jdr1000

I am about to take the plunge into any of these two and thought of starting a discussion on pros and cons for these choices.

My head is spinning to fast to make any choice today so lets have a debate while I calm down.

For me the Pro for the CLS550 is that it is basically a new model and I am planning to have the car for 10 years more or less. The Con is the backseat space but I can not rememeber when someone sat in the rear seat of my car for the past 2 years.

E550 is more spacious but the new models will come in the next 3 years so value will go down and in 10 years parts will be harder to look for (the last one is just speculation)

Engines are the same, 7G Trans on both (same problems or wonders).

Prices CLS is about 9-10 % more than the E probably a little more.

What are your thoughts.

J

jagata

If you have the means than get the cls, the e (what I have) just looks dated next to the Cls.

Kar don

E is getting a facelift and will look great imo.

JimPurdy

The glass area of the CLS is smaller and makes me feel like I am looking out through a tunnel. I wouldn't trade even my 2000 wagon for a new CLS let alone my 2003 E320 sedan.

Double Eagle

I don't like the CLS because of poor side and rear visibility and the rather low driver seat position. I would not enjoy driving this car on a long trip; however, would be OK for most of my city driving.

I'd definitely prefer the E550 over the CLS but will wait until the "brand new" E-550 comes out in 09 before I'd buy it at this time.

The CLS probably has more close up curb appeal than the S; however, that is not what sells me on a car. I'm sure you'd probably enjoy either one as they are both quite nice, but many subtle differences.

ajm0824

Thats a tough one....

me thinks pros/cons on differences

CLS PROS
---------
Newer Styling
less likely for near-term major change

CLS CONS
-----------
poor side and rear visibility
poor driver seat conditions
don't like the back (IMHO)
more expensive
not exactly proven (may not be around anymore to compare in 10 years)


E PROS
-----------
beautiful regardless of design date
proven.
more spacious and wide viewing areas
less expensive


E CONS
-----------
Will be dated style in 09 (not even sure I would wait and get an 09/first year either)


If milage allows, it sounds to me like you'd be best to find a good lease deal on either and then decide to buy it off in 3 years (slight premium but imo worth it) or get a next generation E

konigstiger

But it’s all right now, I learned my lesson well. You see, you can’t please everyone, so you got to please yourself!

Germancar1

Parts for a E-Class especially a regular one like the E550 will never be hard to find, that is crazy. The E is as mass produced as some really cheaper cars. If you're going to keep either car for 10 years they'll both suffer the same fate regarding the next generation models. The CLS may be "new", but it won't have the normal 7 year cycle either. The CLS is marketed as a Coupe and Mercedes coupes like the CLK only have about a 5 year lifespan. I'd say that they'll be a new E for the 2010 model year and a CLS would likely follow in 18 months after that. The CLS isn't going to 2013 (normal 7 year cycle) without a total re-design.

M

jameson75

I would have disagree. I believe the E class (w211) has a classic look to it that will never look "dated". The cls, although a beautiful car, has a unique shape...true, but its not a classic design. Its too dramatic or for lack of a better word drastic. The novelty will wear out really fast.

ClayJ

E is roomier and has better visibility -- I looked at the CLS...and then bought an E.

jagata

I'm sure the same topic on the cls section will get differant answers than this section.

jdr1000

I will post on the CLS forum and see what happens.

Thks

J

DWP

If you compare the two cars using Consumer Reports criteria, the E is the clear winner. It costs less, has the same underpinnings as the CLS and doesn't have the compromises with practicality (visibility, rear-seat space, etc.) dictated by the styling of the CLS. Thing is, paying $70,000 or $80,000 for a car isn't particularly rational in the first place. It's not like you're trying to decide between an Accord and a Camry; emotion is at least as important as comparing the specs of the two cars on edmunds.com. Like the man said, decide which one suits your personal style better and buy it.

55fanatic

how old are you? while you want to keep the car for the next 10 years make sure you keep in mind EVERYTHING that will happen in the next 10 years... children or possibly grand children? Wife?

I know friends who in there mid 20s never carried passengers in there rear of there cars for many years... but if they were to get married or some that were married were to have kids, your going to need back seats... CLS would not work out unless your and your family are a small asian family(no disrespect to asians)

sklasse

In my opinion,

the CLS is a more refined version of an already very refined Base ( the w211)...
, I saw this one dude drive up to our local stores parking store with his CLS55 with its roaring AMG engine..,

the entire parking lot just stared at it, with mouths ape.

after that, I AM definetly PRO CLS

durbrain

Urrr...where are you getting this dodgy-*** info from?

The current CL class has been on sale since 1999. And the new one will be a 2007 model at earliest. I'm not mathematician, but 2007 minus 1999 doesn't equal 5 to me.

The previous CL class (W140) was sold from 1991-1999. And the one before that (W126) from 1972-1991.

The 1st gen SLK was sold from 1997-2004.

The current SL has been around since 2001, with only a recent facelift.

It's only the previous generation CLK that seems to have had a shortened life-span.

I can't think of any other Mercedes coupes, so how are you able to make a generalisation that 'all Mercedes coupes have a lifespan of around 5 years'?

And don't bother using the years on the forum main page as a guide - we're talking actual physical years in which the cars were produced, not dodgy year models which Mercedes decides to introduce at variable times.

edspider

I was in the same boat and chose the E. Like many posters to this thread, the CLS looks better, but it feels odd behind the wheel. It felt cramped to me and the back seat was a cruel joke. But if you feel comfortable driving and sitting in the CLS, buy it. I would not worry about parts, only the sheet metal is different. The engine and electronics are the same as the E.

ATS

The exterior of the CLS is great and interior of the E is great. I care more about the inside of my car then the outside really. So the E would be my pick.

With the CLS, some colors do not look good - I like black, white and silver. Some of the other colors do not look good on that car for some reason.. (IMO).

Germancar1

Dodgy *** info?? Looks like someone needs to find a timeout room. The CLS is based on the E-Class and it will be replaced soon after the E thats common sense. Mercedes isn't going to continue building the CLS on an old platform for long after the E is replaced, that was my point. Sorry if you didn't grasp that. You're right about the CL, but SLK and SL are roadsters not "coupes" in the traditional sense. Common sense also says a car as highly styled as the CLS isn't going to be "in" for 7 years either. Its a different car for Mercedes, IMO.

Lastly if you had read the post slowly you would have seen where I stated "I'd say" as in what I think will happen, not fact.

M

Brav

Personally, the CLS is kindof a gimmick. Not a legitimate car. Trendy styling which will get old just like the VW beatle. Doesnt even really have any MB traditional styling. Back seat might as well be a Porsche. The E if spec'd right is a much nicer looking car. The interior is nicer as well as you actually get wood on the door. CLS is more of a look-at-me car while the E has utility. I considered the CLS, but once the novelty wore off, the rediculous back seat, poor visibility, lack of headroom, japanese headlights really got to me. Get a new E.

DavidNJ

You have to think of the CLS as a 2-door. My biggest issue with it is the limited rear seat room. If getting it, I would only get it with Parktronic. Then, I would only get any MB with Parktronic.

BzzzBom

IMO the CLS is the "Pimp my Ride" of the Mercedes models. It will look dated soon. Stick with the classic - buy the E550

jdr1000

After hours of discusion with my concience (AKA Wife), I (as in my wife) decided for an E550.

Thank you all for your time and opinions.

It is a great car and we were comparing two beautifull machines.

What decided at the end was comfort, I am a big guy and I felt a little claustrophobic inside the CLS.

Thanks again

J

edspider

You (aka Wife) made the right choice. Both of you will be very pleased.

Double Eagle

Hope you have many pleasant miles in your new E-550, and glad the comments from this forum were helpful to you in making your decision.