CLS handling vs. E350 W212 4Matic
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
CLS handling vs. E350 W212 4Matic
Just wondering how many CLS owners came from W212 and what have you noticed about the handling differences? I am currently in a '14 E350 Cabriolet and LOVE the handling of the smaller chassis compared to the '14 E350 4Matic sedan I had prior. I have a '14 CLS 4Matic coming and am wondering if I am going to be disappointed again with the bigger E-sedan chassis (and heavier CLS) that was not very precise and had way too much body roll for my tastes (in the W212 sport version) or does the CLS AirMatic in sport mode really do a much better job? Thanks for any insight as to what to expect.
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E63 S AMG, CLS550 4matic, C63 Ed 507, Volvo XC90 T8s
Dunno about W212s but I can tell you that there is a real difference in body roll depending on your Airmatic setting ( comfort has slight/moderate roll while sport has nearly no body roll ). I have been surprised at how planted my CLS feels even on winding roads and in comfort suspension setting. But then again, my other car is a softly sprung Lexus convertible so that is not hard to beat to be honest.
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From: Tucson, AZ
C63 AMG
You also have to consider the width, the height and the tires, the CLS is a very well planted car, it is low, wide and has fat tires and it comes with a better suspension than the E350. Min has sport and comfort mode, the car rides on airmatic suspension and can be raised or lowered.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Portland, OR
2014 CLS550 4Matic
Well after putting 2k miles on my CLS550 I concur that it is definitely more planted and stable than an E350 Sport Sedan. The CLS handles better than a car that size should, I really enjoy driving it. And WOW is ride comfort excellent with the Airmatic system.
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From: NYC
2014 CLS 550
I just exchanged a 2012 E350 4matic for a 2014 CLS550 4matic. Its night and day. The E class is too soft in my opinion. The CLS has a much more sophisticated suspension system with Airmatic. can't compare the two cars. The E-Class is like an old Cadillac compared to the CLS.
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From: NYC
'12 CLS 550 4matic
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'17 C63S Estate (S205) / '14 CLS 550 SB (X218) / '17 E220d (S213)
I have a '12 E550 4matic and an '14 CLS550 SB. Both cars are based on the same platform and basically have the same suspension lineup (AIRMATIC / 18" wheels). The W212 offers a lot more ride quality. It is softer. The X218 on the other hand is more agile - it has a nicer turn in, a more direct steering. Everything feels tighter.
However: At the end of the day, I strongly suspect, that either car is faster around a track for example. Even though they might feel different: They still share the same concept. An Audi S7 or Porsche Panamera 4S is a lot quicker (and feels even quicker) than the CLS 550 around the track.
However: At the end of the day, I strongly suspect, that either car is faster around a track for example. Even though they might feel different: They still share the same concept. An Audi S7 or Porsche Panamera 4S is a lot quicker (and feels even quicker) than the CLS 550 around the track.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I agree with JMG that both cars are built on the same platform. That being said, how much difference can there be?
Personally I think the main difference is that you bump your head entering the CLS and you don't in the E550.
Personally I think the main difference is that you bump your head entering the CLS and you don't in the E550.
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From: NYC
'12 CLS 550 4matic
As far as I know, an E is not built on an S chassis. That's also why it's not a CLE!
Last edited by FEGELEIN; Sep 12, 2014 at 12:03 PM.
