E vs CLS
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
I've always liked the cls, it was the first car I test drove, but it was to 'tight'
for my needs at the time......now that my daughter can load/unload herself
from the backseat, the cls is more appealing....
true enough it is small and tight inside, I'm 6'2" and found that I can reach around in there pretty well.....
and yes, the backseat is sweet with the bucket seats
for my needs at the time......now that my daughter can load/unload herself
from the backseat, the cls is more appealing....
true enough it is small and tight inside, I'm 6'2" and found that I can reach around in there pretty well.....
and yes, the backseat is sweet with the bucket seats
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
I can understand form over function but not stupidity over function -- especially from a German brand. Not a family car? What does MB think that people are going to think it is a 2-ton sport car because they put ridiculous compartment where a fifth person would sit? I hope MB does not think their customers are that dumb and clueless 
I am 35, single, can afford the CLS and should be a part of the market segment the CLS should appeal to. If this issue turns me off about this car, MB has problems with the design of the back seat as it is likely to turn off other people. If I wanted a small sport car, I would buy one... Marketing BS aside a large 4 door car "is" a large car and in this case a large car with a dumb compartment in the middle of the back seat...
If nothing else if I ever get married and have a baby, I'd want the baby seat to be in the middle of the back seat (the absolute safest place in the car) and this dumb seat design precludes that for absolutely no reason.
If some want the "pizazz" of a back seat that can accommodate just 2, maybe they can at least have the option to pay extra for a back seat without the storage thing in the middle.
This is one of my pet peeves about MB design because after my E550 I would like to consider the S550 but I don't need such a long car with so much legroom in the back that I would very rarely use. The CLS would be perfect if not for that back seat so short of a SWB S550 (which I cant buy in the US), I really don't have a good option besides another E550. With all the dozens of models MB keeps making it is a shame to not have a perfect vehicle in mind for a potential next car purchase.
I am 35, single, can afford the CLS and should be a part of the market segment the CLS should appeal to. If this issue turns me off about this car, MB has problems with the design of the back seat as it is likely to turn off other people. If I wanted a small sport car, I would buy one... Marketing BS aside a large 4 door car "is" a large car and in this case a large car with a dumb compartment in the middle of the back seat...
If nothing else if I ever get married and have a baby, I'd want the baby seat to be in the middle of the back seat (the absolute safest place in the car) and this dumb seat design precludes that for absolutely no reason.
If some want the "pizazz" of a back seat that can accommodate just 2, maybe they can at least have the option to pay extra for a back seat without the storage thing in the middle.
This is one of my pet peeves about MB design because after my E550 I would like to consider the S550 but I don't need such a long car with so much legroom in the back that I would very rarely use. The CLS would be perfect if not for that back seat so short of a SWB S550 (which I cant buy in the US), I really don't have a good option besides another E550. With all the dozens of models MB keeps making it is a shame to not have a perfect vehicle in mind for a potential next car purchase.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
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From: Chicago, IL
2011 E550 4Matic, 2002 M3 Vert
I know it costs more but he mentioned the S so I figured the CL was not out of the question. It has less rear leg room than the CLS???? I had no idea!
Thread Starter
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
The rear seat of the CL is a bit tight and very difficult to access. But once situated the bac seat was cozy and offered more window than on the CLS. My nephew often gets car sick and he was very confortable in the bac of my old CL600 and less so with the CLS550. In fact, I had to pull offer once already because he was feeling a little claustrophobic in the back. The light colored leather contrasted with the dark panel and roof did not help.
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Tesla Model S P100D
~ Back seat is just as useless with a stupid storage thing in the middle
~ Only 2 doors. I actually would like 4 doors in a car this size so no one is inconvenienced if the rear seats need to be accessed.
I do think the all wood center console is very classy and elegant though. Would be great to see that design in the S550...
My perfect "next car" is a SWB S550W4. Sadly not available in the US.
~ Only 2 doors. I actually would like 4 doors in a car this size so no one is inconvenienced if the rear seats need to be accessed.
I do think the all wood center console is very classy and elegant though. Would be great to see that design in the S550...
My perfect "next car" is a SWB S550W4. Sadly not available in the US.
Super Member
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From: PA
18'Porsche GT3, 16' Ram 3500 mega diesel,30' Model A Ratrod, 17' E43
Since both cars are on the same chassis, and have the same drivetrain, why doesn't Mb put,or option a 19" wheel for the E that come on the Cls? Also, I've heard rumors that MB will be putting the 6cly in the CLS at a later date, is this true? If so, I think we will be seeing alot more of them on the road since it will bring the price way down.
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Joined: Jul 2010
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From: on my way
2012 CLS63
Since both cars are on the same chassis, and have the same drivetrain, why doesn't Mb put,or option a 19" wheel for the E that come on the Cls? Also, I've heard rumors that MB will be putting the 6cly in the CLS at a later date, is this true? If so, I think we will be seeing alot more of them on the road since it will bring the price way down.
thus making it not so exclusive anymore.......
whenever I see a CLS I always turn my head
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2008
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
Yeah, the V6 (and Diesels) are available in Europe. I asked MBUSA directly if they'd bring the 6 Cylinder here, and they said they don't know yet.
Indeed, it would ruin the exclusivity of the car and make it just another mass-line model, especially since they can't really price it all that much more than the E-Class, considering the CLS550 can already be negotiated under $70K, from what I've gathered.
However, I gotta say that if my head could proportionally fit in the car, a V6 option with a non Airmatic would make it a strong contender for me.
Indeed, it would ruin the exclusivity of the car and make it just another mass-line model, especially since they can't really price it all that much more than the E-Class, considering the CLS550 can already be negotiated under $70K, from what I've gathered.
However, I gotta say that if my head could proportionally fit in the car, a V6 option with a non Airmatic would make it a strong contender for me.
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From: New Jersey
2016 Audi S8 Plus/ 2011 Mercedes e550 4Matic//Gone:1985 500SEL/2000 e320 4Matic/ 2001 e55 Kleeman
I always felt that the CL was the ultimate of waste and impracticality. One of the most stupid cars Mercedes ever built. It is a huge, heavy car with a large engine with a near functionless rear seat. Unless you have legs like gumby, there is absolutely no legroom in the back seat with people in the front, unless the front passengers are midgets with the seats all the way up!! For the money, you might as well own an SL or an S. The CLS beats the CL in every way for much less money. Regards. Ned.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: San Francisco, CA / Middlebury, CT
600 SWB
I always felt that the CL was the ultimate of waste and impracticality. One of the most stupid cars Mercedes ever built. It is a huge, heavy car with a large engine with a near functionless rear seat. Unless you have legs like gumby, there is absolutely no legroom in the back seat with people in the front, unless the front passengers are midgets with the seats all the way up!! For the money, you might as well own an SL or an S. The CLS beats the CL in every way for much less money. Regards. Ned.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
The CL is still a product of that old era of "the longer the door, the higher the status" of Luxury Coupe's. As Sedan's have gotten more dynamic and multi-charactered, they essentially have been putting Coupe's out of business, making Coupe's more rare and even exotic in nature lately.
Then you have M-B inventing the "4 Door Coupe" market, which has been another dagger toward true Coupe's. I feel that the CL or "Big Benz 2-Door" has been losing steam since those early days, probably due to all those factors. The current CL seems to be less of a "big deal" than even the previous CL was. I'm sure the introduction of the CLS has some to do with that.
In my opinion, O/T and on the subject of Coupe's, a White F13 6-Series with M-Pack is one of the most gorgeous cars on the market, and maybe more attractive than anything M-B's putting out right now (except for the W212, of course). It has kind of rekindled my appreciation for 2-Doors (and I've always like slightly larger Coupe's over Compact Coupe's, by far, though the CL goes too far in size I think).
Then you have M-B inventing the "4 Door Coupe" market, which has been another dagger toward true Coupe's. I feel that the CL or "Big Benz 2-Door" has been losing steam since those early days, probably due to all those factors. The current CL seems to be less of a "big deal" than even the previous CL was. I'm sure the introduction of the CLS has some to do with that.
In my opinion, O/T and on the subject of Coupe's, a White F13 6-Series with M-Pack is one of the most gorgeous cars on the market, and maybe more attractive than anything M-B's putting out right now (except for the W212, of course
). It has kind of rekindled my appreciation for 2-Doors (and I've always like slightly larger Coupe's over Compact Coupe's, by far, though the CL goes too far in size I think).
Last edited by K-A; Jan 27, 2012 at 09:02 PM.
Member
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11 E550, 05 NSX, 12 QX56, 93 Z32 TT, 12 CLS550
My previous 2011 E550 was a great car, but my new CLS is way better imho.
The E's interior left me a bit unfulfilled. Functional, yes.
The CLS' interior takes my breath away every time I get in.
I have a 2 y.o and a 3 month. Both are in car seats and I have no problem with space. I guess being 5'6 has it's advantages.
With all that said, I would pick up another E550 in a heart beat....2012 though.
The E's interior left me a bit unfulfilled. Functional, yes.
The CLS' interior takes my breath away every time I get in.
I have a 2 y.o and a 3 month. Both are in car seats and I have no problem with space. I guess being 5'6 has it's advantages.
With all that said, I would pick up another E550 in a heart beat....2012 though.
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
I understand about the E's interior. I really love how teutonic and classic M-B, ultra-solid, super serene, security inspiring it is, also, how it seems to need no care and will probably look new forever, however there's a little lack of coddling in the material sense (not the comfort sense). It would be PERFECT if it just tried to dazzle you a little bit more, instead of telling you "I am ze best! You will like me and I will take ze care of you!".
The CLS's, aside from the exposed cup holders (barf) and the cheap HVAC unit (double barf) gives you that extra dazzle and perhaps coddle, however, it also unfortunately literally coddles too much, in terms of space. I'd love the E's ambiance and spacious aura mixed with the CLS's dazzling elements.
The E has a sense of occasion feel in the ambiance and comfort, and confidence of the interior, the CLS does in the elegant/fancy material sense more-so. If some of the CLS bled into the E, that would be a great combo.
The CLS's, aside from the exposed cup holders (barf) and the cheap HVAC unit (double barf) gives you that extra dazzle and perhaps coddle, however, it also unfortunately literally coddles too much, in terms of space. I'd love the E's ambiance and spacious aura mixed with the CLS's dazzling elements.
The E has a sense of occasion feel in the ambiance and comfort, and confidence of the interior, the CLS does in the elegant/fancy material sense more-so. If some of the CLS bled into the E, that would be a great combo.
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11 E550, 05 NSX, 12 QX56, 93 Z32 TT, 12 CLS550
I understand about the E's interior. I really love how teutonic and classic M-B, ultra-solid, super serene, security inspiring it is, also, how it seems to need no care and will probably look new forever, however there's a little lack of coddling in the material sense (not the comfort sense). It would be PERFECT if it just tried to dazzle you a little bit more, instead of telling you "I am ze best! You will like me and I will take ze care of you!".
The CLS's, aside from the exposed cup holders (barf) and the cheap HVAC unit (double barf) gives you that extra dazzle and perhaps coddle, however, it also unfortunately literally coddles too much, in terms of space. I'd love the E's ambiance and spacious aura mixed with the CLS's dazzling elements.
The E has a sense of occasion feel in the ambiance and comfort, and confidence of the interior, the CLS does in the elegant/fancy material sense more-so. If some of the CLS bled into the E, that would be a great combo.
The CLS's, aside from the exposed cup holders (barf) and the cheap HVAC unit (double barf) gives you that extra dazzle and perhaps coddle, however, it also unfortunately literally coddles too much, in terms of space. I'd love the E's ambiance and spacious aura mixed with the CLS's dazzling elements.
The E has a sense of occasion feel in the ambiance and comfort, and confidence of the interior, the CLS does in the elegant/fancy material sense more-so. If some of the CLS bled into the E, that would be a great combo.
I'll be waiting for the new CLE....
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Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
LOL. I like the sound of that.
In actuality, the E-Coupe would have been perfect if it was actually based off of the E rather than the C. A proper full size Coupe, with the elegant luxury of the E mixed with CLS "Coupe" cues I'd assume. Right now it's a pretty compact size (based off of the C), with an interior far more "C" than "E" in every which way.
In actuality, the E-Coupe would have been perfect if it was actually based off of the E rather than the C. A proper full size Coupe, with the elegant luxury of the E mixed with CLS "Coupe" cues I'd assume. Right now it's a pretty compact size (based off of the C), with an interior far more "C" than "E" in every which way.
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Only MBs - the best or nothing
LOL. I like the sound of that.
In actuality, the E-Coupe would have been perfect if it was actually based off of the E rather than the C. A proper full size Coupe, with the elegant luxury of the E mixed with CLS "Coupe" cues I'd assume. Right now it's a pretty compact size (based off of the C), with an interior far more "C" than "E" in every which way.
In actuality, the E-Coupe would have been perfect if it was actually based off of the E rather than the C. A proper full size Coupe, with the elegant luxury of the E mixed with CLS "Coupe" cues I'd assume. Right now it's a pretty compact size (based off of the C), with an interior far more "C" than "E" in every which way.
IMO, E cpe interior is much more on par with E sedan, than any pre-2012 C. Now 2012 C has closed the gap, but its still there.
Out Of Control!!
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From: Earth
Porsche Macan S SportDesign / Ex M-B's: 11 & 10 & 06 E350's, 02 S500
.... not the exact topic of the other Thread, but kinda close.
Last edited by K-A; Jun 24, 2012 at 06:58 AM.
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 597
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From: Nashville
2017 S550 Iridium / Black Nappa, 2015 GL 550 Paladium Silver
I think Hype has this one figured out....it's not an "OR" it's an "AND"
Both cars are beautiful and have a style element all of their own. KA mentioned that they are like two siblings...the E being the rough male character with the sharp angles and bold lines while the CLS being a bit more refined or "pretty" with the gentle curve of the overall body. Either one with a V8 are bad son of guns on the road and don't have to take **** from anyone. The E350 with V6 just looks fast standing still!
Both cars are beautiful and have a style element all of their own. KA mentioned that they are like two siblings...the E being the rough male character with the sharp angles and bold lines while the CLS being a bit more refined or "pretty" with the gentle curve of the overall body. Either one with a V8 are bad son of guns on the road and don't have to take **** from anyone. The E350 with V6 just looks fast standing still!
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
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From: Seattle, Washington
S124 1994 E320 Estate, S210 1998 E320 Estate, W211 2006 E350, Retired: 97 W210, 98 W210 Her Majesty
I always felt that the CL was the ultimate of waste and impracticality. One of the most stupid cars Mercedes ever built. It is a huge, heavy car with a large engine with a near functionless rear seat. Unless you have legs like gumby, there is absolutely no legroom in the back seat with people in the front, unless the front passengers are midgets with the seats all the way up!! For the money, you might as well own an SL or an S. The CLS beats the CL in every way for much less money. Regards. Ned.
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34
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From: Seattle, Washington
S124 1994 E320 Estate, S210 1998 E320 Estate, W211 2006 E350, Retired: 97 W210, 98 W210 Her Majesty
I find myself battling between the two beast tonite. I desire the CLS but with the security of the 4MATIC ( I live in Washington, self-explanatory), but the E is Mercedes Benz, honestly...
I suppose I just answered my own question though.
I suppose I just answered my own question though.
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From: Ontario,Canada
...24 GLE53
I can understand form over function but not stupidity over function -- especially from a German brand. Not a family car? What does MB think that people are going to think it is a 2-ton sport car because they put ridiculous compartment where a fifth person would sit? I hope MB does not think their customers are that dumb and clueless
I am 35, single, can afford the CLS and should be a part of the market segment the CLS should appeal to. If this issue turns me off about this car, MB has problems with the design of the back seat as it is likely to turn off other people. If I wanted a small sport car, I would buy one... Marketing BS aside a large 4 door car "is" a large car and in this case a large car with a dumb compartment in the middle of the back seat...
If nothing else if I ever get married and have a baby, I'd want the baby seat to be in the middle of the back seat (the absolute safest place in the car) and this dumb seat design precludes that for absolutely no reason.
If some want the "pizazz" of a back seat that can accommodate just 2, maybe they can at least have the option to pay extra for a back seat without the storage thing in the middle.
This is one of my pet peeves about MB design because after my E550 I would like to consider the S550 but I don't need such a long car with so much legroom in the back that I would very rarely use. The CLS would be perfect if not for that back seat so short of a SWB S550 (which I cant buy in the US), I really don't have a good option besides another E550. With all the dozens of models MB keeps making it is a shame to not have a perfect vehicle in mind for a potential next car purchase.
I am 35, single, can afford the CLS and should be a part of the market segment the CLS should appeal to. If this issue turns me off about this car, MB has problems with the design of the back seat as it is likely to turn off other people. If I wanted a small sport car, I would buy one... Marketing BS aside a large 4 door car "is" a large car and in this case a large car with a dumb compartment in the middle of the back seat...
If nothing else if I ever get married and have a baby, I'd want the baby seat to be in the middle of the back seat (the absolute safest place in the car) and this dumb seat design precludes that for absolutely no reason.
If some want the "pizazz" of a back seat that can accommodate just 2, maybe they can at least have the option to pay extra for a back seat without the storage thing in the middle.
This is one of my pet peeves about MB design because after my E550 I would like to consider the S550 but I don't need such a long car with so much legroom in the back that I would very rarely use. The CLS would be perfect if not for that back seat so short of a SWB S550 (which I cant buy in the US), I really don't have a good option besides another E550. With all the dozens of models MB keeps making it is a shame to not have a perfect vehicle in mind for a potential next car purchase.
MB was not trying to build another E with this niche production car. They are catering to people that would otherwise buy a coupe but like the four door for the few times they may require the extra seating. I think it was built for old guys like me.
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E350
Great pics! I also prefer the E's styling. I feel its character and mostly its details/lines are more harmonious (I can't stand the CLS's reverse wedge line contrasting a wedge shaped car), and as great as the CLS's front is, IMO the E's front end is just a masterpiece in design and character, not to mention a very good modern interpretation of the classic Benz front. Also, the Star grille is so prevalent in the range with all these lower vehicles and SUV's, IMO the Luxury grille has more presence and uniqueness these days.
As far as interior, I love the CLS's of course, but the EXTREMELY tight and limited quarters don't even supply enough headroom for me, and I'm "just" 6'4. Pretty ridiculous that M-B can't engineer a swoopy 4000+lb 4-Door to fit an NBA Point Guard (height)?!
Anyway, congrats, and I certainly envy your fleet. 
As far as interior, I love the CLS's of course, but the EXTREMELY tight and limited quarters don't even supply enough headroom for me, and I'm "just" 6'4. Pretty ridiculous that M-B can't engineer a swoopy 4000+lb 4-Door to fit an NBA Point Guard (height)?!
Anyway, congrats, and I certainly envy your fleet.
