A short 50-km escapade on the empty roads of the Austrian countryside allowed me to fully appreciate the agility of the new CLS and, more importantly, its ability to maintain a frenetic pace regardless of the car's trajectory.

As it turned out, I reached my own limits well before the car's. And the sweat dripping down my back at the end of this adventure wasn't the result of Vienna's spring heat! Braking performance is precise, takeoffs are overwhelming and the suspension is quite effective at positioning the vehicle, even in sharp turns where pressure is increased at all corners.

The difference between both CLS models is such that a colleague relentlessly kept pushing me with his AMG, while I tried my best to drive the 550 with authority. Fortunately, I got my revenge when we exchanged cars.

It is still not-so-easy to access the rear seats.

Familiar success
In the end, I felt that all the minor changes to the CLS haven't affected its charisma and fun-to-drive personality. But I can hear the critics say that a road test in Austria makes it harder to properly assess the merits of a car. Of course, I'm a fan of the Mercedes-Benz CLS -- and I'm not alone as both the CLS and CL coupes combine to sell about 1,200 units a year in Canada!

True, people who are taller than me will again find a not-so-easy access to the rear seats. The unique roofline is still not unanimously approved, while the base CLS sometimes feels a little too "toned down" to be really exciting.

But when all is said and done, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is still a high-quality sports car draped in a tuxedo. It stands out from anything else by displaying class, character and presence, making head turns and rewarding drivers with a nearly impeccable operation. Thrills are greater and plentier with the AMG, but the regular model still leaves no one indifferent.


Photo Credit : Marc Bouchard