LB Bnz

I would like to upgrade from the CLK to either the E or CLS...

I have some friends with the E but none with the CLS...also haven't test driven one yet...

I'm about 6'3" 215lbs and since my son is getting bigger, the CLK is being outgrown....do you guys have the leg room for the driver and back passengers?? I love the coupe design, but may need to give it up for the room of the E class...or possibly an '04/'05 S class...

any thoughts would be greatly appreciated---thanks in advance!!

Untertürkheim

The rear headroom is less in the CLS than in the E, and rear legroom is also slightly less. If you plan on having tall people like yourself riding in the back, the E may be the better choice.

kaze81

If you need room then S-class would be perfect in my opinion.

kpxplaya415

i'm 5'11" and my head will hit the rear windshield if i sit in the rear seats so anything taller than that will definitely be uncomfortable in the back.

LB Bnz

thanks...I can't imagine trying to sit back there...LOL...

besides the head-room issue, what positives do you like about your ride?? Have you done any mods???

Chaseme973

I am 6'3 and 210.
I have AMPLE room in the drivers and passenger seat. I haven't attempted to even try to get in the back.

ppilot

The CLS is a styling exercise. Rear seat room? Who cares, I never ride there anyway.

Yacht Master

I love the CLS, I think it looks great. I am not considered tall 5'11" but I crack my head getting in to a CLS and bump it getting out, and that is the front seats. It is hard to teach an old dog new tricks.

blazinginder

Go with the CLS or an 05 S500...the E is nice, just not worth it in comparison to the other cars

Htowncls

from what i have read the E class has alot more room front and back than the CLS.. The design is meant to be lower and sleeker in the CLS so it can still be considered a coupe styling but with 4 doors.. If having room is your priority than i would go with the S class like someone above suggested. If not the CLS hands down when it comes to style of the car.

johna1

The E is able to seat 5 people if necessary - whereas the CLS is strictly a 4 seater. This may not be important to you.

I think it is really a style thing, the CLS is just so hot!

The front room is the same as far as I can tell, the rear definitely slightly better in the E (a lot better headroom).

But the E looks like your grandmother's car comparitively.

The other point is that the E is at the end of the model cycle so there will be a new shape along soon, whereas the CLS is only a couple of years in.

Faced with the same choice, I took the CLS.

Untertürkheim

[QUOTE=johna1;2239768]
But the E looks like your grandmother's car comparitively.

The other point is that the E is at the end of the model cycle so there will be a new shape along soon, whereas the CLS is only a couple of years in.QUOTE]

# 1: Totally subjective, I love both cars. I personally like the styling of the CLS very much, but the facelifted E has amazing presence.

#2: The CLS is based on the E hardware, so buying a CLS with the intention that it will be "newer" longer is misguided. When the new E comes, the new CLS will soon follow.

johna1

#1 True. and I actually still like the look of the E, it just doens't have the raw appeal of the CLS (to me).

#2 I know the CLS is based on the E platform, but I am sure that MB will stick with the normal model cycles. You saw the same thing with the CLK which doesn't immediately change when the donor C changes. I haven't seen anything about a new CLS whereas the internet is awash with stuff about the new E. MB has long model cycles and it makes sense to play them.

DoctorC4

if you want to turn heads go with the CLS, if you want to drive an inconspicuous sedan, go with the E.

LB Bnz

Thanks guys for all the input!!! I appreciate your posts....I just got back from dropping my CLK for scheduled service, but got the chance to sit in a few cars on the lot....

1. The CLS is really nice--inside and out!! Not sure about the headroom in the back, but I don't think I'll ever sit back there
(fell in love with the CLS 550---damn, that engine has been revamped!!!)

2. The E is subtle--doesn't grab the attention like the CLS, but hey, the room is there. If I go for the E, I would have to jump into the E55

3. The 04-05 S Class is really spacious!! The prices are coming down, but is there really a lot of tech problems?? That's what I would have to research further....

I still have some time to decide...My Lexus is paid off so I may use it as a trade in for one of the above cars--and still get to keep the CLK for 1-2 yrs..

You guys have been great!!! Hopefully I will be joining all of you...

Htowncls

Good luck.. and yes if you go with the E it has to be the 55 !

tee_tz

The CLS rear looks a little funny. Like a fish or something...

But as many have said styling is relative, but functionality isn't. Hence, if you need the space then the E-Class is the obvious choice, whereas if you don't really need to fit basketball players in the back then you can get away with the CLS. They both have exactly the same engine, drive train, etc, etc -- actually the CLS I believe is heavier

If you get the 2007 E350 with the free sport package, it's lovely; or you could go the route of a used E500/E55, that wouldn't be bad neither, especially in the case of the latter.

Either way, CLS or E-Class, it's a good choice. Styling is relative, so while some of you CLS people like to believe the CLS is the best looking car, it isn't for some.


Tee_Tz.

emilner

I just spent a week going over the same question. I decided on an '07 E550. For me the final decision came down to price, on a lease there was almost a $400 a month difference b/c of the specials they are running right now on an E. I love the styling on the CLS, I think if you don't mind the extra cost-the CLS is one of the most beautiful cars on the road...

LB Bnz

Congrats on your new E!!! I think for me it's going to be 'timing'...I mean, I would like to get a good priced MB--which ever class I finally choose. It's kinda like timing the market...LOL!! Always buy low.....

j_belll

yes it sure is the sexiest thing on the road!

silberrosa

You are in the enviable position to choose between 2 very nice cars. It has been said many times but the CLS is just plain sexy. If you can live with the compromises, then go this direction. However, if you need a bit more room, the E550 is the way to go. Both have the same engine so they are a blast to drive. To spice the E550 up a bit, add the AMG sport package on top of the standard sport package and it is a bit more expressive. Or, go full bore to the E63AMG. I'll offer the following analogy, the CLS is the uber hot supermodel, the E550 Sport is the hot girl (or guy) next door. Both fine choices. Good luck