The Mercedes CLS was a car of many firsts, and featured new technological advancements as well as a brave new styling approach to the 4-door saloon. Adding sweeping coupé lines to the traditional '3-box' saloon is a move that's been copied by many major manufacturers now.

This being the top of the range CLS500 model the car features many more creature comforts than lesser models in the range. The powerful V8 benefitted from 3-way adjustable air suspension and 4-zone climate control. All of which were very advanced in 2005. It also features the revised 7-speed automatic gearbox, automatic swivelling/cornering lights and an electro-hydraulic braking system. All of this makes the CLS a refined and effortless a cross-continent cruiser. 

Back in 2005, the CLS500 was at the top of the range and, taking inflation into account, this example with its healthy specification would have cost the original owner over £85,000. This makes them something of a bargain these days, as you can be the owner of a supremely comfortable, high specification executive saloon for hatchback money.

This CLS was delivered by the Mercedes main dealer in Lincoln to its first owner in 2005 who then owned the vehicle till 2020. The car was then sold to its current owner in 2020 where the car has only been used sparingly and on special occasions. Due to recent lack of use the car is now for sale. The vehicle's mileage may increase slightly during the auction due to it still being used on occasion.

Complete with its original Mercedes book pack and service record, the car has a full main-dealer history. Confirming the low mileage, the service book has 6 stamps, with the vehicle being serviced approximately every 8-9,000 miles.

Internally, the vehicle really does appear to be in "like new" condition, particularly the leather upholstery and carpets. We're told by the owner that it even retains the "new car smell". The cabin is free of major scuffs, rips and overall presents in very clean and good condition. There is the odd mark here and there, but certainly less than you'd expect on a vehicle of this age.

It also features the optional Harmon Kardon Logic 7 premium Hi-Fi sound system, which is a nice touch and is rarely seen on these cars. The owner tells us that it truly sounds amazing. The system includes an Aux input, which is quite forward-thinking for 2005. 

All electrical systems and features appear to work well, such as the sunroof, windows, climate control and electric seats. There are no issues with the cabin features that the owner is aware of. Also present is the original toolkit and spare wheel.

The exterior is presented in handsome and subtle Iridium silver paintwork, which is in excellent condition all over. The colour really shows off the swooping curves and lines of this seductive coupé saloon. We're assured by the owner that it is free of dulling, swirls and scuffs. There is, however, a small scratch on the rear bumper. About 3-4 cm in length, it's not significant and is hardly noticeable. There's no evidence of corrosion, damage or repair that we can see.

This example has the larger 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels that are also in great condition. In fact, the wheels have not been refurbished and boast their original finish. Because of this, there is the odd mark on them, but it's great to see how well they have been kept. They're shod in a full set of recently fitted Pirelli P-Zero tyres. 

All of the brightwork, lights and badges likewise present in very good condition.

No modifications have been made to the vehicle, so what we have here is a modern classic presented in very original, low-mileage condition.

The Mercedes 5-litre V8 is well known for bulletproof reliability as well as being powerful and smooth. This example seems to be no exception. It pulls well, doesn’t smoke and makes a great noise. The advanced 7-speed gearbox is also smooth, quick and reacts enthusiastically when manually changing the gears using the paddles. 

The air suspension works well and quickly firms up when put into the sport modes. It also doesn’t drop when parked up for longer periods of time, showing that there don't appear to be any leaks in the system. We're told by the owner that the ride really is butter-smooth and very refined, with the suspension being free from any knocks or bumps.

Despite being a 17-year-old car, when you open the bonnet you're presented with a clean and tidy engine bay with no signs of leaks. The engine bay is in honest condition and hasn’t been professionally cleaned, allowing for accurate inspection of the condition of the engine.

   

We're assured by the owner that the car still drives like new thanks to careful ownership, recent servicing and its low mileage. In fact, they tell us it will also return an average 30mpg, really quite impressive for a naturally-aspirated V8 performance saloon.

This CLS500 also boasts a clean bill of health on its latest MOT (which runs to November 2022). 

The CLS really was an industry pioneer at the time, and it's a car that has stood the test of time. It looks just as good today as it did when it launched. With its great looks, legendary build quality and industry-leading technology the CLS will surely go on to be recognised as a classic. 

With just two owners, genuinely low mileage and an incredible specification, this lovely car could just be the perfect usable future classic. It's a great time to buy one too, they offer a lot of power, prestige and performance for very little money. And there aren't many to be found in this kind of condition.

This is a genuinely powerful, luxurious and refined super saloon. Perfect whether you want a comfortable daily driver, an engaging A-road barnstormer or a continent-crushing cruiser, this lovely CLS makes a great case for itself.