Hi guys,
currently have a W213 E220d AMG Line. I'm in the UK. It has both the screens, 19" inch AMG wheels and body kit etc, intelligent LEDs (premium plus spec basically) .

Love the comfort and interior ( apart from run flats' edginess at slow speed) , but the styling is just a bit too sensible for a 32 yr old like me!
The c257 CLS looks great in person, in the right colour and wheel spec, and is really tempting. They're also a lot more commonly available with the new ,incredibly refined and powerful straight 6 diesels, in 350 and 400d form with 4 matic, which I'd love. There's not many E Class here avail. with that engine, hence fewer deals on them.
My 220d is just about brisk enough and very economical but I'd really prefer 6 cylinders and the huge torque .
So has anyone moved from an E to the new CLS , and if so how did your passengers find the rear space, and how did you find the narrower boot / trunk opening and the other small differences ?

Keep in mind that the CLS is on the same platform as the E. They are basically the same car with a different shell. Spec for spec we pay 10K Can. for a sportier looking car. As far as the back seat is concerned, there is less headroom. The rear seat is not comfortable for anyone over 5'10".
I traded my E43 primarily for the new propulsion system and I like the sporty look of the CLS. My wife disagrees and much prefers her E43. It's all in the beholder's eye.

Not exactly answering OP's question, I moved from C218 CLS550 to W213 E450. I picked W213 E over C257 CLS for one and one reason only - removal of C218's unique rear seating arrangement in C257. I also liked and still do C218 body, especially '15 facelift, more than C257. (IMHO C218 2015-18 facelift still the best looking sedan, sorry "coupe", out there). Since interior of W213 is now much more similar to C257, as compared to how W212 was as compared to C218, I moved to W213 E. Wish C218 '15 facelift body was available with W213/C257 interior, which would be my dream car.

A bit smaller! The rear is considerably smaller. Yes it's only a small amount on paper but getting in and out is horrible. We had our name on a new CLS53 when they arrived and after sitting in it, we chose the E (I've owned a few e classes over the years). I never even test drove it because it was so bad. The CLS is just not practical for everyday use with someone in the back seat. Or an adult ever in the backseat. Pass on the CLS. Have you even considered the resale element?

Well, in fairness, the OP is 32. The CLS is going to be more fun. A colleague has one and loves it. He's just about your age. For youngsters, getting in and out of the back seat should be fine. Hell, I use to jam friends in the back of my 911!

However, I hope you're not doing it just for more "power". I'm increasingly of the mind that "power" is simple marketing. If you never track your car and just commute, your wallet will thank you for the diesel. So think hard about how you use your car: if you hit sporty curvy roads, then the CLS may be a great choice.

However, however, as an American, I hate diesels so that alone would get me to swap! ;-)

Thanks for your reply. Power is one reason I would change as there's a bigger supply of 350d 400d in CLS form, they are diesels too mind. But can easily achieve 45-50mpg ( UK) on the motorway.
The 400d makes 340 bhp and 516 lb ft torque, so it's seriously fast whilst still being economical. Best of both worlds, and they're 4matic only.
Even the 350d makes 286bhp and 457 torque.
These new in line 6s are very quiet as well. If you drove a non AMG 'gas' version ie a 400 or 450 it would feel significantly weaker in normal driving as obviously the torque is much less.

Yes friends , and my short parents could easily get in and out of the back I think!
I used to squeeze them into an A5 convertible I suppose haha.

Well then Akash, I think you should do it. One thing about life: second guessing is the worst. Get what makes you happy and don't look back.

The 400d sounds fabulous if it is within your budget.

+1

very good advice in general

Perhaps I am biased, but it seems the E coupe is offered in 400d as well. The backseat surprisingly fits most adults well. I have 10 years on you. The E sedan/saloon is perfect for those who want ease of carrying passengers and a roomy cabin in general. The CLS is nice for those who want a sportier style and still can accommodate passengers every now and then.