CLS 450 vs 53
 

Trying to understand the difference between the 2 CLS models other than the engines. Are they the same otherwise?

Engine is Tuned differently, and the 53 has a 48v electric system that gives the car a tad more juice. Also I think the 53 comes standard with an AMG tuned air suspension.

Both cars have the EQ boost electric motor. The 53 has a electric super charger to offset the the dead spot from the turbo spooling up. The car is also tuned to higher HP. The transmission also has a speed shift function that acts like a dual clutch. The suspension is AMG tuned also. I think the brakes are also different. The Canadian model has nappa leather with the designo finish showing AMG insignia on the backrest as standard equipment.

If you load up the 450, it's not a big leap to go up to the AMG model because there is more standard equipment in the AMG. Either way, both cars are excellent but expect the AMG to have a stiffer ride even in the comfort setting. Mine has the AMG driver's package which gives you performance exhaust(pops and burbs) and the race mode for track performance and drag strip timing. Because the car comes with higher speed tires the electronic speed setting is higher.

Is the AMG worth an extra 10K Canadian? Doubtful!! The smart buyer will own the E class with the same options and save himself a bundle for the same car since both are on the same chassis. It's all about EGO.

Well said re: E, but the E looks so blah to me

I've had a test drive both 450 and 53. If you like stiff driving and crazy about hearing pops and burbs, go for 53.
I just moved from E300 to cls 450. The driving is much different than E 300. I like it so far.

Both have the great new inline six engine, both great choice.. the 53 def sounds better (muted at startup vs other AMG's though)... bigger push on accelerations and so many AMG touches, plus the drivers academy

Have one for sale ;) as well as a 450

Grey on red w/night package, parking pkg, driver assist, massage seats, all seasons..will discount..more if you came to Maryland

https://www.eurogermantownmercedes.c...0679cdfe0e.htm

VIN: WDD2J6BB5KA029410
Code Description Price

MODEL: 2019 CLS53C4 $79,900 ($93105 MSRP w/options)

992 Selenite Grey Metallic $720
877 AMG Bengal Red/Black Nappa Leather $2,990

Options
445 445 Warmth and Comfort Package: Heated Armrests, Heated Steering $1,050
906 Front Heated Armrests
902 Rapid Heating Front Seats
443 Heated Steering Wheel
P68 Heated Door Panels &Center Console

521 521 AMG Night Package: High-Gloss Black Elements: Front Splitter and $650
U50 AMG Night Package Steering Code
P60 AMG Night Package Components

996 996 Parking Assistance Package: Surround View System $500
501 Surround View Camera
P47 Parking Assist Code

997 997 Driver Assistance Package: Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC®, $2,250
292 PRE-SAFE Impulse Side
266 Active Steering Assist
233 Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC
P20 Driving Assistance
K32 Active Lane Change Assist

H64 Metal Weave $600
K33 Extended Restart by STOP and GO Traffic
L6K AMG Nappa/DINAMICA Performance Steering Wheel $500
RRF 19" AMG Twin 5-Spoke Wheels w/ Black Accents
R02 All-Season Tires
U25 AMG Illuminated Door Sill Panels $350
256 AMG Track Pace Application $250
401 Heated and Ventilated Front Seats $450
432 Active Multicontour Front Seats w/ Massage Feature $1,320
872 Heated Rear Seats $580

SUBTOTAL $92,110
DESTINATION &DELIVERY $995
TOTAL $93,105

I'm currently considering one... CLS53 AMG with a window sticker of $102,000.
What would you say is a fair lease on a 12,000mi, 36-month, $5,000 down?
Thank you for any feedback.

I'd estimate with money factor 0.00268, $9K discount, 53% residual. For me that would be in the $1,424 range

I'll see if I can work that money factor down. My credit is excellent.
Not sure if they would be generous enough to drop 9K. We'll see.

Thank you tommyr! :cheers:

Still can't understand why anyone would want these cars versus a M550i that would blaze these CLS' to shreds for $20k less?

It is simple. I don't like BMW. I haven't had good experience with the previous 5 series. Since then, I don't look any bmw ever.

Hard to argue an M550i in terms of performance. But I think a good percentage of loyal and the general public tend to agree on the fact that Mercedes offers better-looking interiors. Alot of people are willing to give up performance over luxury so to speak. I have to agree though, if you want to play the numbers game, by all means if your not moving up to a flagship M5/E63s, then ya, M550i all day. Just my 2c

It's all in the beholder's eye. I love new tech in cars and BMW has nothing up to date that compares with the tech in the E AMG 53 or CLS 53. As far as price is concerned, the M550 is comparatively priced to the AMG E53. The 650 4 dr coupe is comparable to the CLS and the prices are competitive.

I was actually going back n forth between a M550 and the CLS53. Simple terms, the tech in the CLS is far better than the current gen M550. If only the BMW has the latest iDrive that's in the 19' X5 - then we could talk...

I was a very loyal BMW owner. Please forgive my ramblings: I bought my first BMW in 1968 -- a red 2002, one of the first in the USA. I was the first web master of the BMW CCA and co-chair of two Octoberfests in Colorado. I was an instructor for 30 years with the the BMW Club, had a pro SCCA license and drove an M3 to a 3rd place at then Sears Point in an Escort World Challenge Race. I had 1600 members in the BMW 325iX (AWD) Registry and had a beautiful yellow M3, on order a year in advance, the second in the USA.

But while I was still under warranty, the flimsy plastic radiator of my 740i failed (a common problem with BMW V8s - I had a spare radiator in my garage.) It is a long and ugly story that ended after 5 months with BMW blaming me for the damage to the engine. I had to buy a $10,000 engine.

That was when I switched to Mercedes and bought a CLS550 and an SLK55 AMG, never to look at a BMW again. And thrilled to be blessed with some fantastic rides, including my recently-purchased CLS53.

SLK, I assume your CLS53 has 20" wheels. My was in for headlight recall Thursday. While there, I asked them to check why my tires are so noisy. They called me back to advise me all four rims are bent. I have never bent a rim before and I'm an old guy. Our roads were really bad this Spring but all four rims...... is that possible? I find the ride is really rough in this car and tires really noisy. How do you find yours for ride comfort and noise? By the way, I keep my tires at 41 fr, 42 r.

PS The dealer would not change the oil in the diff. Said is was unnecessary and that MB would not pay on the maintenance program.

petee1997 are you happy with the car overall? The CLS53 is on my short list but I have read mixed reviews of the car.

1. First off this thread is about the CLS 450 vs CLS 53 AMG not the BMW M550i. But since we’re on the topic I’ll continue for a brief moment. lol.

2. Yes, the M550i is very fast. No denying that.

3. 20K less than what? Not 20K less than a CLS 53.

4. Most BMW sedans look the same IMHO. Not all but most. BMW designs are much more conservative vs MB.

I love the performance of this car. My main complaint is with the tires. Runflat tires by nature ride harder and are noisier than regular tires. That said, if I had ordered this car instead of buying from stock, I would have ordered it with 19" all season tires. I would have lost some handling ability but would have been happier with the ride.

In Canada, our cars have more base equipment and if you are buying a loaded up CLS it's only about 4K more for the 53. If your looking for a great cruiser with good performance, the CLS450 is a good choice. If you are looking for M550 performance, you will be happier with 53.

Same problems with the e-classes, come to the w213 forums and you will see. I even had problems with my w211 and w212, since 2007. The rims on benzes are soft.

BMW= Because Mercedes Wins!!

Seriously though, if you want a BMW, then go get one, but at the end of the day, the technology and quality of a MB is much better than a BMW.
I should note that this is a MB forum, so I can say this without hopefully offending anyone!

Just sayin!