Is the e-550 basically a mini CL? Does it have any advantages over it or are am I comparing apples to oranges? The reason i ask is b/c I like the styling of the e-550 better..I currently drive a 08 750 and looking to get into a benz..Either the S550, E550 sedan or coupe..just having a real hard time deciding. I don't know why I like the look of the E's so much.

thanks for any compliments or opinions.

I looked at both in the coupe model. The CL550 is a fair amount longer and wider and has all wheel drive. I actually didn't like the addled girth and length. The only thing that was attractive was the all wheel drive although the 50k or so extra cost just for that wasn't worth it to me.

The engines in basically the same. The Cl550 has a slightly higher rating but since it weighs a fair amount more the performance should be slightly lower then a E550. For a lot more bucks you can get a 600 or an AMG model if you want enough horsepower to make performance higher then a E550.

The long and short of it is you are comparing a maybe 70K car with another model whose loaded cost is somewhere north of 120k for a CL550. The other CL models are north of 120K.

On a bang for the buck comparison the E550 wins hands down. If you like the larger size then the extra cost may be worth it.

I would say it all depends in what your looking for in a vehicle. Not to be funny but the CL is kind like the CEO and the E550 is more like the Program Manager. They both have their strength but it's only one boss. I actually think the exterior of the E550 looks better than CL. I would say test drive both and whatever decision you make won't be wrong.

If you're looking for performance and handling I would pick the E550. The E550 is built on the C class chassis. Now alot of people will and have heaped criticism on the E coupes because of this. To me it's a good thing...saves about 400 lbs over the E sedan (Don't know about the weight of the CL...it might be even heavier). The E550 comes with the Dynamic Handling Suspension which should provide nimble responsive handling. With the new V8 you've got a near perfect luxuary sport coupe.

i have had my e550 coupe for 27 months and 41k miles and apart from electrical problems with the airbag, it's been a brilliant car.

i drove the c class coupe and the ride is significantly worse than the e coupes. i imagine the CL rides like a dream with the air suspension and appointments inside.

i agree with steelgrey - it's a luxury versus sport decision more than anything. if you get a CL, you may want to look at the gently used market because they have a huge price drop...

i'm trading my E in now on a BMW for $37,250. not a fantastic trade value, lost about $23k over 41k miles. sigh.