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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
Date Published: 4/30/08
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Sneak Peek
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is unchanged. This premium midsize car is essentially a reskinned version of the company's E-Class sedan. CLS seats four vs. the E-Class's five and does not offer all-wheel drive or a wagon body style. Two CLS-Class models are available. The CLS550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine. The high-performance CLS63 AMG has a 507-hp 6.2-liter V8. Both use 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. The CLS63 adds firmer chassis tuning and cosmetic touches by Mercedes' AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for CLS550 includes performance tires and aero body trim. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front and rear side airbags. Standard is a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Available are steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps, navigation system, and keyless access and engine-start with pocket transmitter. We have not yet tested a 2008 CLS.
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.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
Our Best Buys include the Cadillac CTS, Infiniti G, and Lexus ES 350. Our Recommended picks are the Acura TL, Infiniti M, and Mercedes-Benz E-Class.
New or significantly redesigned models include the BMW 5-Series, Cadillac CTS, Volvo V70, and Volvo XC70.
News
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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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Fuel Economy
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Ride Quality
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Quietness
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Controls
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Details
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Cargo Room
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Value within Class
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Coming Soon. Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
Total Score
| Unknown | Class Average |
| N/A | N/A |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars
| Low Score | 56 | |
| Average Score | N/A | |
| High Score | 78 |
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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/13/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| CLS550 4-door sedan | $67,950 | $63,194 | $825 |
|
|
|||
| CLS63 4-door sedan | $93,550 | $87,002 | $825 |
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 w/rollover deployment, driver knee airbag, 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 tilt/telescopic 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, power-folding rear headrests, 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 radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, 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, 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, 275/35ZR18 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, alcantara headliner.
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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CLS63
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$2,125
|
$1,976
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|
Navigation system, wireless cell phone link, heated/cooled front seats, power rear sunshade, power trunk closer.
|
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P2 Pkg.
|
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CLS63
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$4,035
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$3,753
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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
|
$5,030
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$4,678
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Steering-wheel shift buttons, bodyside cladding, performance 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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$9,550
|
$8,882
|
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Limited-slip differential, 186-mph top speed limiter, carbon-fiber interior trim, performance suspension, 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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$1,120
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$1,042
|
|
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
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Adaptive cruise control
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CLS550, CLS63
|
$2,200
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$2,046
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Trim Pkg.
|
||
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CLS550
|
$910
|
$846
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Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob. NA w/AMG Sport Pkg.
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Upgraded leather upholstery
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CLS550
|
$970
|
$902
|
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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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Carbon-fiber interior trim
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CLS63
|
$0
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$0
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Voice recognition
|
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CLS550, CLS63
|
$510
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$474
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iPod adapter
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CLS550, CLS63
|
$425
|
$395
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Special paint
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CLS550, CLS63
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$795
|
$
|
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Run-flat tires
|
||
|
CLS550
|
$220
|
$205
|
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||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 54.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4020 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 15.9 |
| 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
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| 7-speed automatic | 14/21 | 12/18 |
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 |
Coming soon.
Please check back for more information and Consumer Guide's full review.
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 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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