Another reason why the CLS 4 door coupe is ill-fated!

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Jan 4, 2004 | 08:09 PM

E55 KEV

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Another reason why the CLS 4 door coupe is ill-fated!

Banglized or not the 6-Series Coupe and Cabrio will be more successful than the CLS 4 door coupe. Is MBZ going to send the CLS to Karmann to build a 4 Door Cabrio? The availability of 3 transmission for the 6-Series including a 6 speed manual will really doom the CLS?

Last edited by E55 KEV; Jan 4, 2004 at 08:15 PM.

Jan 4, 2004 | 08:41 PM

KrispyK

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Speaking of 3 transmissions -- why does MB not offer a manual or an SMG-type transmission? It's mind-boggling to think that the SLR will only come with an automatic transmission.

Jan 4, 2004 | 11:02 PM

mbprince

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those Pep Boys wheels have got to go!!!

Jan 8, 2004 | 10:00 AM

moa4r

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Re: Another reason why the CLS 4 door coupe is ill-fated!

Quote:

Originally posted by E55 KEV
Banglized or not the 6-Series Coupe and Cabrio will be more successful than the CLS 4 door coupe. Is MBZ going to send the CLS to Karmann to build a 4 Door Cabrio? The availability of 3 transmission for the 6-Series including a 6 speed manual will really doom the CLS?

i don't think the cls is doomed, i think it is an amazing concept and its a very elegent looking car...plus, merc has a different target of customers for that car, (ie not people who would buy the 6--series) usually people who don't want manuals, etc... so I wouldn't even consider the six a competitor against the cls, even though it is a very nice car. mercedes doesn't put manuals in a lot of their cars (especially large engines) bcs they are good at making automatics and their manuals connot handle the power of their larger cars...plus, the slr does have some sort of smg-type of shifter that actually does hold gears and has several different driving modes (sport, fully automoatic, etc...) anyway, that is my opinion...

Jan 8, 2004 | 12:39 PM

E55 KEV

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Re: Re: Another reason why the CLS 4 door coupe is ill-fated!

Quote:

Originally posted by moa4r
merc has a different target of customers for that car, (ie not people who would buy the 6--series)

moa4r, The 6-Series and the CLS are going to targeted at the same bunch. However, if Mercedes continues to bill this CLS Sedan as a Coupe it will lose against the sales of a real coupe especially one with 3 tranny options and the option of a hard top or a cabrio. Just think of the surprise when someone comparing hi-end coupes clicks on the button for the CLS, they will think WTF! When you go to Edmunds.com and plug in Sedans, the CL nor 6-Series should not pop up and the same will confuse when someone who clicks the list of competitors for the 6-Series. I would not expect to the the CL pop up as a competititor for the 7-Series.

There is no market for Coupes that look like Sedans especially ones with b-Pillers and no chance of opting for a convertible.. It is a niche with a niche.

Basically we were promised a W211 E-Class 2 door and then the promise changed to a 2 door with 2 accessory doors and this misses the mark altogether. The CLS is a Sedan! No other way to cut it.

Jan 8, 2004 | 01:12 PM

moa4r

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i'd still take it over the 6 coupe, maybe not the drop...
i agree with you they shouldn't really call it a coupe--probably some bs marketing ploy, but i think it will look good in real life.

Jan 13, 2004 | 01:57 PM

MBZman

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I saw both the CLS and 6-series coup, not cabrio, at the auto show. First, one's a two door and the other is a four door. Regardless of what MB, or anyone else for that matter, says they are not in competition.

IMHO the CLS is WAY better looking than the 6. The front of the 6 is to rounded and the back looks terrible, worse than the 7. The only thing I didn't like about the CLS were the front lights, I hope they change them on the production model.

A better comparison is the CLK 500/55 vs. 6-series. The 6 looks more substantial when viewing it from a distance but the CLK is much more elegant, especially the interior. The CLK feels very warm and inviting while the 6 left me cold. Although, keep in mind I am biased towards MB's.