VelocitE55

Rolled down to the LA Auto Show today specifically to see the CLS and my jaw hit the floor when I saw it! After drooling over photos in mags and on the web ever since the CLS concept was unveiled well over a year ago, it was awesome and gratifying to finally be mere inches away from one. The Brabus CLS was nice but the CLS 55 owned. I know I made the right decision ordering the CLS 55. To anyone who has not yet seen a CLS in person, you will be amazed at the difference from pictures to real life. And to anyone who ordered one without ever seeing one in person (as I did), you have nothing to worry about and you should be ecstatic while the time to delivery dwindles away! This is a car that is destined to become a classic. Its going to leave people speechless.

Lov2xlr8

was there croud by the CLS like most auto shows and the MB station? and what do u think about the rear end of the car, does it look too sloped? that is the only thing iam realy worried about. and how does the look compare to the CLS500, does it look like the difference between the SLK350 to the 55? if you know what i mean. BTW what color was it?

northbenz

I sure hope the rear view of the CLS55 is a huge improvement over the Taurus looking rear on the CLS500. I saw dozens of the CLS350's being hauled on car carriers around Germany when I was there in September for their European launch and like the poster above had real reservations about that aspect of the styling. Another big disappointment for me was learning that the originally promised panoramic roof was nixed somewhere between concept and production. The CLS55 may well be the jewel of this line and I could see it being the one to get despite the extra cost.

Lov2xlr8

about the panoramic roof. the reason they didnt go with it was b/c there wasnt enough room on the sides of the roof to be able to hold the glass. iam sure if its exactly that, but something to do with that. and i dont beleive MB couldnt work around that, but if they could have iam sure they would have. i hope the rear doesnt look like the taurus or j30 infiniti. i dont think ppl would have said such good things about the CLS and miss that out if it was a problem.

VelocitE55

The CLS 55 was up on a rotating stage with the drivers side doors open. It was Irridium Silver on AMG Charcoal and it had the Lighting Package, Keyless Go and Premium Package along with the 19 inch staggered solid 5 spoke AMG rims. There was a hell of a crowd and I had to push my way through many people to get to it. The rear is much cleaner in person. It has a little slope to it but its nothing to worry about. The one thing that really helps the rear is the lower silver painted trim piece between the exhaust tips which the E55 doesnt have. Another amazing feature of the CLS is the inward curvature of the lower body just forward of the rear wheels. Its really going to accentuate a nice set of staggered wheels, especially with a polished lip! The front and rear bumpers, side skirts, rear lip spoiler and the round foglights really set the 55 off when compared to the regular 500. Love it or hate it, this car is going to be very popular.

Lov2xlr8

thanx for the review, sounds good and iam so excited. what do u think about the 19" rims? do they look better then the 18"s on the cl55?

Doctodd33

so....i finally know the one person on the planet who doesnt take a camera to an auto show.

JK....wish you would have brought a camera.

T

Lov2xlr8

lets hope he did and is posting them soon.

VelocitE55

Actually, I brought my new Sony DSC-L1 4.1 Megapixel camera to test out. It took great pics and I have about 15 shots of the CLS55 that I tried to post but it said the files were too large and I have no idea how make them smaller. This blows

BTW, the 19" rims are sweet! The offset on the rears make them nice and concave. Make sure you specify the 19's when ordering the car, otherwise it will have the 18" split 5 spokes which are still very nice, but are getting old and the CLS wheel wells are too big for 18's IMO.

Speed Thrills

I was at the show Thurs morning before the opening with a ferarri dealership. Got to fully inspect the CLS55. Seems they allow the pre-show "VIPs" a little slack. Even climbed in it and adjusted the seat. Amazing car. Great feel and visuals from inside the car. Sounds funny but I was more excited sitting in the CLS55 than the F430. I'm sure since the CLS is the one I ordered has a little to do with it. This car is a must to see in person.

GREAT CAR. Cant wait to get it.

Lov2xlr8

here are the pics VelocitE55 took at the L.A. auto show. credit goes to him for taking great pics.

BTW what do tou guys think about the matching grill? iam not sure it looks good.

Lov2xlr8

here are dome more.

vraa

Those are either some big wheels, a short wheel base, or a weird camera lense.
:p

AMGB

Excuse my ignorance, but what are staggered wheels. The 19inch kinda reminds me of my old GS400 rims. Just a nice 5 spoke wheels. Not like the awsome 19inch SL65 or CL65. Now those are awwwssome wheels.
What makes the 19inch wheels look nice on the CLS?

vraa

Staggered wheels means they are wider in the back.

E55Soon

Seeing that the CLS and the W211 E class are built on the same platform, do you think those 19" wheels will fit on the new E55? Aren't the standard 18's the same ones as what they put on the E55?

vraa

I think so. Most AMG wheels fit across MANY cars.

sprins

I don't know about you guys, but I think this is easily the best looking Mercedes available right now.

VelocitE55

Agreed!

BTW, IMO, the matching 3 slat grill is sweet!

Lov2xlr8

iknow, but iam not it would look good on other colors. id have to see it first.
BTW are u sending me more pics to post? plz

Natalie

It appears the interior on one of them is "sunset red"?
If so, how does it look in person??

VelocitE55

I will get the rest of them to you today. Thanks for resizing them, the car looks sick!

Kar don

looks charcoal to me.

WOW THAT CAR IS AMAZING!!!! Better start saving my pennies.

VelocitE55

The CLS 55 had AMG Charcoal interior. Maybe the lighting made it look different.

Natalie

Thank You.....