From the driving seat the CLS looks and feels great. The build quality is top-notch while the leather dash adds to the plush surroundings. The controls and switches are within easy reach of the driver. If anything, there are too many buttons on the central console making it a little fussy looking. However, the audio and phone controls on the steering wheel are very welcome, enabling you to choose your entertainment without distracting you from the road ahead.

One negative is that Mercedes has kept the irksome parking brake and the gear change stalk. Surely it’s time for an electronic brake and a proper, centrally located gearknob?

The previous generation Mercedes-Benz CLS comfort levels were criticised for the car’s rather cramped rear. The sloping roof compromised headroom and legroom was short on supply too. Merc has addressed this and as a result four adults can enjoy the CLS without feeling too cramped. And the facts speak for themselves: the CLS is longer (29mm), taller (13mm) and it’s also wider (8mm) than the previous car.

It offers 21mm more elbow-room while there is an additional 13mm in shoulder-room. The engineers have also lengthened the wheelbase by 20mm giving the car an overall length of 2874mm. As far as the comfort levels are concerned well, there’s little concern. The seats offer decent levels of support and adjustment, there’s hardly any wind or road noise coming into the cabin, although you still get a satisfying amount of engine noise and the ride is pretty near perfect.

In Comfort mode it’s excellent for covering long distances and, as you would expect, Sport is better for B-road jaunts.