I don't understand the point of the CLS. Maybe somebody can clear it up for me. The C is your entry level sedan, E being the mid level and S the high end sedan. The SLK is a small 2 seat sports car, the SL a luxury 2 seat convertible. The CLK a 2+2 sports car coupe/cabrio, the CL a luxurious 2+2. So where does the CLS fit in? It seems like its just competing with the E class.

 

the CLS stands between the E-Class and the S-,CL-Class. even the price of it will be in the middle of these cars.

 

Okay, it still seems like an odd addition to the family to me. 4 different models of 4 door sedans seems like a lot. With the W211 AMG running about $78-80k how much of a gap is there to the S430?

 

I dont believe the s430 is still being produced. I thought it was only s500 55 and 600

 

Where did you get hte idea the s430 isnt going to be produced

The cls does seem pointless to me......The cle will be even more pointless

 

More car manufacturers recognize that money is to be made with niche cars. This one is one such example (a bit similar with the M & G class being replaced by 3 models).

To call it a coupe is naturally nonsense, but I find the sleeker lines and the different headlight design refreshing.

I currently have a CLS 55 on order, but may change that based on what the new S-Class is going to look like...

Wolfman

 

I have a feeling that the new s-class is going to look really good...

I understand what you are saying.....But i am starting to think mercedes is going a little over board....how many models do we need.......

 

As long as they all make some sort of profit I have no problem.

Remember, cars that make a profit means more money for R&D which means faster cars

 

Especially in Europe, car makers produce more and more niche cars. Not to do so it simply leaves the selling to others

Wolfman

 

I don't see anything wrong with a little experimentation. Remember, this car is built off the E-Class, and very little of the car is built specifically for the car, aside from the exterior panels. As such, development costs have probably been quite miniscule.

Furthermore, the CLS will be produced in limited numbers (probably around 10,000, same as the 6-series) and I believe alongside E's, so if it doesn't do too well, MB won't suffer much of a loss if it flops (which I can't see happenning- I think this will be a successful limited production car). The converse is also true- if it's successful, they'll be able to cheaply shift production to it. True it may (or will) cannibalize some E-Class sales, but as long as MB gets the sale, do you really think they'll mind? If it takes away from S-Class sales, that may mean more, of course, as the profit margin is fatter on that one, but considering the S is at the end of it's life span, it would be hard to determine exactly what is hurting sales.

I would think of the CLS as more of a concept production car- gauging public reaction to a possible future styling direction in the best way possible- seeing how the thing sells. Surveys, focus groups, and auto show reactions are nice, but nothing competes with sales figures. I would note that the GST is the only other MB that uses the design direction as extremely as the CLS- all the spy shots of the future M's and S's I've seen show a softened version of the CLS/GST face: almost as if MB is hedging just in case the CLS & GST don't do well.

As for "how many models do we need"- well, since when were luxury cars or sports cars about need? They're about want. The more salient question is "how many models does the public want?" We'll find out soon enough, won't we?

 

What's the CLE?

 

It will be close to the cls but go between the c and e.....It is going to be a "4-door" coupe as well

 

Really!? If that is true, it makes no sense and neither does the CLS. To be more exact - a four door coupe makes no sense and its sells will pale to the BMW 6-Series in the long run.

 

Nope between E and S.

This car is a direct competitor the 6 series

6 is based of the 5
CLS is based off the E

there is no CLE. That is the CLK between the C and E.

 

"CLE" was the name used by much of the automotive press when referring to the CLS prior to the real name being released.

 

Then why does one of my motortrends say that there will be a cle to go between the c and the e

 

They are morons.

 

NO they arnt they are the best out there!

 

 

Exactly

 

slytosky,

any news on when the CLS will hit europe streets? If they started taking orders end of june, figure 2 months for production?

 

The CLS350 and CLS500 go on sale in January 2005 in Europe.

"Orders are now being taken for the new Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, which is available in two model versions. The CLS 350, equipped with the new, powerful V6 engine and the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission, is priced exworks at 54,346 euros, while the V8 CLS 500 is being offered at 67,280 euros."

Then:

'Exclusive CLS 55 AMG available from spring 2005

From spring 2005, a 350 kW/476 hp AMG version of the CLS will be available. The specification of this high-performance Coupé, powered by an AMG 5.5 litre V8 super-charged engine, will include standard-fitted nappa leather AMG sports seats, bi-xenon headlamps with Active Light System and a five-speed automatic transmission with SPEEDSHIFT function. The CLS 55 AMG will be priced at 96,164 euros ex works."

 

The above information was release June 28 and the on July 05 Daimler-Chrysler said:

"The sporty and exclusive CLS 55 AMG car will be appearing at Mercedes-Benz sales outlets and dealerships starting in January 2005."

 

Any idea on the quantity produced?

 

Kev,

seems like DC cant make up their mind huh? Now an autoweek article says the CLS 350/500 will arrive in US dealers in January just as the 55 will arrive in Europe dealers. I hope this is right.