2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Road Test

Mercedes claimed the CLS500 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Its V8 engine has ample power for any situation, assisted by the smooth, alert seven-speed automatic transmission. Models with the higher-powered 2007 engines have not yet been tested. Fuel economy isn't bad for this league. A test CLS500 averaged a relatively frugal 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. All engines require premium-grade fuel. Ride comfort is a high point. The CLS500 is nearly as comfortable as an E500, despite lower-profile tires on 18-inch wheels versus 17s. These stylish sedans are impressively unruffled on most any surface. Steering/handling also stands above the pack. A CLS500 feels a bit more agile than an E500 on tight, twisty roads, with less apparent cornering lean and the same grippy assurance. All this and quietness, too? A CLS model is about as hushed as any four-door Mercedes. Little wind noise is evident, and only a muted V8 growl at high revs, though moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum occurs. Controls are positioned in a typical Mercedes design and layout, with several odd control icons and a steering-column cruise-control stalk that can be confused with the turn-signal lever below. That's been a common complaint against most Mercedes-Benz models. The dashboard screen handles many audio and optional navigation controls, often requiring multiple steps for basic functions. Separate front- and rear-seat controls operate the standard four-zone climate system. Cabins satisfy with top-notch workmanship, elegant leather upholstery, and genuine wood accents. Low-roof styling produces a cozy cabin feel versus the E-Class, pinches driver vision astern and to right rear, and reduces entry/exit ease. Front leg space is ample, but six-footer headroom is limited even with power seats at their lowest position. Well-shaped seats hug nicely, and seem long-haul restful. The Comfort Package's 10-way seats have a tacked-on-looking control pod that's difficult to manipulate and looks incongruous. Little rear headspace is available for riders over five-foot-nine or so. Knee and legroom get tight for adults if front seats are pushed well back. Individual rear seats are supportive but set low, which combines with narrow door bottoms to hamper entry/exit. Although the trunk is long and wide, it's not very tall. Neither is the trunk opening, so larger, hard-sided suitcases may not fit inside. Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges don't intrude much, and are shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Decent cabin storage includes large covered bins, front and rear.

Value for the Money
The CLS500 performs like its E500 sibling, but sacrifices some sedan functionality for its coupelike shape and costs considerably more when new. The high-power CLS55 relates similarly to the E55. Similar comparisons may be made with the 2007 models. For well-heeled shoppers who put a high value on style and can live with limited rear-seat room and cargo space, the CLS combines E-Class virtues with dramatic design and is therefore worth a look. Fairly strong resale values tend to keep secondhand prices somewhat high.