Skip advert
Advertisement
Long term tests

Mercedes CLS 350 CGI

Our Merc's electronics have developed a sense of humour

Mercedes CLS 350 CGI

Odd but true. Recently, whenever I select reverse to manoeuvre into a parking slot, the nearside door mirror has taken to angling itself skyward instead of helpfully pointing towards the kerb as it was designed to do. At first it was quite funny (as in I’m driving the first Mercedes-Benz in history with a sense of humour). But now it’s just annoying (as in the CLS is hard enough to park anyway and the comedy’s wearing a bit thin). I’ll be interested to hear the explanation at the first service.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is rather overdue now but, as usually seems to be the case with cars that overrun their official slot by a few miles, I’ve never known the CLS run more sweetly or more frugally.

I’m spending a fortune at the car wash, though. Don’t know what’s in the rain round hear but it looks an awful lot like cement dust. And black shows it off to perfection.

Running Costs

Date acquiredDecember 2006
Total mileage12,745
Costs this month£0
Mileage this month1169
MPG this month28.8
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s
Cupra Leon
In-depth reviews

Cupra Leon VZ review – Spain’s Golf GTI is better than Germany’s

The choice of full-sized front-drive hot hatches now doesn’t include the Civic Type R. Can the Cupra Leon VZ take the top spot?
25 Aug 2026
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa review – a yacht-inspired saloon for Ferrari-inspired money
Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa
Reviews

Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio Luna Rossa review – a yacht-inspired saloon for Ferrari-inspired money

Many of the styling touches are in dubious taste, and the estimated £250k asking price for this special edition is faintly absurd, but any chance to r…
26 Aug 2026
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) review – Britain's supercar-baiting muscle car
Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977)
In-depth reviews

Aston Martin V8 Vantage (1977-1989) review – Britain's supercar-baiting muscle car

The original V8 Vantage nailed its brief as a handsome 170mph cruiser, but it’s also unexpectedly fun to drive
24 Aug 2026