JCFans

Got 2005 E320 and wants to upgrade.

What is your thoughts: the new E-Class E350 or the CLS? I'm analyzing from all angles, including cost.

I hate the tail light on the new E, FYI.

Thanks.

Tymah123

Is money not an object? CLS will run you 30% more than E and it's tighter inside.

bigben320e

CLS. Any more questions?

I am partial, but the CLS suits pretty well and it depends on what model CLS.

cls500? 55? 63? 550? Those different models would vary greatly in price.

JCFans

The cheapest and most economical CLS. I don't care much for big engines.

Any idea on when the new CLS saloon is coming out? Maybe it's worth it to wait.

lkchris

Since everyone knows the CLS is based on the E-class chassis, I'd suspect not long. Gonna be hard to sell a more expensive E-class based on obsolete chassis.

Polar Bear

If you are in the US, the CLS550 is the least expensive you can get new. It just had a "facelift" so I would assume the replacement if two or more years away, if I had to guess.

Benz-O-Rama

White CLS, in any engine flavor, FTMFW!

End of discussion.

tashakes

Sexiest sedans on the face of this earth:

1- CLS
2- XF
3- Quattroporte
Period.
If you are on a very tight budget you can add 4- Passat CC

Compared to these, all the rest are boxes with doors. That is my opinion and I'm sticking to it!

HELL ONA HARLEY

Hold out for the "new" 2011 CLS....

karrera4

wayyyyy tighter inside. I'm 6'3" and would not sit in the back for more than 20 minutes or so. I cannot sit up at all. I was considering one until I sat back there and would not wanna put any of my friends back there.

gaazmon

Hit my head twice when getting in and out once. Kind of reminded me of my Chrysler 300

Personally, I don't like the CLS, especially since it is pretty much the same as a E550 just with some more wood and one less seat in the back. I also agree with you about the new tail lights, like the old ones better myself.

bigben320e

I would say go for the 550. Now of course the 500 would be the cheapest, but at this point and time the 550.

Dema

If new E class means W212, then sure get it. Otherwise CLS can be better, although as a family sedan E is still better.

155

+1 white CLS. IMO MB's sexiest design...

K-A

I'd wait for the '11 new CLS to show it's face before you go with the current one. I personally think the CLS is not an attractive car, and the spy shots of the '11 show some promise (bigger windows, etc.).

I like the W211 more than the CLS personally, prices, etc. aside, and am not a fan of the W212 so far, but of course under the skin, the W212 is an engineering step forward from both the W211 and CLS. So many variables.... I guess it all comes down to what's most important to you personally.

lovnlife

I've always liked the looks of the CLS. It's one of those, "you love it or hate it" things. I chose the E550 because of I needed the 5th seat, and price was about $10k less than the CLS.

Dema

Bigger windows that's waht CLS needs. It looks like British tank now.

NCE500

I toyed with getting a CLS500 in 05, went with an E500 instead, and toyed with getting a CLS550 again in 07, went with my E550 instead.

Why? Despite virtually identical mechanicals and driving characteristics, identically equipped CLS cost about 15% more for same content, offers less interior room, less trunk space, and while the design was very hip, I always anticipated that when it was perceived as "out of date", the interest in CLS would vanish quickly. That being said, CLS has continued to sell pretty well, although a 1 year old CPO would be a better way to buy one.

As per Mercedes Enthusiast mag in the UK, there is a new CLS coming shortly after the new E is intoduced in Europe, not sure when it will reach the states. From their pics, I like the current syle better, but that is just my subjective opinion.

Drive both, get the one that suits you better.

erifly

I was debating the EXACT thing except I already have an e class and was thinking about getting a CLS. They are nearly identical in the engine(well if you are comparing v8 e classes) department. To me the CLS is far superior in looks. It looks more updated, more stylish and it's unique on the street(less of them on the road). But the CLS is cramped compared to the e class. And the smaller windows can get annoying..(rearview cameras could possible eliminate this issue). And like others have mentioned they are more costlier..seems like you are getting less bang for your buck with the CLS when comparing features to the e class.

With that said..I'm still debating..and the bmw 6 series has jumped in the ring for me as well.

Untertürkheim

The cheapest and most economical choice is to keep your current car...

That being said, what do you want from the car, more luxury features? If so, your best choice would be to order a new Bluetec with every option, then you have great luxury, longevity, and economy.