2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Road Test
2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class ▼
- MSRP: $70,800 - $117,200
- Invoice: $65,844 - $108,996
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Our road test for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class help you decide if a 2001 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6.4 |
Mercedes says the S430 does 0-60 mph in 6.9 sec, the S500 in 6.1, numbers that ring true in our tests. We have not tested the AMG models, but a CL500 clocked 6.4 sec in our 0-60 runs, and the V12s are silken and fast. The automatic transmission can be slightly tardy in kicking down for passing, but is otherwise a smooth operator.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 | 4.3 |
Not piggish, all told. One S500 averaged 16.6 mpg in our tests, another returned 23-26 mpg on a long, fast road trip, but only 15.8 in city/suburban driving. A test S430 averaged 15.8 mpg and a CL500 17 mpg. All engines require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7.7 |
Firm damping doesn't ignore bumps and ruts, but filters out every unpleasant harshness. Large moguls induce a trace of float in most models.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 6.1 |
Too large and heavy to be truly agile, but all these cars tackle twisty 2-lanes with poise. The Active Body Control system is uncanny in its ability to quell cornering lean, eliminating it almost completely in its firmer Sport mode.
QUIETNESS
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 7.8 |
Engines make a muted, classy growl in hard acceleration. Otherwise, wind, road, and mechanical sounds are mostly rumors.
CONTROLS
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 5.6 |
Perhaps the worst feature of the S/CL class. Mastering the many seat, climate, audio, and communications features requires time and study. Those controlled from the COMAND screen can be especially complicated and distracting; some even require moving a cursor as on a personal computer. Interior decor is world-class, generally. Close scrutiny reveals some run-of-the-mill plastics at odds with these price tags.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 7.7 |
Generous space on broad, supportive seats. Multiple power adjustments and available internal fan ventilation and air-bladder bolsters add to complexity, but not necessarily comfort. Plastic underseat bins jut into some riders' calves. Outward visibility is good.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 10 | 2 | 6.9 |
Sedans are capacious and cosseting for two adults, three is a slight pinch. Coupe rear seats are shaped for two only and are cramped for even medium adults. Entry/exit barn-door easy in sedans, tight in coupes despite power-forward front seats.
CARGO ROOM
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.5 |
Not cavernous, but appropriate in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 3 | 4 | 4.9 |
Some features seem needlessly high tech, and cost-cutting is evident in a detail or two. Still, these are among the world's very best luxury cars--as they should be at these prices--with Mercedes' solid-gold resale values and kid-gloves customer care part of the deal.
Total Score
| S430 | S500 | S600 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 70 | 71 | 68 | 60 | 61.9 |
Total Score: 70
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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