caliboy

Hello,
I know I don't have the luxury for now to own any of these two vehicles, but in a couple years I will be better off after my lease is due and I was just wondering which is faster. I know they have the same engine, but which is the faster car. One of them must surely weigh more than the other and I heard handling is better on the new cls is that true. My dad was thinking of getting the E55, but I told him to look into CLS55.

BoBcanada

Although its somewhat 40 kg heavier... i think it shuold be eaqual performance wise... Handling is maybe a bit better because of wider tyres, the steering rack of 05 E55 is the same as in CLS... I would recomend go and compare 2 cars... I find CLS has way smaller headroom and im a big guy 250lbs i find my E55 more spacious!!!

Nevertheless CLS55 is as sexy as E55!!! !

adx

They should be pretty much equal in speed. However, the CLS55 handles MUCH BETTER than the E55. I was able to drive the CLS55 in a lap course and definitely the handling and steering is quite noticeably better. Although, the CLS is much more cramp for interior room than the E55. I think the E55 has a better interior.

caliboy

Interesting! I will relay this to my pops. He's very interested in one of these cars. Although with all the price talk on this ne CLS and the fact that E55 is cheaper with equal performance I think he will lean towards that car more.
So handling is alot better hugh. Is the suspension different or is it the chasis?

waldis

I totally agree with you. even though the 2 cars share the same engine, the CLS handles better and is MUCH more fun to drive than the E55. In terms of interior space and layout, I like the E.

CynCarvin32

cant believe it is correct but mb quotes the CLS55 @ 4069 lbs while the E55 is 4087. So if that is the case the CLS should be a little quicker.. just a very little.

Then again the E has less drag so at high speed the E could be quicker.

Either way both are blazing quick for a 4 door family sedan.

Jspeed

Apparently the E55 has a lower drag coefficient that the SL55 too. I am puzzled by this. Both the CLS and SL definitely look more aerodynamic than the E class ... E55 looks like a brick compared to the SL! Can someone enlighten me on this??

mbprince

just saw my first in the flesh CLS55 in Phoenix a few days ago and was underwhelmed at the look of the exterior. the front looked kind of cool though. IMHO

IanSL55

I debated between the CLS55 and the E55... I wouldn't call the CLS a family sedan... I'd call it a 4 door coupe. The rear seats offer all the comfort and convenience of the CLK - they just have doors. I didn't drive the CLS55 but did take the CLS500 for a spin. Not sure I could even make a comparison between it and the E55, but if you're looking for a sedan - the E55 is the right choice.

~ Ian

Doctodd33

Funny.....MB calls it a 4 door coupe too. On a more serious note, the E has more room in the rear cabin than the CLS. Maybe important if you have large kids or other family members you give a ***** about who ride around in the back seat.

But back to the original poster's question, i would say the CLS55 is faster in a straight line marginally, and much faster on a road course.

T

King320

The SL is quite a bit wider than the E55 is, so it is pushing more air horizontally than the E is. Thats my understanding of it.

Hussain

The CLS looks aerodynamic...I haven't met anyone who doesn't like it. In concept form, it looked like a spaceship.

Brav

I was really dissapointed that I couldn't fit in the CLS55. Went to the dealership for a wash on Sat. My hair hit the headliner. However, there was much more leg room, as the pedals (same with 05 W211) are moved further forward. The rear is a joke for me (6'3). I moved the seat forward, and still had to get in a canon-ball formation to fit. I was really sad because the car is stunning in person (the 55 much more than the 500). The wood looked terrible in comparisson with the E. I wish I could fit in the front, would make me forget about the rear and just order one.

I hate not being happy with cars because I don't fit. I don't think a 6'3 man is that uncommon here in the US. I had to sell my M3 because I don't fit, and I find the E doesn't have enough leg room with the seat all the way back.

tomk

I'm 6'3 1/2" and I fit in mine. Little harder to get in, but once in no problem. Can not drive with seat all the way back as pedels too far to reach. Head room is fine. Did you lower the seat all the way?

Evolution Marine

I am sure you already know this but I will mention it anyway. The Drivers door has to be open, when the key is not in the ignition, to adjust the seat position. - Bob

Brav

Yes I knew that, and left it open while I adjusted, I think. Maybe im becoming senile in my mid 20s.

tofumann

I test drove the CLS500 and I have to say...I felt in love with the look of that thing. But when I kept looking at it more and more (I only live 2 miles away from the dealership), I got tied of that cuz it looks a speed-bump.

CLS55 is a different story...after all it looks good cuz the 55 package top it off! I would pick the CLS55 over the E in a heart beat. Just need to figure out how I can cough up the extra 20k and put up with the wait time