2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: Full Review

Updated: 11/23/08

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS front
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
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2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class ▼

  • Price Range:  $41,400 - $77,000
CG Rating

65

out of 100

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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.

Pros

  • Acceleration
  • Quietness
  • Ride
  • Steering/handling
  • Front-seat room and comfort

Cons

  • Tire noise
  • Cargo room

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes-Benz dressed its E-Class sedan in sleeker sheetmetal for 2006, and revamped the interior to create the new CLS-Class. Sharing the E-Class's wheelbase, the premium midsize CLS wore a longer, lower, wider body that seated four instead of five. Unlike the E-Class, the CLS lineup did not include a wagon or all-wheel drive. The CLS500 had a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. For higher performance, the CLS55 AMG held a 469-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8. Both used an automatic transmission: a seven-speed for CLS500, a five-speed for the CLS55. Each had a manual shift gate; steering-wheel shift buttons were optional on the CLS500, standard on the CLS55. Both models came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and an air-spring suspension that adjusted firmness within three driver-selectable modes. Braking was handled via Mercedes' "by-wire" control, designed to vary brake pressure for each wheel as needed. The CLS500 had 18-inch wheels. The CLS55 came with 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, firmer chassis tuning, and cosmetic touches developed by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for the CLS500 included wider tires and aero body add-ons. Front and rear side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags, were standard; so were a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Ventilated front seats were available, as were Mercedes' drive-dynamic front seats with air bladders that adjusted firmness to match cornering force. Also optional were steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. A navigation system was available, as was Mercedes' Keyless Go locking/engine-start system with a pocket transmitter. Nothing in the premium midsize sector looked anything like the stylish low CLS, but its ostensible competitors included the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, and Infiniti M45.

Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)

Category Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 8
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 8
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 65
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.

Year to Year Changes


2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS: New engines for 2007 triggered model-name modifications. In this year's CLS550, a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 replaced the prior 302-hp 5.0-liter. Under the high-performance CLS63's hood, a new 507-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 edged aside the 469-hp 5.4-liter V8 of 2006. Both engines worked with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Steering-wheel shift buttons were optional for the CLS550 and standard on the CLS63. Firmer chassis tuning was used for the CLS63, and an AMG Sport Package was available for the CLS550.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was unchanged.

Our road test for the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is right for you.

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

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.

Expert Ratings Summary

Category Mercedes-Benz CLS500 Rating
Performance 8
Fuel Economy 5
Ride Quality 8
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 8
Controls/Materials 7
Interior Room 7
Room/Comfort (rear) 5
Cargo Capacity 4
Value within Class 6
Total Score: 65

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLS includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Mercedes-Benz CLS .

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Airbags: The airbag warning light may come on if a device with a memory card (e.g. laptop computer, PDA, etc.) is placed on the passenger seat which causes interference with the Baby Smart system. (2006-07)

Battery: There was a service recall to replace the voltage regulator in the alternator which, if not replaced, allows the battery to go dead. (2006)

Brake noise: Noises from the front brakes due to weak brake pad pressure retaining springs. (2006)

Check-engine light: The check engine light may come on because of a malfunction in the secondary air injection system due to a bad air pump relay. (2006-07)

Steering problems: The speed sensitive steering may malfunction due to a broken connector or other electrical connector fault at the valve on the rack-and-pinion assembly. (2006)

Sunroof/moonroof: The sunroof may leak or rattle due to an inadequate seal in the frame. (2006)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.
Item Name Repair Cost
A/C Compressor $1,750
Alternator $960
Automatic Transmission or Transaxle $9,550
Brakes $2,370
Constant Velocity Joints $2,550
Exhaust System $1,565
Radiator $1,280
Shocks and/or Struts $6,710
Timing Chain or Belt $1,450
Our price chart for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLS details a range of prices in year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Prices Good Average Poor
2008
CLS550 $61,000-64,000 $58,000-60,800 $45,800-48,000
CLS63 AMG $77,000-81,000 $73,200-77,000 $58,500-61,600
2007
CLS550 $52,000-55,000 $48,900-51,700 $39,000-41,300
CLS63 AMG $65,500-69,500 $62,200-66,000 $49,800-52,800
2006
CLS500 $44,000-46,500 $41,400-43,700 $32,100-33,900
CLS55 AMG $55,000-57,500 $51,700-54,100 $41,300-43,100
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.
Specs for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLS include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification 4-door sedan
Wheelbase, in. 112.4
Overall Length, in. 193.3
Overall Width, in. 73.7
Overall Height, in. 55.2
Curb Weight, lbs. 3812
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 15.8
Standard Payload, lbs. --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 21.1
Seating Capacity 4
Front Head Room, in. 36.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 42.1
Rear Head Room, in. 36.1
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 35.0

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

In 2006, the CLS500 held a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance CLS55 AMG got a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that generated 469 hp and drove a five-speed automatic. Engines and model designations changed for 2007. The CLS550 used a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 while the CLS63 got a 6.2-liter V8 that made 507 horsepower. Both models now use a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in		 Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy		 Consumer Guide Observed
Supercharged ohc V8 5.4 / 332 469 516 5-speed automatic: 14/20 5-speed automatic: --
dohc V8 5.5 / 333 382 391 7-speed automatic: 15/22 7-speed automatic: --
ohc V8 5.0 / 303 302 439 7-speed automatic: 14/20 7-speed automatic: 19
dohc V8 6.2 / 375 507 465 7-speed automatic: 13/20 7-speed automatic: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Built In:  Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Mercedes-Benz CLS include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2006-2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.

NHTSA Recall History

2008: An incorrect software calibration number (SCN) coding received during a recent workshop visit can affect a number of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the check engine light may illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed. Dealers will recode the SCN.

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