2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

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.

2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat room

Build quality	Rear-seat entry/exit

Ride/handling	Fuel economy

Quietness	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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