2018 Mercedes-Benz CLS goes on sale with £57,510 price tag

Mercedes-Benz has opened the order books for its new CLS saloon, which will arrive in dealerships next summer bearing a £57,510 price tag.

That money will get you the basic entry-level 350 d model, which uses a 3-litre six-cylinder diesel engine that produces 282bhp. Despite being the entry-level model, it’s potent enough for a 5.7-second 0-62mph time, as well as 48.7mpg official economy.

For an extra £100, customers can choose the sole petrol engine in the range – also a 3-litre straight-six – with 362bhp and a 48V mild hybrid system that offers a short-term boost through its small electric motor that's good for an extra 22bhp, bringing the maximum output to 384bhp. With this power on tap, it manages a 4.8-second 0-62mph time and returns 36.2mpg.

Sitting at the top of the CLS tree, however, is the diesel-powered CLS 400 d – yet another inline six-cylinder motor – which costs £60,410. Although its 335bhp output is down on the petrol engine, it’s only two-tenths of a second slower to 62mph and returns 47.9mpg.

While Mercedes offers a choice of engines, though, there’s just the one trim level: the sporty AMG Line.

As standard, you get 19-inch alloy wheels, leather seats and the super-wide dual-screen infotainment and cockpit display from the E-Class. Other goodies include a reversing camera, Agility Control suspension and digital radio, while keyless push-button start, a Burmeister premium sound system and a 360-degree manoeuvring camera all come as part of the £3,895 optional Premium Plus package.

For a further £2,495, customers can also specify the Comfort Package, which provides Air Body Control air suspension and black nappa leather upholstery, while £1,695 buys the the Driving Assistance Plus safety package.