Need Help. CLS55 vs. S550
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Need Help. CLS55 vs. S550
Okay, I need some quick advise. Tomorrow I will need to make a decision between a S550 that was ordered three months ago (has now arrived) and the CLS55.
Here's my situation. I currently drive a BMW 745Li and my lease is up. I saw the new S550 and thought it was the perfect replacement car. I ordered a Blk/Blk with AMG sport option (among other options).
I am surprised by the reaction I am getting on this decision. Everyone tells me (family and friends) that the S550 is too big of car and an older gentleman's car. I am a 45 year old business executive. I like nice things. However, I don't like being told that this car makes me look like I am driving my fathers car. I never got this with my BMW.
I went to the dealership today and drove the AMG CLS55. Wow! Wonderful car at about the same price point. ($97K) I realize these are two totally different cars. Sporty vs. Luxury.
I need to make a decision between cars. I would like to get some opinions on the typical profile of a CLS55 owner. Is it true that the CLS55 would be more of a young business executive type car than the S550? It's not a bad thing having to make a decision between two beautiful cars. Any thoughts?
Here's my situation. I currently drive a BMW 745Li and my lease is up. I saw the new S550 and thought it was the perfect replacement car. I ordered a Blk/Blk with AMG sport option (among other options).
I am surprised by the reaction I am getting on this decision. Everyone tells me (family and friends) that the S550 is too big of car and an older gentleman's car. I am a 45 year old business executive. I like nice things. However, I don't like being told that this car makes me look like I am driving my fathers car. I never got this with my BMW.
I went to the dealership today and drove the AMG CLS55. Wow! Wonderful car at about the same price point. ($97K) I realize these are two totally different cars. Sporty vs. Luxury.
I need to make a decision between cars. I would like to get some opinions on the typical profile of a CLS55 owner. Is it true that the CLS55 would be more of a young business executive type car than the S550? It's not a bad thing having to make a decision between two beautiful cars. Any thoughts?
Last edited by rzundel; Apr 30, 2006 at 02:47 AM.
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From: South Florida
'10 Panamera S, '06 AMG CLS55, '07 Miata MX5, '02 MB SPRINTER, '99 Spec Miata Race Car (2X)
Both are stunning cars
make up your own mind and be true to yourself - who gives a ***** what anyone else thinks - its your money and you have to live with it, for a while at least. I love my CLS55 but I would love to own the S550 - its got way more space. Just this week I struggled to carry 2 6ft+ clients for 20 miles in the CLS - it really was cramped - In my E55 I never had that problem, and in the S you will definitely never have that problem.
Have fun deciding.
make up your own mind and be true to yourself - who gives a ***** what anyone else thinks - its your money and you have to live with it, for a while at least. I love my CLS55 but I would love to own the S550 - its got way more space. Just this week I struggled to carry 2 6ft+ clients for 20 miles in the CLS - it really was cramped - In my E55 I never had that problem, and in the S you will definitely never have that problem.
Have fun deciding.
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From: Scottsdale, Arizona
2020 S63 Coupe, 2006 Hummer H1 Alpha, 2018 McLaren 720S, 2022 Porsche 911 TurboS, 2022 Tesla Model X
If you need to carry adults frequently in the rear seat for anything other than short trips, or need the extra cargo space, stick with the S550. If you rarely use the rear seats for adults, or have two children that will be in them like me, the CLS55 is unbeatable!
I really like the design of the S550, it is a great looking sedan. But the CLS55 is much lower and sleeker -- it has the look of a sports car with usable rear seats unlike the 2+2 from Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, etc. And the AMG engine and drivetrain is just amazing. The only real competition the CLS has right now is the BMW 6 series and MBZ CL series -- both true coupes with decent rear seats. For me having the extra two doors makes life a lot easier when getting our girls in and our of their car seats. And the CLS just looks better. The 2007/2008 CL will be interesting for sure, but probaby only in AMG form will be highly desireable and that will be very costly.
Stiff competition for the CLS will arrive in the Aston Martin Rapide. But at about $250,000, and with less power than the AMG MBZ, it won't be a huge seller.
So far I have not driven an S550 and with the new engine. It will no doubt be very quick, but as the car is heavier and with about 25% less power than the CLS55/63 there will be no comparison in terms of driving excitement! And you will likely get a lot more attention from the CLS than the S, pretty as it is.
There's always the S65 if you want the best of both worlds
I really like the design of the S550, it is a great looking sedan. But the CLS55 is much lower and sleeker -- it has the look of a sports car with usable rear seats unlike the 2+2 from Porsche, Jaguar, Aston Martin, etc. And the AMG engine and drivetrain is just amazing. The only real competition the CLS has right now is the BMW 6 series and MBZ CL series -- both true coupes with decent rear seats. For me having the extra two doors makes life a lot easier when getting our girls in and our of their car seats. And the CLS just looks better. The 2007/2008 CL will be interesting for sure, but probaby only in AMG form will be highly desireable and that will be very costly.
Stiff competition for the CLS will arrive in the Aston Martin Rapide. But at about $250,000, and with less power than the AMG MBZ, it won't be a huge seller.
So far I have not driven an S550 and with the new engine. It will no doubt be very quick, but as the car is heavier and with about 25% less power than the CLS55/63 there will be no comparison in terms of driving excitement! And you will likely get a lot more attention from the CLS than the S, pretty as it is.
There's always the S65 if you want the best of both worlds
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I think the S550 is overall a better family car...or if you use the back seats on long trips etc. If you can do without the extra 100hp from the CLS55 and dont mind a less sportier look in order to have much more space---> then S550 it is.
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From: Miami, FL
CLS 55 AMG, 2002 Chevy Avalanche (w/ NOS) :D
I am a young business man myself... And i drive a CLS 55 AMG... HOWEVER, I would not mind driving an S550, The S550 is a big beautiful car, and just like any other car if u want to make the car look more like you.. Give it some touches that will make the car more like you.. Example: Throw some nice classy Wheels on the car that will make it more sporty and younger feel. That can always do the trick.. and other small touches. and the CLS 55 AMG ANOTHER beautiful car i LOVE it, and feed of the power, and lOVE that 5.5 s/c V8 (which is why i got it), If you are going to constantly having Clients riding in your car, I think it would be better off with the S550, For the comfort and luxury.. But if not the CLS is a badass car!! GoodLuck on Deciding.. just think of it this way whichever way you end up going, Your getting a car that slaps everyone up! 
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From: South Carolina, USA
06 CLS55, 07 GL450, 07 GMC Yukon, 06 Pontiac Vibe
I had a SL500 with 2 small children. That didn't work. I did not want to give up the sporty look and wanted more power and 2 back seats. The CLS55 was the perfect answer for the same money. The S550 is a beautiful car, but if you want sportiness, looks at the red light, power, and room for the kids, the CLS55 has no competition.
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From: Pinehurst, NC
2022 AMG SL 63. 2021 APR stage 1 Audi SQ7.
Besides the space issue.....
It comes down to power and how much attention you can handle
Last edited by traumadoc; Apr 30, 2006 at 05:18 PM.
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Update on CLS55 vs. S550 decision
Thanks for everyone's help on my decision. The general feedback I received all led me to the same conclusion. Buy the car that I want and will enjoy driving for the next 3 years. Well....I ended up going a completely different direction. I got a new Porsche Carrera C4s Cab. Both the S550 and CLS55 are beautiful cars. I concluded that I was ultimately looking for "fun" car to drive. The S550 was too big and I was concerned that if I bought the CLS55 (a blast to drive!) that I would be bummed when the new CLS63 was delivered in the next few months. I couldn't wait for the CLS63 so I went forward with the Porsche option. All great except the $110K price tag.
Thanks again for all your advise. Believe it or not, you did have a big impact on my ultimate decision.
Thanks again for all your advise. Believe it or not, you did have a big impact on my ultimate decision.
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2005 Diamond Black C230K, 2007 Iridium Silver SLK55 AMG
Originally Posted by rzundel
Thanks for everyone's help on my decision. The general feedback I received all led me to the same conclusion. Buy the car that I want and will enjoy driving for the next 3 years. Well....I ended up going a completely different direction. I got a new Porsche Carrera C4s Cab. Both the S550 and CLS55 are beautiful cars. I concluded that I was ultimately looking for "fun" car to drive. The S550 was too big and I was concerned that if I bought the CLS55 (a blast to drive!) that I would be bummed when the new CLS63 was delivered in the next few months. I couldn't wait for the CLS63 so I went forward with the Porsche option. All great except the $110K price tag.
Thanks again for all your advise. Believe it or not, you did have a big impact on my ultimate decision.
Thanks again for all your advise. Believe it or not, you did have a big impact on my ultimate decision.
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The Cayman S is a hot car but in the history of Porsche, the only model that has had any real stay power and is considered the flagship of the Porsche brand is the 911. If you don't want to dish out top dollar, the Cayman S is a great option. It was built as the hardtop version of the Boxster even though it is a greatly improved vehicle.
I realize this is a mercedes forum so I will leave it at that.
I realize this is a mercedes forum so I will leave it at that.
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From: Los Angeles, CA
SL/M6
Awesome choice with the 911...over the next few months the S55 will be readily available as well as the new CL....potential CLS55 owners are going to go insane with choices. My best friend has a fully loaded CLS...those back seats are just too small for above average height people, but the look is like no other...the S is a bis *** cruiser...yet, I would go with the S550 myself if I had to go 4 door...of course it would be fully customized, etc.....but as you can see...I don't. I hope to drive a 2 door conv. until I have kids 
Congrats!
Congrats!
Senior Member
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From: Miami
06 CLS55
Same problem
I had the same problem, my wife thinks that the S550 is an "older car". I am only 30 yrs old. I love big cars I had a 93 GS300 and loved it at that time iT was a car that older business men drove, I was 23 at the time. After my E i wanted a 55k so I looked at the e55 but then I saw the cls55 i said thats for me.
Great looking car and still has that sports car kind of look. That being said the s550 is a great looking car, but I agreed with my wife this time, what will I have to look forward to after this lease is up 3 years later? She made a very good point. I don't drive people around and on the weekends we use her Navigator. Now as far as the back seats for the cls are concerned my kids and there car seats fit with out any problem . Good luck getting any one who is taller then 5' 5" in there for a long ride,it is cramped.
With all that said, the bottom line IMO is go with what you like who cares what other people think. If I let that affect me than I would never drive nice cars with out people thinking I'm some kind of drug dealer. It happens lots down here in MIA.
NICE CHOICE IN CAR ENJOY
Great looking car and still has that sports car kind of look. That being said the s550 is a great looking car, but I agreed with my wife this time, what will I have to look forward to after this lease is up 3 years later? She made a very good point. I don't drive people around and on the weekends we use her Navigator. Now as far as the back seats for the cls are concerned my kids and there car seats fit with out any problem
. Good luck getting any one who is taller then 5' 5" in there for a long ride,it is cramped.With all that said, the bottom line IMO is go with what you like who cares what other people think. If I let that affect me than I would never drive nice cars with out people thinking I'm some kind of drug dealer. It happens lots down here in MIA.
NICE CHOICE IN CAR ENJOY
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From: MO
06 E55,03 M3 (gone),05 Yukon, 03 Diesel PU,05 RK Custom, 03 SERK
rzundel---Have you considered an 06 E55? Same engine as the CLS55, larger back seat for passengers, cheaper...and doesn't look like your father's car.
