K-A

I must say, I'm a little relieved!



Now, this is a top of the line E, with a non AMG Package CLS. But based on this, I still think the E will be the nicest current M-B in the lineup. I like the sleeker, slicker hood and grill of the E, without the EU Regulation blunt-puffiness of the CLS, and I just love the E's stately Luxo-Sport grill theme over the CLS's.

With what's showing up right now, the main contender to get me out of my E at any time would be the CLS. And so far, I'm hit or miss with it, there are lots of things I love, and lots that I hate (like the lines on the sides, which are nonsensical to say the least, to my eyes).

Can't wait to see it in person, and get acquainted nonetheless.

BPhillyBenz

Agreed. From this angle the E looks better. Thanks.

fromthebeginnin

That grill and flat hood ornament on the CLS is horrible!

Tjdehya

I have to agree that the E looks better in this pic but I wonder if it’s because it’s an E63. I think if it was a Luxury E Vs the CLS or a CLS63 Vs E63 then it might be a fair comparison.

K-A

Yeah, I'd like to see a CLS AMG Pack, VS the normal E AMG Pack.

I think I'd still like the E better, as the hood and grille are so much more crisp and powerful to me, but you never know. The CLS looks a lot better with the AMG Package, and this is just one angle (but the most important angle IMO).

Wig

I think this CLS looks stunning from this angle. Not so much from the side, where the upright nose looks less sleek than the E.

When my lease expires in 2 years it will be probably be a straight choice between the CLS and the E.
Not sure what the price premium will be for a CLS550 over an E550, but the mechanicals are very similar, so what else do you get with the CLS (other than a superior interior)?

petee1997

I must admit I prefer the CLS but I would not pay the premium over the E550 for one since they are the same car, different shell.

K-A

Yeah, CLS is a car you buy CPO, or you're paying too much. Just not worth the premium, IMO.

I agree about the side, it's the cars worst angle IMO. The upward crease just goes against the otherwise wedge shape of the car. I agree more with the all-downward movement of the E.

Can't wait to see it in person nonetheless.

ZorroAMG

Terrible shot and angle as well as the trim level deficit does nothing in the way of a fair comparison.

E is a hot car (one of my faves) but the CLS is hotter. Always has been.

K-A

I actually like the W211 more than the previous CLS, so it only makes sense that the E should retain the crown in my world.

The angle is identical for both cars though. So if it's terrible for the CLS, it should be terrible for the E. However, trim wise, indeed, it's "pitting" the best E available VS the lowest CLS available.

Arrie

Just saw one yesterday at my dealer and must say it is a very cool looking car in person. Pictures do not show it's beauty at all. You need to see it yourself.

A lot of premium to pay just for looks though.

K-A

Are they available already out here??

Yeah, I have no doubts it'll be a stunner in real life. New M-B Designs, with all the fussy design complexities, really need to be experienced and digested in person, to see if there's a genius method to the madness, or just plain madness, lol.

The day I knew the W212 would end up in my garage is after I parked my W211 next to one (I quietly wept).

I want to park my W212 next to a new CLS, and see what the "compare-my-car-right-in-front-of-my-face-o-meter" tells me.

Either way, a new CLS ain't happening, I'm not paying that premium (unless there's some INSANE deals coming out). If I get won over by it, I'll have to sit tight (I'm not good at doing that, when it comes to cars, lol) until they come down a bit.

bigben320e

I agree. Honestly...most MB's I would get after about 1/2 years after being out, for many reasons we have discussed in the past.

The new CLS from that front shot looks like the "Hmmm...I am not amused" squint with those eyes. The back...ughhh, I still don't like the back, just like I still don't like the big butt Panamera in person or in pics.

Merc_F1

last week i saw a silver cls being test driven... i must say the new cls is the new king on the road especially with the led light (it has the "it" factor)...like the w212, the new cls looks way wayyy better in person

K-A

When can we see them on U.S Dealer lots? Already? I thought they were coming out as '12 models?

Merc_F1

that particular cls i saw had a blue mb distributor license plate and was mostly likely driven by a factory test driver...i live in the south bay area of LA, close to MB's VP center, so i see a lot of future mercs being driven (most with black camouflage)...however that silver cls was epic (no camou or anything) a classic silver arrow

chilledbenz

To be fair..heres the CLS63. The CLS and the E are two different cars with two different purposes that can't really be compared against each other.

K-A

Yeah, I agree with that as well. But I'm the type of person who, when shopping for a "enthusiastic" car, I'll put an SUV against a 2-Seater sports Coupe if individual models of each "genre" appeal to me, lol.

The CLS's interior is MARVELOUS. There are only a few little areas where I can say I prefer the E's. Other than that, the CLS is like the E done more fancily and fashionably (some people like that, some don't). I personally think it's like the E's, but improved very much for the most part!

hyperion667

man I did enjoy testing the cls............

SnakeDoctor

I never sat inside the CLS, but from the pictures, they look very similar inside. Is the materials used just nicer?

K-A

Yeah, like before, you'll have more leather surfaces, and the wood area is bigger. It's a more "fashion oriented" "blingy" interior. Although, I think this new one looks much more mature, and classy than the previous one (too "fashionable/blingy" IMO).

At the same time, the previous' CLS's interior materials were too soft for their own good, as they didn't last very long with hard use. The only problem with having Leather everywhere to me, is the upkeep (for long term ownership) which is why I'm okay with HIGH quality plastic in areas.

The E's seems more "business" like before, with more emphasis on strength and durability, while the CLS takes the same interior, and just fancy-fies it a bit. The previous CLS's interior, although very nice, I assumed might get tiring to look at faster, as opposed to the W211. I think this time around, that's still be the case, but less so than before.

K-A

Well, the first picture favored the E in terms of model designation, and this one favors the CLS in angle, and designation, as the AMG CLS probably is the most extensive exterior makeover AMG has done to a Benz, with a whole new beefier hood, a more pronounced and sleek front end/bumper/grille, and the lighting does a good job of hiding the CLS's not so great looking character line on the doors.

Enjoy these two stunners next to each other! A Screen Shot from a new M-B Commercial:

voy2k

That is a beautiful E. Do you think that is Diamond White Metallic paint?

So are both of the cars AMG models?

K-A

Agreed, and yeah, both are AMG's. The CLS AMG is really an extensive makeover from the regular CLS also. That looks to be Iridium Silver on the E.

hyperion667

nice pix K-A..............super nice.....

went to visit Jaguar yesterday..........while I still stand behind my original feelings
of 'damn, that's an ugly car' I will say the interior is AMAZING!!!! I was floored by how posh the inside of that thing was........think I am going to get a used Vanden Plas.....