ProV1

hi,
i'm thinking about getting a 07-09 CLS550 w/ amg sport, premium, park sensors and trim pkg. i really like the way the CLS looks, but i heard it is based on the old W211 chassis, which has been around since like '03?

i know firsthand how crappy '00-'06 benzes were, so i'm a bit weary of the CLS. how would a 2009 CLS550 compare to the 2010 E550? is 2010 E550 *greatly* better in every way, (chassis, technology, electronics, build quality, reliability, etc) than the CLS550?

Kar don

I think the E550 is a better car. I had an 08 CLS550 and would rent 2010 E350s and always liked the drive of the W212 E-class more than the CLS (except the power). E550 i think is the way to go.

K-A

That's a tough one to me. Most enthusiasts adore the CLS's styling, and would prefer that aspect over the E-Class, but I'm not tooo crazy about the CLS, and am hit/miss with the 212 for the most part.

If I did prefer the CLS's looks by a longshot I'd probably go with it. However, since that isn't really the case, I'd maaybe go 212, as you get the more advanced chassis and safety, and being newer, more Warranty.

Interior is no contest for me, the CLS has the W211 style, which makes use of better materials (and design, IMO), and goes extra steps with even more exclusivity and fanciness (i.e gaudiness really, if that's your thing).

Actually, by '06 the W211's got pretty solid in reliability, about on par with newer M-B's, and considering the CLS came out at that time, I'd say dependability should be on par with the W221 S generations.

As well, remember, the CLS will always be a flashier and more exclusive design, and more of an "attention grabber", especially once 212's become commonplace. If you're into that, notch another up for the CLS.

Tough one for me.

gaazmon

it really depends on what style you like better. tech is probably better in E class, but 09 CLS got nicer nav and features as well. also, new CLS will be coming out soon too, so W212 is newer design.

FrozenNorth

ProV1,

I had a 2006 CLS launch edition for 4 years and traded it in December for a 2010 E550 4M. Although the CLS had the lower output 500 V8, I can still offer you a pretty good comparison.

The CLS was absolutely gorgeous inside and out and was truly a joy to look at. But unfortunately the poor sight lines and large blind spot made it difficult to drive in traffic and parallel park. Handling was OK and ride was very smooth.

My new E550 is a nice looking car but does not have the same interior and exterior "wow factor" as the CLS. When you start the engine and drive, however, it is a remarkable vehicle -- beautiful sight lines and visibility, terrific handling and amazing technology (bluetooth, voice dialing and nav, adaptive high-beams). And then there's the powerful 550 V8, that makes it a small rocket.

So I think your choice comes down to whether you want a great looking car or a great driving car. For me, although I liked my CLS, I absolutely love my E550. Even if they were the same price (and the MSRP on my my CLS was $10K more than my loaded E550), I'd choose the E550 again every time.

Have fun deciding -- it's a nice problem to have!

MBStar

As a previous '06 CLS500 fanatic I agree with most of the posts above.
I loved the car, its finish, style, performance. I had it lowered (through
MB software changes) and it looked stunning. I had no mechanical or
software problems except the Keyless Go sensors in the handles which were replaced painlessly
with redesigned ones. I now have the E550C and agree the interior is C class
and I would give it an appropriate C grade, but love the sporty handling and the feel of this coupe.
I would advise against the current CLS for you not
just because it looks a bit tired now, but also because you will be
slaughtered on resale. For 2011 only a 5 month run is planned and the 2012
comes out next year with February production.
You will have two year's worth of depreciation in one year!

I plan to get the new gen CLS AMG next year - hoping they
would have worked out the bugs and IMPROVED the interior.

220S

^^^^
I'm confused. The OP is thinking of either a used CLS or a new E550. How would he get "slaughtered" with resale if he's buying used and when the PO will be the person getting the depreciation hit? He can pick up a used CLS dirt cheap. Buying a new E550 is where he'll lose out with on any resale.

I agree with FNorth, the CLS looks great on the outside but it's somewhat impractical on the inside with that dramatic roof line.

MBStar

I was referring to 2009 CLS vs 2012 CLS. A 2009 CLS, at least here up north,
can be still bought used / not ever registered, at "demo" price, which is still way
more than market price for a 2 year old car...

Besides, with the CLS there is plenty of opportunity get "slaughtered" even if you buy a used one

gaazmon

whoever bought a benz for resale value

jokes aside, i'd go with the E. i mean the CLS is nice, but i can't see myself in one everyday, kind of claustrophobic for me. like K-A, i'm not to crazy about it either. i also agree with frozennorth, you going for just stunning looks (which can be debatable since many don't like the CLS design) or looks/drivability? are you willing to sacrifice looks for functionality? besides, the E would be faster

in regards to dependability, the CLS was introduced for MY 2006. By MY 2006 MB worked out a lot of problems. i've never heard of any big problems on the CLS.

K-A

Yeah, clausterphobia is an issue for me too. I like some nice window space on my car, less plastic (interior bits) and more open air feel. My Malibu has such small windows, like a "chop top" look almost, not as "airy" as the E.

Try sitting in a new Camaro, yeesh, TINY windows, and LOTS of cheap plastic (interior) surrounding you. I really thought of getting one as a DD when it came out, don't think it would make for a nice drive after a while.

MBStar

Whoever bought a CLS for it's practicality
true enough, with a coupe like rooflne, CLS is not for everyone,
and in the case of the 2012 CLS, who knows if the E will be faster...?

gaazmon

uh, i don't like the new camaro at all.

+1 mbstar, not a practical car, if that is what someone is looking for.

erifly

As a old w211 owner..i can say..I truly loveeee my CLS... Not as practical as the w211 but simply the exterior styling ..you either hate it or love it. I mean its basically a w211..only with a very fancy dress with the cleavage hanging out, sexyyyyy . I'm not a fan of the new boxy shaped w212, and I still think the CLS would be wayy more exclusive and not seen as much on the roads as the W212 within a year(eventho the CLS has been out for about 4 years). So based on exterior look and "exclusivity" I would recommend the CLS. However I'm sure the W212 has a MUCH better interior(electronic gadgets as well) as it is newer. But you could put newer gadgets in the CLS on your own as well.

K-A

LOL @ cleavage hanging out.

I see the CLS as looking like the W211 right after getting laid.

Actually, the CLS interior slaughters the W212's interior, no comparison. Unless you like hard plastic, or have kids/habits of dirtying stuff up, as the 212's plastic is easier to clean than the materials in the CLS/211.

Dema

I prefer CLS too, but why take old. CLS has very low demand so usually heavy discounted, like $20K off MSRP (last year), so you can get a brand new.

gaazmon

ya, the 09s did not sell well at all (from what i see on the road), just like the SL.

the CLS interior is gorgeous, it's the w211 interior got ready for prom night

K-A

Problem with the CLS Sale-wise, as pretty as it is, it's a "fad" design, hot today, not tomorrow, not much lasting power in terms of desirability. As well, "regular" folk will find it to be a bit much.

I read somewhere that New CLS's are practically collecting dust on Dealer lots. I think this whole reality of all the above mentioned, is why M-B has shortened life-cycle of it, rather than the typical M-B 7 year production span.

gaazmon

i see what you mean. i think the cls/sl were big sellers when the economy was going well, but things changed, so i think most of there market fell out. imo, the s/cl (soon to be s coupe) will always be up there, won't really feel a downturn (think executive daily driver cars). the 09 came out and i soon ton of the 09 S's around here. don't see much of the CL (then again it's a rare car on the road period IMO). C is entry level (inexpensive, relatively) and the E has always been the best seller volume wise (bread and butter).

ya, when they changed the SL for 09 with a 2nd facelift, you barely see any of the new ones the road. imagine, they even skipped the 2010 model. i think with that car the 07 - 08 (1st facelift) looked the best to me. the current version comes off odd to me in a way. probably many of the female drivers got turned off by the more aggressive new look.

storm10

I was trying to compare CLS550 and E550 myself. I'm about to replace my E. I found this review: 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 4-Door Coupe vs. E550 Sedan. It gives you differences, cons and pros. And there is a conclusion at the end, that E550 is the clear winner. Check it out and see what you think...

K-A

They pretty much state the obvious there ^^^^.

E550 is the better and more efficient car, and the CLS sacrifices a lot for what can be a polarizing design, which people who see it on the plus side, will find far more alluring than the more plebeian E.

One thing to note, the Article is off on the "Aerodynamic" statement. The CLS LOOKS Aero, however it has a horrible Drag Coefficient, it gets a .32 I believe, where's the W211 gets a .26, and the W212, .25. How the CLS gets such worse Drag when it looks so much more aero is beyond me. .

storm10

I think the answer is in the same article: "Another surprising fact: CLS550 ground clearance is almost 2 inches higher than E550 (!), which is unusual for a coupe."
Basically, to have such wide ground clearance - does not help to have a decent coefficient of drag...