pros and cons ?

which would you pick and why

 

drive both and decide. Thats a tough one.

 

CLS.... more features, way nicer interior, a hair faster stock

 

Here's my A - Z list...

A. Looks wise, CLS55 wins hands down (IMO).
B. The CLS cranks out 30 less ponies, but smacks the M5 with a whopping 130 more ft lbs of torque (which also enables it to be faster than the M5 in the 1/4 mile).
C. The M5 has an "M" button that enables it to be used in two power modes, which is supposed to make it more fuel efficient, but in reality the CLS55 gets slightly better fuel economy (2-3 MPG more, comparably).
D. The M5 weighs 38 lbs less.
E. The M5 has slightly better head and leg room.
F. The CLS55 is 2.5" longer and 1" wider.
G. The CLS55 has a larger trunk (1.8 more cu ft).
H. The CLS55 has a bigger gas tank (2.6 more gallons).
I. The CLS55's nav system is pretty archaic in comparison to the M5's (IMO).
J. The CLS55's seats are more plush, while the M5's are more sportier (IMO).
K. The M5 has voice control / recognition capabilities (depends on package).
L. You can seat 5 in the M5, but only 4 in the CLS55.
M. The Ergonomics (for everyday use) in the CLS are more driver friendly (IMO).
N. The "jog dial" control on the M5 along with its radio/computer menu can be a bit cumbersome at times (IMO).
O. The M5 is available in manual, and although the SMG tranny has been rumored to be plagued with problems, I feel that it performs better than the CLS55's standard automatic tranny.
P. The radio in the M5 is clearly louder, but the CLS55 packs more bass.
Q. The paddle shifters on the M5 are much more cooler (IMO).
R. The cup holders in the CLS55 are much more useful.
S. The CLS55 has more "cubby" space.
T. The CLS55's doors, trunk and hood (when opened and closed) feel much more solid (IMO).
U. The keyless go function on the CLS55 is far superior (IMO).
V. Maintenance intervals and associated costs are equivalent.
W. The CLS55 turns more heads then the M5 (IMO).
X. The aftermarket world has more parts and accessories for the M5.
Y. Audio and electronic upgrades on both cars can be tough if not impossible without the right (costly) interfaces / adapters.
Z. Last but not least, if you go by the many online user and owner submitted reviews, the CLS55 generally has higher ratings then the M5.

 

I will pick the NA engine, less issues. CLS63, then M5, then CLS55 IMO. TC

 

One more thing Ducatiguy forgot to mention;

THE WHINE OF THE SUPERCHARGER

 

i humbly disagree. if u dont ever plan on doing performance mods then perhaps i would agree however the 55k is far easier to mod and extract power from then the 63 and i have personally owned several 55k's without issue.

 

To add to letter B. Many dynos have shown the CLS and E dynoing closer to the S, CL and S. Marketing ploy.

 

So does the CLS55, via package 051; is the M5's more comprehensive or something?

 

The Bimmers interface and control system is much more intricate. Some could argue its more advanced, while others (including many top magazines) will say most of the extra "bells and whistles" like for example the detailed heat and AC vent controls are utterly useless. In the eyes of BMW, its just allows for a more fine tuned driving experience.

The younger "Gen X" crowd will love the added features and control options the Bimmer has to offer, but once again, it all comes down to 1. do you really need it, and 2. will you even get any use out of it?

With the MB, it seems the "less is more" philosophy works well and in doing so allows for a more robust driving experience. You spend less time fiddling, and more time enjoying what the car was meant to be used for - driving!

Just my 2 cents, and by the way, just because I drive a MB I have no prejudice against BMW. In fact, I have had an M3, a 3 series and a 5 series in my household within the past 10 years, and enjoyed them all thoroughly.

 

nice breakdown DucatiGuy!

The CLS55 having so much torque starting down low makes it more applicable in the real world, the M5's power hits much later. All in all, they are both great cars, my buddies M5 has an RPI exhaust and I swear it sounds like a Ferrari...

 

If that smg clutch goes on the m5, look to spend about 4-5k... m5 is horrible on gas. Only plus I see on the m5... RPI exhaust + v10 = drool.

 

Im around M5's and CLS55 all the time... The CLS55 wins hands down. An M5 looks great but when a slammed CLS55 rolls up it just turns everyones head. J.C was right the CLS55 is "EPIC"

An M5 sounds amazing when exhaust work is done, but this just does it for me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPMupBX0b-g