New Mercedes-Benz CLS 250 CDI first drive, review

Should I buy one?

The CLS was designed to turn heads and in this facelifted form, it continues to do so with consummate ease. Sure, it’s not the most practical or even the most comfortable of large sedans but it offers a certain degree of glamour that makes it unquestionably tempting. The new 2.1-litre diesel engine is also up to the job if out and out performance is not high on your list of must-haves. Still, we can’t help but think the 3.0-litre V6 diesel from the E 350 CDI would have perhaps been a better fit on the CLS. But if there’s a positive of Mercedes opting for the smaller diesel engine, it's in terms of price. The fully-imported CLS 250 CDI has been priced at Rs 76.5 lakh (ex-showroom, Delhi) which makes it a good Rs 13.5 lakh cheaper than what the petrol CLS 350 was last available for.

In effect, the CLS is no longer solely an emotional choice. It’s become one that makes better financial sense too.