All else being equal, would you choose a 2016 CLS400 over a E400?
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Virginia
W212 M276 DELA 30 ; W211 M113k, W126 M117, W126 OM617, W211 OM642 ; R107 M117 X2, Sierra 1500 LZ0
All else being equal, would you choose a 2016 CLS400 over a E400?
Same chassis, same engine, same transmission, very similar interiors, different packaging. Both have the updated COMAND system, but the CLS uses a much larger screen with a tablet style display whereas the 212 uses the dash hump look with a smaller screen. Both are hovering between the 35-40K price range used with similar miles (despite the CLS starting 10K higher). Anyone choose between the two (not necessarily the same years) and willing to explain what and why?
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From: South Florida
GL550
I was in the same spot, I was torn between an E63 & CLS63. To your point, it’s all the same with the exceptions of the looks. The CLS is a much cooler and sportier car than the E class in my personal option. I really like the silhouette of the CLS, not many cars look that way (Except for baby CLA). I believe the CLS has a timeless look, the E class is boxier and looks dated any gen. CLS.
That being said, I've made up my mind to buy a CLS, my hunt will start in the next few months, after my upcoming wedding.
That being said, I've made up my mind to buy a CLS, my hunt will start in the next few months, after my upcoming wedding.
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From: SF Bay Area, CA
2006 E55 and 2002 E320
Generally, if the CLS400 and E400 are similar in price, I'd probably go for the CLS400, assuming the CLS400 doesn't have AIRMATIC suspension. The AIRMATIC can have problems later on in its life.
I'd even pay more to get the CLS400 than the E400 assuming both had all the optional equipment I need.
I don't recall, but certain model years of the C218 CLS Class cannot have SURROUND VIEW cameras. If the E400 had Surround View and the CLS400 didn't, I would reconsider. Generally, the E400s are very well equipped, the CLS400s aren't always heavily optioned. E400s will also generally have fold down rear seats whereas the CLS400 might not.
Other than Airmatic, I can't think of any reliability issues that are more troublesome on the CLS400 over the E400. Thankfully, most CLS400s in the USA are not equipped with Airmatic. So there shouldn't be any "Cons" with the CLS400 from a reliability standpoint. CLS400 will cost more to insure (it's considered a coupe and it's more aluminum intensive which means more expensive replacement parts and less likely to be repairable parts), dents and dings on doors will be more difficult to pop out (doors are aluminum on CLS400 and steel on E400). Fuel economy should be similar. CLS400 may have higher insurance costs, but the car is likely to retain its value better than an E400 (assuming same starting point) and may cost overall less in the long run (assuming same starting price). A CLS model does not get the 1.99% APR financing that an E Class model does get; assuming you buy CPO from a USA based dealer.
I'd even pay more to get the CLS400 than the E400 assuming both had all the optional equipment I need.
I don't recall, but certain model years of the C218 CLS Class cannot have SURROUND VIEW cameras. If the E400 had Surround View and the CLS400 didn't, I would reconsider. Generally, the E400s are very well equipped, the CLS400s aren't always heavily optioned. E400s will also generally have fold down rear seats whereas the CLS400 might not.
Other than Airmatic, I can't think of any reliability issues that are more troublesome on the CLS400 over the E400. Thankfully, most CLS400s in the USA are not equipped with Airmatic. So there shouldn't be any "Cons" with the CLS400 from a reliability standpoint. CLS400 will cost more to insure (it's considered a coupe and it's more aluminum intensive which means more expensive replacement parts and less likely to be repairable parts), dents and dings on doors will be more difficult to pop out (doors are aluminum on CLS400 and steel on E400). Fuel economy should be similar. CLS400 may have higher insurance costs, but the car is likely to retain its value better than an E400 (assuming same starting point) and may cost overall less in the long run (assuming same starting price). A CLS model does not get the 1.99% APR financing that an E Class model does get; assuming you buy CPO from a USA based dealer.
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S450-4matic
Twins!
Mechanically speaking both cars are the same. The only difference is in the sheet metal and interior which is why the CLS costs much more but beyond that the rest of both cars are the same. Having owned both of these cars, if you’re the only one in the car most of the time than the CLS is the way to go. One last thing, if you’re taller than 6’ then the E class is the way to go. As I mentioned I owned a CLS and if you’re over 6’ tall you’ll be hitting your head on the drivers door frame alot, not so with the E class. Good luck
Doc
Doc
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From: Memphis
2013 CLS550
Bad question on the CLS forum!!!! CLS hands down; I pass 4-5 E class cars everyday on the way to work. I pass a CLS once a week. Thats just me though, get what ya like at the end of the day.
