Raron

So I was contemplating trading my 13 Bluetec for a 12 or 14 CLS550. But after driving both CLS I was unimpressed. Quick yes, but I have a nearly 1k hp 911TT so don't need a blistering sedan.

I know they are essentially the same car but the CLS seems not as well built. What was most obvious to me was the road noise likely due to thframeless windows. Then I felt some chassis flex/wobble over certain bumps. And when you close the door the sound/feeling isn't as satisfying since the window is floating and bangs a bit.

This is truly a case of more $ is NOT more. Less space and quality. It is simply more flashy.made me love my E more. If I want a sport sedan I'd prob go Tesla, Panamera or 650 gran coupe.

DerekACS

Before I traded my 2013 E350BT for a 2015 E250BT 4Matic, I looked closely at the 2015 CLS550 4Matic. Of course the latter is substantially more expensive, but even if these two cars were the same price, I still preferred the 2015 E Class for several reasons.

The 2015 W212 styling is cleaner. I find the rear quarter panels on the CLS to be very awkward looking. The interior space is also very restricted compared to the E Class, so too is the trunk. As you mentioned, with its frameless doors, the CLS does not match the E Class for its solid build quality.

Finally, there is no comparison in terms of fuel economy and highway range, the E250BT is so much more efficient.

longslim

That's about it in a nut shell. I do disagree about quality been any less than a E class. They are identical mechanically the CLS is a little wider and longer, the chassis 113.2" is the same. Now the windows argument you gave seem reasonable, but I don't have an issue with the cabin noise. I think it does comes down to personal choice. I didn't like the BMW to small, the Panamera is way over price and my wife didn't like the E class at all. What is important are the sale figure for the two cars, E sold 66K cars, and the CLS only sold 7K in 2014. People chose a E class because it is a refined practical luxury car, that fits most families needs. But for those who don't need the 5th seat and want a little more luxury/style and not pay more money, you can't beat a CLS.

cc16177

I've been trying to think of an excuse for me to hike up to Texas from FL. Never been, but now that I live "in the South" (moved from CT to FL last month) i've wanted to make the trip...

Just a chance of seeing a 1000hp 997TT makes it seem worth it, lol

rediesel

I test drove a 2013 CLS550 before I bought my 2012 E550 back in November. I liked the exterior styling of the CLS and the interior layout of the E. I did like the mocha/beige interior color of the CLS. I also noticed the CLS was slightly louder (I figured wider rear tires and sportier exhaust?). The CLS lacked distronic and was $20k more expensive. Even had they been the same price I would have taken my E. That CLS is still for sale.

equetefue

My dad has a 14' E550 and I have a 14' CLS550, so I'm pretty familiar with both. The E is more practical and roomier. The CLS is more classier IMO, and a lot more eye catching. The number of CLS I see in a month is the number of E's I see in a day around here.

Raron

Lol, wheel I generally leave it on low boost so its prob more like 700hp but it does look, sound and feel insane!

Jeffy

I had 3 recent E350s, one '13 and two '14s and when I got my '14 CLS I thought it was no contest. For me the CLS wins in exterior looks and interior refinement/luxury. I don't carry rear passengers much so the difference in rear seating doesn't matter to me. And the CLS trunk was still cavernous. The difference in road noise (where the CLS has more) is probably mostly due to the wider performance summer tires that come on the CLS versus the all seasons on the E. And sure enough the CLS was much more composed in the corners, where the E's were soft and wallowing.

MBNUT1

How could you not want a CLS after this review?

Raron

Well for another reason I balked at CLS is that it isn't as timeless as an E. So oddly enough while its more stylish and headturner that also raises expectations for it. When its not the more current one it feels more dated. Whereas the E is just an E no matter what.

My thought was that an immaculate Bluetec with few tasteful mods in 10 years seems more cool to me. An old S is an old S. An old CLS is an old CLS. An old bluetec is always special cause its an old charming and somewhat rare Benz diesel. But that is purely subjective of course. Just fun banter. I loved the first gen CLS and in some ways think it still looks better than the new one - more svelte. New one is like a bruiser muscular appearance. E is like a chiseled block.

threeMBs

+1 on all above.

porksoda

Comparing E350s to CLS or E550s as your sig suggests you have E550s cabs?

<Edit>I ask because e350 compared to e550 is a day and night difference in terms of handling in my experience</edit>

petee1997

The E250 Bluetech is the Taxi Pack of Europe. It never was special either new or used or very old. The body style is very common and after 6 or 7 years it is also very dated. At least the CLS is a little more distinct and has a superior design that will certainly outlast the E.

When I park my car I always look back. With the E I don't because I know I will see one go by within 30 seconds.

Is it worth the extra money? Probably not.

Munich77

It is all personal preference. I would have loved to have a CLS in my garage but I did not want to spend that much money on a car. So I am quite happy with my one year only for the US W212 facelifted E550. I think that is a pretty rare car.

PaulE550

If I'm reading OP correctly, what he's looking for is a good DD that is both practical (pretty good on gas mileage, good interior room and decent size trunk) and a "classic" look that will stand up over the years. He already has the sports car covered with the 997TT and the weekend hauler for the whole family with the GX460. So all he needs is something to fill the DD niche. In that case, the E might be a better choice for him. Whether he chooses a bluetech or a E550 sedan is just a matter of how much he values gas mileage in the whole equation. Yes, the CLS is the more luxurious of the two cars, but that doesn't seem to be his main focus.

Davidkuo0330

Try the AMG E63, you'll be impressed.

threeMBs

I have both E550 (sedan) and CLS550. And while I do like E a lot, I absolutely love CLS from styling in/out to performance, as compared to E. About $10K MSRP difference, when identically equipped (both 550s), sums it up about right.

Jeffy

I am comparing W212 E350s (sedans) that I had versus C218 CLS550. Perhaps not apples to apples but similar to what the OP is comparing in '13 W212 Bluetec to CLS550. And of course the A207 E550 Cab that I have now is for sure an orange... er, ah I mean peach in this comparison.

porksoda

Nods.

E350 is a disservice to the E clan because of the horrid suspension, E550 gets the airmatic or sporty suspensions. In canada all E550s are airmatic and they hug the road amazingly, E350s unfortunately all have huge body roll etc.

I think i am the only one who does not like how the CLS looks like so i have not even bothered trying one.

Jeffy

Never had the opportunity to drive E550 (sedan) with airmatic but for sure that has to be better than the crappy E350 suspensions. Its probably the same or very similar to the airmatic in the CLS550 which is really good - Good handling and nice comfort. I didn't like the looks of CLS either for many years. It slowly grew to OK for me and then when I got one I grew to really like it.

El Cid

The most interesting thing is that 99% of the people in America don't know the difference between an "E" and a CLS. Or between a "C" and an "S" for that matter.
Probably say the same for Lexus, Audi, BMW, et. al.
Do they know the difference between the lowest priced Cadillac and the most expensive? Nope.

Trancebolt

Mods or not, a bluetec IS more tasteful. now and later. Not because of its rarity, even though in the US its seen 1/10 of the amount of times at dealers for sale/service; Truly because of the realistic practicality of it. You can use 10/10 of the power on the street and still get over 20 mpg, then get on the highway and ahve 30-40 mpg within 10 miles.

They have bluetec CLS's. Europe is full of them
I love my bluetec, and the E class styling does age more gracefully than S or CLS, you are correct. Still, look at a 1980 turbo diesel. Classic versus a regular E which is often overlooked as a classic.

CLS versus E is as you say, curves and coupe window structure, or linear window lines with a slightly tighter/harder feel.

longslim

I think you made an excellent point. Among the general public there is a ignorance when it come to class difference in the Mercedes line.The average guy just wants to buy the star. He is nowhere as knowledgeable as us fanboys on these forums. Honestly I can't look at a 2006/14 CLS and really tell the year it was made. True story,was on the highway and saw this beautiful car in my rear-view mirror. It was a gorgeous White Benz, I told my wife check it out. After he passed us, she said yes it was a pretty car, but you're driving one just like it. ��

thefisch

You've nailed it. Most people only know and care about brand - not model, year or anything else. Doesn't matter if you're driving a SLS and the other guy is in a CLA - you are both driving a Mercedes as far as most people are concerned and they lump you in the same boat.

Raron

Hmm didn't notice my E to have an inferior feeling suspension to the CLS. I DID note the CLA to have a more harsh ride than my 20" equipped E. I chalked it up to its "sporty" ambitions.

I'm sure my Bluetec will handle just as well with a simple set of progressive springs - and will prob still ride better. I guess my point was that for a car priced between the E and S I expected a better, tighter yet refined feel. Almost just a notch from S. But it felt same or a notch under my E except for power. But they look good with wheels for sure!