Otto

CL sales decline of 53% in 2005

AMG2GO

Good. Maybe I can get that CL65 cheaper than I thought....

Jud Chapin

If my '02 CL is any indication, these cars have major problems with electronics. I wouldn't buy another, so I'm sure this is having an effect. Another factor is that two door cars no longer have the appeal they once did. There isn't a luxury coupe made by Ford or GM due to lack of sales. The Eldo's and the Mark's are long gone.
One thing I noticed when I was shopping for mine was the extremely low mileage that many had. Dealers told me people don't like to get in the back seat of any two door car. I saw some on lots with just a few thousand miles on them, the owners having traded them due to the back seat entry hassle according to dealers down here in South Fl.

Kubazzz

I think it's because people are waiting now for new CL.
I still do like 2 door cars, In my opinion CL will always be more exclusive than S-Class.

WIldcat465

My '04 CL has been mechanically flawless, but has had some minor glitches that have been worked out. With all of this technical wizardry, there are bound to be problems. I'd buy another one. The CL seems to be a good valuse when compared to other cars in it's class.

I've had adult passengers in the back of my car and they've been comfortable. Wifey and me have no kids and enjoy the spacious front seat for long trips and the car is better than our SL as a daily driver.

I don't believe that premiums coud have lost their appeal. I suspect that the CL's declining sales are more a matterof potential buyers not wanting to drop $100k on a car that will be replaced in a year.

Both the Lincoln and Caddy were tired designs and it was time to drop the ax on them both until GM/Ford can get their ***** together and build a world class coupe.

CLFREAK

I don't think it's because the luxury coupe design has lost its appeal. If that were the case, then why would the Bentley GT even have been built, not to mention the fact that they are selling strong, and at sticker??? Same argument for the Astons.

J Lucas

And the new Bmw 6... I wonder how this will play on the CPO/used market. The CL is a classic mercedes benz coupe and while it may be out of reach at 96k lets call it 100k new... it will be a great deal to get a used one still under original warranty for 60-70.

CE750

One word.

MODEL YEAR

(ok, it was two!)...

Nobody likes to drive a car, just before they make a new version of it...

~CL500~

I agree. This happens with all "last version" models. It's a matter of personal taste as well; Some buyers see this as a last chance to get a W215. The majority want to wait for the next generation.

I'm a new CL owner (1 month), and I really don't see myself driving anything other than a CL. After owning 4 doors all my life, this is my first 2 door and first car that I actually love. My wife and I had our first child only 2 months ago. Who says you need an SUV when you start a family. Infant seat fits like a glove in the back seat.

For me, the CL is automotive bliss.....

AMG2GO

And trust me, your child is in as safe a spot as can be in the automotive world.

Chip

Let me see, I've had:

98 320 E
99 ML 320
03 SL 500
03 E 55
04 ML 500
04 CLK 55

After all that (should of invested it) I can't see myself driving anything other than a CL. Although my Boarder Collie, I'm sure would rather have the S Class.

ghaffar23

It doesn't matter...it's a Mercedes-Benz. Most people just look at the three-pointed star and their jaws drop. I find it hilarious when I am in a building and people casually glance at my E430, touch the flat-hood emblem on the hood, and look to the back to see what kind of Benz it is. When they find out that I don't have any badges on it, they have a confused look on their face. Many people haven't a clue...I hear so many, "is that an S class?", "Is that a (enter the current year)?", "That must have costed a fortune!" People think that these cars are so expensive, when in reality, they choose to drive a new Cadillac CTS, or Infiniti, or Lincoln LS...The name makes the difference.

IMHO, despite the problems that my mother has had with her '04 CL600 (she's trading it and getting an '07 S450), personally, if they're still around in 5 years, I wouldn't mind having one in my personal stable...hmmm...a CL65 doesn't sound too bad either :-) There's nothing like it on the road. So much power, finesse, and exclusitivity. Yes, there have been quality issues as of recent, however, management will get it together in due time.