WHEN it comes to producing stylish luxurious vehicles, few manufacturers can live up to the standards set by Mercedes-Benz and the stunning CLS is another prime example of that expertise.

With beautifully sculpted lines blended with a muscular stance, the CLS looks amazing from every angle.

Other eye-catching features include 19-inch alloys, a twin chrome tailpipe, LED lights, flared wheel arches, an electric sunroof and a whole lot more besides.

And you won't be disappointed when you step inside and take your seat behind the mutli-function three-spoke steering wheel - in leather of course.

You will find yourself surrounded by only the very finest materials such as the aubergine leather, black ash wood trim and Alcantara roof lining.

The seats - which can only be compared to your very favourite armchair for comfort - can be electrically adjusted, heated and even offer a massage function if so desired. It really is limousine style luxury.

This model also featured Mercedes' ambient lighting pack, whereby small LED lamps and optical fibres illuminate the undersides of the dashboard, door trim and centre console. When it gets dark, these subtle lighting elements help to create a calming atmosphere.

In addition, there are three different colours to select from and the levels of brightness can also be controlled.

Elsewhere, the level of gadgetry and technical wizardry cannot fail to impress.

The surround sound audio system comprises of 14 speakers, a CD player, MP3 compatibility and DAB radio, Bluetooth connectivity, one-touch electric windows, a reversing camera and plenty more besides.

Designed as a four-seater, the CLS offers generous leg, head and elbow space to all occupants and there will be no limit on luggage either thanks to the capably-sized boot and numerous smaller storage options throughout the vehicle.

However, my only true gripe concerned the electrically-operated boot. I discovered that if it was opened following a heavy downpour, water trickled in.

But that aside, what a car and what a performer out on the open road too.

The 3.0-litre diesel engine delivered incredible power and the acceleration through the 7G-Tronic Plus automatic transmission was both rapid and incredibly smooth.

In fact, it would be fair to say that, at times, it felt like the CLS was actually gliding along.

The Sport model comes fitted with a sophisticated suspension system which absorbs bumps and cracks in the road with ease.

Road-holding was amazingly good - even in the wet - and there was almost no road or engine noise within the cabin.

In busier traffic, the CLS cruised effortlessly and parking was made all the easier thanks to sensors and a reversing camera.

With its BlueEFFICIENCY technology, the CLS now delivers improved carbon emissions and better fuel figures than its predecessors.

There is also a whole host of safety specifications built into the CLS.

Many are more familiar such as anti-lock brakes, tyre pressure monitoring and airbags etc. but there are a number of additional accident prevention features of note too, including active lane assist, automatic headlamp beam control to avoid dazzle and active blind spot assist which prevents the car drifting into the path of an another vehicle.

Admittedly, the CLS is not cheap but quality such as this seldom is.