marc777

Every time I visit this forum I am reminded just how little activity there is on the C218 ...... suggesting and confirming just how few and far between they are, especially here in the UK....... And whist it was good having lots of info and feedback on the w211 thread when I had my E55, I do rather like the exclusivity that the C218 brings. Totally unexpected.

Marc
Oxford
England

tetra123

Yes I agree I hardly see any on the road in the UK. This forum has more advert posts then anything which is a real shame.
I think Mercedes have created a work of art with this model. The only thing I can think that is stopping them selling more here is the price. I keep meaning to post some pics on here but I cannot get it to post from an Ipad.
BTW I invested in winter tyres and they have made a real difference. My E Class was a nightmare before with any sign of snow or ice.

FEGELEIN

Just as rare in US and NYC, is where I am based. I rarely see any on the road. I absolutely love the car and get comments on it all the time. I think the fact that one has to pay close to $90k for a 4 seater, that turns many buyers away.

nyca

The reason it doesn't sell in the US - is because it only has a V8 option. A CLS350 would sell well in the US. Few people shopping the A7 look at the CLS because there is no 6 cylinder option at a lower price point than the CLS550. The same applies to the S Class - the V8 in the base car is overkill for alot of the buyers, and 6 cylinder options are available from BMW and Audi. MB doesn't seem to care, they want to keep these cars selling in lower numbers than they otherwise could, and make up sales numbers on lower priced cars like the CLA.

Dabigkaluna

I have no problem with it staying rare.
There's one that works in the same area that I do and I see it maybe every other week.
I remember when the original came out, and still today for that matter, it's like seeing a unicorn in the wild. I always remember spotting one and saying saying "look at that monster".
It deserves a V8. Nothing less in the US.

tc1728

not rare in CA, Pontiac Aztecs' are rare. TC

FEGELEIN

Spot on!

OBP

I agree with this sentiment. I spent a long time studying the A7/S7 and 640/650GC and one of the things I really like about the CLS vs the other two/four is that it only comes as a V8 in our market. Who knows, maybe later this year I might pick one up and get to experience what you guys who own a 550 or 63 have been posting about.

Adrockinc

almost got the s7 myself...They had a ridiculous order time and gave me a hard time getting out of my s4 lease...Here in Toronto the CLS is still pretty rare I see very few and thrilled that Audi was slow and not overly excited about letting me out of my lease...MB welcomed me and I could not be happier! Best car I have ever owned...

tetra123

I am amazed how few there are considering the new shape came out in 2011. Its rare to have such a unique car but feels great. I have not seen one CLS shooting brake yet on the road here either.

CLK550AMGpkg

MB only sells about 8000 CLSs per annum in the U.S. Rare, indeed. But last I checked, exclusivity was a GOOD thing

With Audi's A7/S7, BMW's 6er Gran coupe, and Porsche's Panamera joining the four door coupe segment in recent years, it's no surprise the new CLS isn't as popular as the previous gen. MB no longer monopolizes this class.

BGTHEMOGUL

Why is it that you don't see more of the new CLS's on the road? I understand Porsche, Audi and BMW all have joined the 4 door coupe world but I would still think that Mercedes was the flagship. I used to see tons of CLS's and it just seems that the new ones are a lot more uncommon to see and the dealerships are being aggressive trying to move them. I think they are beautiful and priced well so I don't understand.

duskyMBStar

.

tetra123

Well I could only get one as there was a great deal. These are made on the same line as the E Class and share a lot of the parts but are considerably more expensive. I just could not resist though as they are so stylish and 6 months on I still find excuses to drive it.

marc777

18 months on and I still feel the same

FEGELEIN

I think the "rareness" is attributed to a $90k 4-door that only seats 4.

marc777

Ha ha ha ha ha ha

Do you truly think seats is an issue ? We bought it for the front seats and the flexibility of rear seats when we don't get a taxi

QuadBenz

Here in So Cal I literally see at least one a day. Most of the time it's more. Same goes for the W221 S-Class and even the new SL. The only ones I never see are the W216 CLs.

FEGELEIN

IMO it's definitely the main issue, especially in this economy. I think less people are willing to spend almost $100k on this configuration. It's in limbo between an full blown sports car like a Porsche Carrera,that can be bought base model wise, for $100k and luxury sedans / SUVs that seat 5 to 7. This car hits a special "niche". One which is perfect for me, because as you can see from my other cars, all my bases are covered. I have the luxury SUV for the fam fam that seats 7 and 2 Porsches as toys. This is the perfect DD for me, given that its now offered in 4matic.

tetra123

lol, another world! I always thought this was quite practical as most coupes are 2 door with rear seats with no headroom and a small boot. I was looking for a practical car, not just a show car and I think this is a pretty good all rounder but with style. Guess the US market is significantly different to the Euro one.

FEGELEIN

I actaully agree, it's the best of all worlds "If", you have great flexability. I am in my early 40's, married w/ 3 kids and I think most that can afford a $90k car, fit my criteria. It's people in my situation that have to weigh how to spend their money most wisely, given the need for a family car, etc. Given the economy, I think the car is getting passed up becasue of this. If the car wasn't offered in a 4matic, this year. I could never have bought it myself, for the reasons stated. I need a dependable 2nd car w/ AWD for the family. The Porsche's just don't cut it! lol I think that the offering of the 4matic, has improved the sales.
Again, this is just my simply humble opinion!
I love the car and the rariety that goes along with it.

FEGELEIN

I thinks that's a fair assessment. Same here in the NYC metro area. I almost see one everyday as well and some 63's in the mix also. That makes it rare to me, since almost everywhere I look Benz wise, I see E's, S's, ML's and GL's.

Dabigkaluna

I see more CL's here than I do W218's here. Different strokes.