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2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review:
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4.
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Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
7.
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2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
New engines trigger model-name changes for Mercedes' 2007 CLS sedan. Essentially an E-Class sedan in sleeker sheetmetal, CLS seats four vs. the E-Class' five, and does not offer all-wheel drive or a wagon body style. Two models are offered. The CLS550 has a 382-hp V8 and replaces the 302-hp CLS500. The high-performance CLS63 has a 507-hp V8 and replaces the 469-hp CLS55. Both have a 7-speed automatic transmission. Steering wheel shift buttons are optional on the CLS550, standard on the CLS63.
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 CLS63 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS550 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 steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and keyless locking/engine-start with pocket transmitter. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
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 CLS63 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS550 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 steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and keyless locking/engine-start with pocket transmitter. This evaluation is based on preview test drives.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 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 the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
Our Best Buys include the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G35, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Lexus GS 450h, Lincoln MKZ, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
News
CLS is only in its third season, so no basic design changes will occur for a few years yet. One source, however, says a freshening is in store for 2009.
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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 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.
| 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
No opportunity to measure. All CLS-Class models require premium-grade fuel.
| CLS63 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 2 | 4.6 |
No opportunity to measure. All CLS-Class models require premium-grade fuel.
Ride Quality
Controlled and comfortable on any road surface despite sporty suspension tuning and high-performance tires. CLS63 confidently absorbs bumps with little impact harshness.
| 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
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.
| 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
The usual Mercedes-Benz combination of little wind noise and classy, mechanical engine growl. Coarse-surface tire thrum noticed but is never intrusive.
| 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
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.
| 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
Cabin satisfies with top-notch workmanship, elegant leather upholstery, numerous padded surfaces, and liberal use of soft-touch materials.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
| CLS63 w/nav. sys. | Class Average |
| 72 | 70.2 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 49 | |
| Average Score | 70 | |
| High Score | 75 |
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2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/26/2007
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| CLS550 4-door sedan | $66,900 | $62,217 | $775 |
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| CLS63 4-door sedan | $92,200 | $85,746 | $775 |
Price note: CLS550 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax. CLS63 adds $2600 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CLS550
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, front-seat active head restraints, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tele Aid assistance system w/one year service, air conditioning w/4-zone climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front bucket seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/driver-side automatic day/night, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM/weatherband radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated nozzles, universal garage door opener, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, automatic and driver-adjustable air suspension w/level control, 245/40ZR18 front tires, 255/40ZR18 rear tires, alloy wheels.
CLS63 adds to CLS550:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated multicontour front seats, upgraded leather upholstery, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 255/35ZR19 front tires, 285/30ZR19 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
P1 Pkg.
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||
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CLS63
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$1,700
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$1,581
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Navigation system, heated/cooled front seats, power rear sunshade.
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P2 Pkg.
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CLS63
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$3,600
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$3,348
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P1 Pkg. plus keyless access and starting, steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights w/washers.
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AMG Sport Pkg.
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CLS550
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$5,000
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$4,650
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Steering-wheel shift buttons, bodyside cladding, 255/40ZR18 front tires, 285/35ZR18 rear tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/run-flat tires.
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AMG Performance Pkg.
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CLS63
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$9,500
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$8,835
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Limited-slip differential, 186-mph top speed limiter, uprated brakes, alcantara steering wheel, unique alloy wheels.
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Safety |
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Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
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CLS550, CLS63
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$1,110
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$1,032
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Adaptive cruise control
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CLS550
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$3,150
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$2,930
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CLS63
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$3,160
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$2,939
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Trim Pkg.
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CLS550
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$900
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$837
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. NA w/AMG Sport Pkg.
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Power trunk closer
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CLS550, CLS63
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$520
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$484
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Keyless access and starting
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CLS550, CLS63
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$1,090
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$1,014
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Upgraded leather upholstery
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CLS550
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$960
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$
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Unique wood interior trim
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CLS550, CLS63
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$0
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$0
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Heated front seats
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CLS550
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$700
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$651
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Wireless cell phone link
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CLS550
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$500
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$465
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Run-flat tires
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CLS550
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$210
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$195
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 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.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.5 /333 | 6.2 /379 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 382 @ 6000 | 507 @ 6800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 391 @ 2800 | 465 @ 5200 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 7-speed automatic | 15/22 | 13/20 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class 4-door sedan |
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%. Side-impact
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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