2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Tester's Comments
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2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $64,900 -$86,600
- Invoice: $60,357 -$80,538
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Find out what the Consumer Guide Automotive testers had to say about the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. See if the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is right for you.
Vehicle Evaluated
| Make/Model: | 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS |
|---|---|
| Trim Level: | CLS500 |
| Arrival Date: | 06/06/2005 |
| Engine: | sohc V8 |
| Bodystyle | 4-door sedan |
| Transmission: | 7-speed automatic |
| 4WD/AWD: | No |
| Base Price: | 64,900 |
| Price as Tested: | 71,190 |
| Mileage at Beginning of Test: | 3795 |
| Mileage at End of Test: | 4618 |
| Total Measured Miles: | 823 |
| Total Fuel Used: | 46.522 gals. |
| Consumer Guide Fuel Economy: | 17.69 mpg (what's this?) |
| Problems During Test: | None |
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Major Options
wood trim, lighting package, premium package, gas guzzler tax, electronic trunk closer
From the Back Seat
Kirk Bell
$7,100 for a C-pillar that actually hurts a car's utility doesn't make a lot of sense to me. The CLS provides well-to-do hip family types with the opportunity to drive a cool-looking car, but it does so at a cost that I don't think is worth it over an E500.
Mark Bilek
Even Mercedes admits that the CLS is a compromise. It rides and handles beautifully. However, the rear seating area is a joke, materials and fit-and-finish merely adequate, and visibility is, at times, scary. Add to this M-B's typical cryptic audio and navigation controls and the CLS becomes as frustrating to drive as it is comforting. With a list price of over $70,000 it is hard to imagine anyone finding this car a good buy over a traditional E-Class or even a coupe like the BMW 6-Series. In my eye the CLS is a styling exercise that should have stayed a concept car.
Rick Cotta
While it sacrifices some of the E500's practicality, the swoopy styling and lower production assures the CLS500 will get noticed. You could spend the $7000 difference on fancy wheels for your E and not get anywhere near the looks, making this a veritable bargain for style-conscious buyers.
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