Actually though if I had to buy another M-B - it would be the SLK55.
CLS500 or E500?
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Joined: Nov 2004
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From: O.C.
Mercedes Benz
I love the CLS, though I have to admit that I didn't when I first saw them. I love my E500. With about a 7-10k difference between the two, I can see how hard it would be to choose between two very similar cars. I have heard that the CLS has very little leg room in the back, plus it only seats a total of 4 passengers. Even so, I have a child seat in my E right now, and it's already cramped. Anyhow, given the two choices, I would choose the CLS. I just love that car. But, given the choice of any mercedes, I would choose the S65 or upcoming S63.
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Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Jacksonville Florida
209/W210 Estate /W211 modded by MBENZNL
I Wanted the CLS..But I Dont Fit..To Tall..Head hits the headliner..with the seat all the way back and the seat back tilted...So We bought the the W211
The Cls is a Great Looking car!
The Cls is a Great Looking car!
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Land down under
BMW E60 M5 - '08
If I was to divorce my wife and the kids went with her, then I'd rather the CLS500. It's nice for a 2 person car with capacity for 4 on occasional basis, but not practical for a family of 4.
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: Westlake Village, CA
2005 E320 Platinum Blue/Ash, Appearance Pkg, Premium Pkg
If I were in my current situation of carting people around all the time, I would get an E500. I would need the headroom and trunk shape to cram as much junk in it as possible.
If I would occasionally take people around and not need the trunk as much, I would take a CLS.
If I would occasionally take people around and not need the trunk as much, I would take a CLS.
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Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Sacramento
'08 AM Vantage V8 - '03 E500
The E500, but that's just me. I prefer understatement to Making A Statement. I'm probably kidding myself about the "understatement", though. Driving a $60K car is a statement of its own, no matter how restrained the styling. I've seen only one CLS on the street so far - Sacramento isn't exactly the Westside of L.A. - and it sure did look nice, but it wasn't me.
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Joined: Mar 2005
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The CLS hands down. I've actually sat in that back seat and it's much more comfortable than the e, and the driving dynamics are MUCH better. How many times do you really carry 5 people ?? Those bucket seats in the back will work fine, but I wouldn't want to be a tall person back there!
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2003
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From: Northern NJ
2014 BMW 550i
I say the E500, since I don't care for the look that much, and as CE750 just said, it is really the same car that you are paying the "stupid tax" for.
If I had the extra money to spend on the CLS, I would just spend a little bit more on my lease payment and get the E55!
If I had the extra money to spend on the CLS, I would just spend a little bit more on my lease payment and get the E55!
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 304
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From: San Clemente, CA
2003 E-500
There were some earlier threads on this. Like many who have answered so far, I thought I might like the CLS from the photos and went to the local dealer special display opening for the car. After seeing it and sitting in it, we immediately decided it wasn't the car for us. Poor visibility, cramped seating in the rear, no fold down rear seats (which we use a lot in our E-500), and I acutally prefer the drivers seat better in the E. I've driven my E on several occassions over 1000 miles in one day, and doubt that I'd ever do that in the CLS. The CLS looks nice in photos and from a distance, but in my opinion, it fails the "up close and personal" test. However, it really is what they advertise it as--a four passenger sports car (sort of). It will probably sell well to specific customers desiring more room than the SLK's offer. However, I would prefer an SLK 55 over the CLS if I wanted a "sportier car" than the E-500.
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Joined: Jun 2002
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From: Treasure Coast
2018 Mclaren 720s, 2021 Aston Martin DBX
The CLS for all intents and purposes is a coupe. Coupes look sleeker than their sedan siblings and are inconvenient to get into the second row seats. I can’t get in the back without hitting my head no matter how I bend. It’s pretty much the same size interior as the E except for the rear headroom and after driving the 55 versions of each at the amg challenge, they handle pretty much the same too. After having a CLK, and if the E and CLS had both come out at the same time, I would have gone for the CLS and not worry about back seat passengers.
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by baubaulu
What is the technology difference between the CLS and E class?
I think the CLS looks too much like the old Chrysler 300M, sorry.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: SoCal OC
S, GL, Escalade ESV, my shoes
Even if price is the same, I would still pick the E. I think the CSL is one of the ugliest one Mercedes ever design.
It's like Valentino design shirt & suit for punk kid: sure look different, but won't age gracefuly as his traditional design.
It's like Valentino design shirt & suit for punk kid: sure look different, but won't age gracefuly as his traditional design.
Originally Posted by TectiteE
if u had a choice which do u prefer and why?
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Joined: Jun 2005
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From: FL410
'05 E320 CDI, '08 BMW X5 4.8i, '11 Duramax 2500HD
Originally Posted by zam2000
Even if price is the same, I would still pick the E. I think the CSL is one of the ugliest one Mercedes ever design.
It's like Valentino design shirt & suit for punk kid: sure look different, but won't age gracefuly as his traditional design.
It's like Valentino design shirt & suit for punk kid: sure look different, but won't age gracefuly as his traditional design.
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Joined: May 2005
Posts: 223
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From: Hong Kong
E350 Sport Package
they are very similar. same chassis, engine, drive train, etc, except the CLS has a useless interior for anything but 2 un-tall people. handles better than the E - maybe different suspension settings, but same physical equipment (?). technology wise, same maccaroni. same electronics. or less most likely. Theres really nothing new about the CLS except shape.
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Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Irvine, CA
07 M6, 05 Noble, 01 S4, Smart ForTwo
Originally Posted by baubaulu
they are very similar. same chassis, engine, drive train, etc, except the CLS has a useless interior for anything but 2 un-tall people. handles better than the E - maybe different suspension settings, but same physical equipment (?). technology wise, same maccaroni. same electronics. or less most likely. Theres really nothing new about the CLS except shape.
Copyright infringement?
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Joined: Oct 2002
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E500. sat in back of CLS and damn uncomfortable and I am only 5'10. Ugly - it looks like an Oldsmobile Aurora!
E500 looks more classic and the lines look more traditional MB - add a set of nice 19's, lower it and the car looks incredible.
E500 looks more classic and the lines look more traditional MB - add a set of nice 19's, lower it and the car looks incredible.
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 20
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From: San Francisco
I think the CLS is really unattractive. I honestly don't understand what the fuss is all about with that car. People tend to dislike the Bangle designed BMW exterior, but in my opinion, the CLS exterior is even less attractive looking.
