| First Drive | Florence, Italy | Mercedes-Benz CLS |

The first CLS is a tough act to follow, but the replacement builds on its most desirable attributes. Head-turning looks, fine driving dynamics, supreme refinement and a range of powerful yet economical engines make the CLS a hugely desirable luxury car choice.

In the Metal

Mercedes' new CLS trades some of the previous car's svelte style for more architectural lines. It's arguably less elegant, but it's undeniably attractive, the bolder look suiting the CLS well. The upright grille is larger and more assertive - and very similar to the SLS AMG's. The flanks are busier, with a nod to its E-Class relative at the back thanks to its pronounced rear wings. The tapered rear lights accentuate its length, while the slim front lamps are now all LED - optionally.

Inside it's beautifully finished, though it's perhaps lost the unique feel of its predecessor, as the single piece of matte-finished wood has gone. The cockpit feel remains but it's all very similar to other Mercedes models inside. That does mean impeccable build and fine materials, but it's not as distinct as it once was.

What you get for your Money

Prices have yet to be announced, but on recent form they'll be similar or even lower than the existing car's. Equipment levels will be up, but, again, they're yet to be confirmed. Safety equipment features extensively, with E- and S-Class items carried over - like driver drowsiness monitoring Attention Assist. Nine airbags come as standard, with pelvis airbags debuting on the CLS. The engine line-up offers fuel consumption savings of up to 25 percent over the old car, while there's more space in the cabin.

Driving it

With around 90 percent of CLS sales in the UK being diesel-powered, it's a wonder Mercedes-Benz offers it here with anything other than the 350 CDI engine. Those who have enjoyed the outgoing car will love the new one. The 3.0-litre V6 turbodiesel provides effortless, rapid propulsion thanks to its 261bhp and thumping 457lb.ft of torque. It will reach 62mph in 6.2 seconds, but it's in the mid-range where it offers its most dramatic punch. Exceptional refinement only enhances the performance, the rapidly changing pace coming without an aural penalty. An official combined economy figure of 47mpg should keep fill-ups pleasingly infrequent, too.

It's near impossible to detect gear changes in the seven-speed automatic gearbox, which just adds to the unflustered means by which the CLS covers miles. It's not just a cruiser though, as the suspension mixes cosseting comfort with real control. The 'Airmatic' system offers a Sport setting, but it only upsets the fine balance offered by the default Comfort mode, which retains excellent control while smoothing out rough surfaces. The steering is nicely weighted and quick, though it's not loaded with detail. A touch more information at the rim would turn the CLS into a more involving driver's car.

Even so the CLS seems to find a perfect balance of remarkable control mixed with real comfort. Add that smooth-shifting gearbox and the supreme refinement (not just in terms of the engine, but also the lack of road and wind noise) and the CLS proves to be a crushingly accomplished all-rounder.

Worth Noting

Three other engines will be offered in the UK. These include for the first time a four-cylinder turbodiesel badged CLS 250 CDI. It'll be the economy champion, with a combined consumption figure of in excess of 55mpg and CO₂ emissions of less than 140g/km. A V6 petrol model, badged 350 CGI, and a V8-engined CLS 500 are also offered. An AMG model will follow, it anticipated to be fitted with the 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8 that features in the new S 63 AMG.

Summary

Not just beautiful, but beautifully accomplished, it's difficult to find fault with the new Mercedes-Benz CLS. The interior might lack the unique feel of its predecessor and the more assertive styling may put off some, but the ease of driving, poise, economy and impeccable refinement make it a hugely desirable car.