2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class help you decide if a 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is right for you.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat room

Build quality	Rear visibility

Quietness

Ride/handling

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	7

CLS63 only version made available for test so far. It has strong immediate power, and it doesn't taper off as speed increases, making for no-sweat highway passing and merging. Mercedes-Benz says CLS63 does 4.3 sec 0-60 mph, which seems credible based on our experience.

Fuel Economy

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
2	4.6

No opportunity to measure. All CLS-Class models require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	6.6

Controlled and comfortable on any road surface despite sporty suspension tuning and high-performance tires. CLS63 confidently absorbs bumps with little impact harshness.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
9	7.2

Extremely agile for its size, CLS63 takes turns with grippy assurance, surgeon-precise steering. Any body lean in fast turns is minimal at worst. Brakes have exceptional pedal feel and erase speed with no drama.

Quietness

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
8	6.9

The usual Mercedes-Benz combination of little wind noise and classy, mechanical engine growl. Coarse-surface tire thrum noticed but is never intrusive.

Controls

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
6	6.8

Typical Mercedes design, layout with a few odd control icons and a steering-column cruise control stalk that can be confused with turn signal level below. Dashboard screen handles many audio and optional navigation controls, often requiring multiple steps for basic functions. Standard four-zone climate system has separate front- and rear-seat controls.

Details

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
10	8

Cabin satisfies with top-notch workmanship, elegant leather upholstery, numerous padded surfaces, and liberal use of soft-touch materials.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
7	7.4

Low-roof styling gives cozy cabin feel, pinches driver vision astern and to right-rear, reduces entry/exit ease. Leg room ample, but limited six-footer head room even with power seats at lowest position. Well-shaped seats hug nicely, seem long-haul restful.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
5	5.4

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

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	4.2

Trunk long and wide, but not very tall; neither is trunk opening, so larger hard-sided suitcases may not fit. Sickle-shaped trunk lid 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

CLS63 w/nav. sys.	Class Average
4	6.1

Any CLS-Class sacrifices some sedan functionality for a coupe-like shape at a higher price than Mercedes' more practical E-Class. However, 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