Long term tests

Mercedes CLS 350 CGI

Some 3000 miles after the new wheels and tyres were fitted, I can report that they’re still all perfectly round...

The slightly moot point is whether I should be driving quite so assiduously to avoid potholes and other exports from the moon’s surface that pass for roads in some parts of Kent. Before, I was merely careful; now I dodge them as if they were landmines.

Mind you, it’s been clear from day one that the partnership of CLS suspension and 19in AMG rims doesn’t like short, sharp shocks, transmitting a wince-inducing thud through the body structure even with the electronically adjustable dampers on their softest setting. This seems at odds with the ride comfort in general, which is good, if not exactly limo-like.

But for the need to monitor any vibrational tendencies over the second leg of this test, I think I’d have opted for the 18-inchers with plumper tyres and probably just sighed a little sigh every time I parked up and looked back to admire the arch-filling stance only the AMG alloys can supply.

Running Costs

Date acquiredDecember 2006
Total mileage10,650
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month915
MPG this month28.2

Most Popular

Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test
Best car tyres 2023
Features

Best car tyres 2023: evo performance tyre test

Which tyre should you choose for your performance car? This year’s evo tyre test puts eight strong contenders through their paces to find the very bes…
1 Dec 2023
The BMW M3 is going electric in its next generation
BMW M3 teaser
News

The BMW M3 is going electric in its next generation

The next M3 supersaloon is receiving a pure-electric powertrain, but it’s not all bad news…
30 Nov 2023
Used car deals of the week
Main used car deals
Advice

Used car deals of the week

In this week's used car deals, we've sourced everything from a BMW M3 to a Maserati MC20
30 Nov 2023