2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Road Test
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2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $95,500 -$179,600
- Invoice: $88,815 -$167,028
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Our road test for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class help you decide if a 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 8 | 6.9 |
CL-Class models have smooth, strong acceleration, effortless highway cruising. Though smooth, both transmissions sometimes pause a frustrating moment or two before kicking down for passing.
FUEL ECONOMY
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 4.2 |
Test CL500 averaged 16.7 mpg. All engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 8.5 |
Firm suspension doesn't ignore bumps and ruts, but does filter out virtually all unpleasant harshness. Large moguls induced a trace of float in tested non-AMG versions.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 6.9 |
Poised in turns, despite size and heft. Reassuringly stable at highway speeds. Available Active Body Control almost banishes cornering lean, enhances agility. Powerful brakes give short, undramatic emergency stops.
QUIETNESS
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 9 | 8.5 |
Muted, classy engine growl in rapid acceleration. Other mechanical sounds, wind and road noise are almost rumors.
CONTROLS
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 5 | 5.9 |
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)
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 10 | 9 |
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.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 8.1 |
Coupe's seat is shaped only for two and cramped for even average-size adults. Seat "comfort" features available here as in front--and are just as dubious. Entry/exit tight in coupes despite power-forward front seats.
CARGO ROOM
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 2 | 5 |
Not cavernous, but sufficient and luxuriously finished in all models.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 4 | 5.4 |
CL-Class is probably the world's best all-around luxury coupe--and should be at these prices--and they're bolstered by Mercedes' pacesetting engineering and rock-solid resale values. Still, we're not happy about some obvious cost-cutting in the interior.
Total Score
| CL500 | Class Average |
|---|---|
| 63 | 68.4 |
Total Score: 63
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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