2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes-Benz dresses its E-Class sedan in sleekened sheetmetal and revamps the interior to create the CLS. CLS seats four vs. the E-Class's five, and does not offer all-wheel drive or a wagon body style. It comes as the CLS500 with a 302-hp V8 and as the high-performance CLS55 AMG with a 469-hp supercharged V8. The CLS500 has a 7-speed automatic transmission, the CLS55 a 5-speed automatic. Each has a manual shift gate. Steering-wheel shift buttons are optional on the CLS500, standard on the CLS55. Both have an air-spring suspension that adjusts firmness within three driver-selectable modes. Traction/antiskid control is standard, as is antilock braking via Mercedes' "by-wire" control that can adjust brake pressure for each wheel. The CLS55 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS500 includes wider tires and aero body trim. Front and rear side airbags and curtain side airbags are standard. So is a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Available are Mercedes' drive-dynamic front seats with air bladders that adjust firmness to match cornering force. Also optional are steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and keyless locking/engine-start with pocket transmitter.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize Cars sport interior dimensions similar to Midsize Cars. Premium Midsize Cars offer more luxury, performance, and prestige when compared to Midsize Cars. This segment is one of the industry's fastest-growing categories.

Our Best Buys include Acura TL, Cadillac CTS, and Infiniti M. Our Recommended picks include the Acura RL, Infiniti G35, Lexus ES 330, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

New or significantly redesigned models include Lexus GS, Lincoln Zephyr, and Mercedes-Benz CLS.