the CLS and E-class saloon.
In fact, owners of the E-class estate could be converted to the Shooting Brake. Sure, the roofline in the Shooting
Brake is lower, but there is no problem with head room space in whichever chair you opt to sit in.
Yes, the Shooting Brake has a more raked rear end, but the cargo compartment is still spacious enough to swallow
items that don't resemble a fridge, so to speak.
And like in the E-class estate, the Shooting Brake's rear seats can fold via the flick of two levers in the boot to
increase luggage space. All said, the Shooting Brake is both a stylish and practical estate, if you want to put it
bluntly.
Because the Shooting Brake has branched out from both the CLS and E-class, the cabin can't look any different.
But that isn't a bad thing, though, for everything works basically well, all the way from the buttons to the gear lever
mounted on the steering column. As well, there's no shortage of perceived quality.
If you want a full package of safety features, you need to spend
another 400k for the AMG Premium spec that nets you rear side
airbags, parking assist and host of other petty stuff.
Since the regular CLS was conceived to offer a sportier drive than
the E-class, expect the Shooting Brake to behave similarly on the
move. This means the Shooting Brake is as good to drive as its fourdoor sibling: taut yet comfortable suspension setting and steering
that is well weighted for driving both in the city and out of it.
The driving environment is very similar to the
E-class model.
Actually, the way the steering interacts with the chassis feels
pleasantly natural. And you start to appreciate the rear-wheel-drive
dynamics after negotiating a series of bends _ the car displays good
handling balance in corners.
You might have been expecting us to suggest that V6 or V8 power suits the CLS best, which certainly should be the
case given the fine chassis it has. However in the real world, that ubiquitous 2.1-litre diesel-turbo provides just about
the right amount of power. With a good 500Nm of torque available from two turbos, the CLS250 is hardly short of
grunt.
The only time the engine starts to feel less spirited is beyond the legal limit. Be in no doubt, though, the CLS250 still
has plenty of overtaking power. Plus, the motor is refined at all times during the move.
Helping out its real-world advantage is its economy: we comfortably attained a 15kpl average to Khao Yai. There's an
Eco mode to theoretically help boost the figure to a claimed 18.5kpl.
It must be said that this drivetrain combination _ 2.1-litre diesel and seven-speed automatic _ is the most suitable for
the Thailand, be it in industry tax or user driveability terms.
Which is to say, in the end, that the Shooting Brake in CLS250 form is quite a good car. Apart from it being keenly
priced, it's stylish, drives well, is good to sit in and reasonably practical.
If you're bored with saloons, tepid with SUVs and a little less keen on the me-too four-door CLS, then the Shooting
Brake is a perfect way to branch out even further.
AT A GLANCE
Styling............................ 8/10
Sleek and low-riding profile looks good and distinctive on the road.
Engine and economy........ 8/10
Ubiquitous four-pot diesel proves to be ample for the real world.
Handling and ride............. 9/10
Nicely judged chassis provides for a sporty yet comfortable drive.
Practicality...................... 7/10
It won't take a fridge, but there's enough room and versatility.
Safety kit........................ 9/10Parking assist and rear side airbags are reserved just for AMG trim.
VERDICT......................... 9/10
The CLS estate is a refreshing alternative to conventional body styles that looks unique, drives well, is reasonably
practical and is keenly priced as a luxury import.
Boot is usefully spacious; rear seats fold down via the flick of two levers mounted in the boot.
‘The ubiquitous 2.1-litre diesel-turbo provides just about the right amount of power’
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