Acceleration

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6.7

Mercedes says CLS500 accelerates 0-60 mph in 5.9 sec. V8 has ample power for any situation, abetted by smooth, alert 7-speed automatic transmission. No opportunity yet to test CLS55, but test of similar E55 suggests just over 4 sec 0-60.

Fuel Economy

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	4.6

Test CLS500 averaged a relatively frugal 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6.7

CLS500 nearly as comfortable as E500, despite lower-profile tires on 18-inch wheels vs. 17s. Impressively unruffled on most any surface.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7.1

CLS500 feels a bit more agile than E500 on tight, twisty roads, with less apparent cornering lean and the same grippy assurance.

Quietness

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6.8

As hushed as any 4-dr Mercedes. Little wind noise, only a muted V8 growl at high revs, but moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum.

Controls

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.7

Typical Mercedes design, layout with a few odd control icons and a steering-column cruise-control stalk that can be confused with turn-signal lever below. Dashboard screen handles many audio and optional navigation controls, often requiring multiple steps for basic functions. Standard 4-zone climate system has separate front- and rear-seat controls. Cabin satisfies with top-notch workmanship, elegant leather upholstery, genuine wood accents.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7.4

Low-roof styling gives cozy cabin feel vs. E-Class, pinches driver vision astern and to right-rear, reduces entry/exit ease. Leg room ample, but limited 6-footer head room even with power seats at lowest position. Well-shaped seats hug nicely, seem long-haul restful. Comfort Package's 10-way seats have tacked-on-looking control pod that's difficult to manipulate and looks incongruous.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.5

Little head space for those over 5-ft-9. Knee and leg room get tight for adults with front seats pushed well back. Individual seats supportive but set low, which combines with narrow door bottoms to hamper entry/exit.

Cargo Room

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4

Trunk long and wide, but not very tall; neither is trunk opening, so larger hard-sided suitcases may not fit. Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges don't intrude much, are shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Decent cabin storage, includes large, covered bins front and rear.

Value within Class

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	5.9

The CLS500 performs like its E500 sibling, but sacrifices some sedan functionality for a coupelike shape and costs about $7000 more. The high-power CLS55 relates similarly to the E55. Basically, the CLS combines E-Class virtue with dramatic design. For well-heeled shoppers who put a high value on style and can live with limited rear-seat room and cargo space, it's worth a look.

Total Score

CLS500 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
65	61.4

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score		48
Average Score		61
High Score		72