2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class: Road Test
2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class ▼
- MSRP: $75,300 - $177,500
- Invoice: $70,029 - $165,075
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Our road test for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class help you decide if a 2005 Mercedes-Benz S-Class/CL-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.7 |
No chance yet to test S430 and S500 with 7-speed transmission, but Mercedes says 0-60 mph takes 6.9 and 6.1 sec, respectively--the same as previous 5-speed test cars with rear-wheel drive or AWD. Test CL500 with 5-speed automatic timed 6.4 sec. Transmissions prompt and smooth, but 5-speed can hesitate to kick down for passing. Also no opportunity yet to test V12 and AMG models.
FUEL ECONOMY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.1 |
With 5-speed transmission, test S500s averaged 15.8-16.6 mpg overall, 23-26 mpg on highway trips. Test S430s averaged 15.7-15.8 mpg. Test CL500 with 7-speed automatic averaged 16.7 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.2 |
Firm suspension doesn't ignore bumps and ruts, but does filter out virtually all unpleasant harshness. Large moguls induce a trace of float except in AMG models, which are more buttoned down.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 9 | 6.8 |
Poised in turns despite size and heft. Reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Active Body Control almost banishes cornering lean, enhances agility. Available 4Matic normally sends 60 percent power aft, maintaining sedans' rear-drive handling traits while improving traction on all surfaces. Powerful brakes give short, undramatic emergency stops. Note that rear obstacle detection is standard for S600, but otherwise optional.
QUIETNESS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8.5 |
Muted, classy engine growl in rapid acceleration. Wind, road, and other mechanical sounds are almost rumors.
CONTROLS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6.2 |
Good basic design compromised by daunting number of seat, climate, audio, and communications features. World-class interior decor, but close scrutiny reveals some run-of-the-mill plastics.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8.7 |
Generous space on broad, supportive seats with multiple standard power adjustments. Internal fan ventilation, "massaging" air bladders, and automatic-inflating side bolsters are standard or available, but not all testers feel they enhance comfort. Plastic under-seat bins jut into some riders' calves. Fine outward visibility.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 2 | 8.3 |
Spacious sedans pamper two adults, but three is a slight pinch. Coupe's seat is shaped only for two and cramped for even average-size adults. "Comfort" features available for front seats--and are just as dubious. Entry/exit barn-door easy in sedans, tight in coupes despite power-forward front seats.
CARGO ROOM
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 2 | 5 |
Not cavernous, but sufficient and luxuriously finished in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 5.7 |
Thumbs-up for no-cost AWD. Thumbs-down for faint signs of cost cutting and some fairly frivolous features. Still, these are among the world's very best premium large cars--as they should be at these prices--bolstered by Mercedes' pacesetting engineering and rock-solid resale values.
Total Score
| S430 | S430 w/4Matic | S500 | CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 71 | 72 | 72 | 62 | 68.2 |
Total Score: 71
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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