from www.autoweek.com :

"(08:30 Feb. 25, 2004)
Mercedes' new CLS is two! Two! Two cars in one!

By GREG KABLE



IS IT A SWOOPY-LOOKING sedan or a four-door coupe? Both, says Mercedes-Benz, of its CLS that lives a double life as a roomy and versatile rival to traditional upmarket two-door coupes like the BMW 6 Series and Jaguar XK.

Based on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the strong-selling E-Class, the CLS makes its public debut in production guise at the Geneva motor show, prior to heading Stateside a bit more than a year from now.

Differing little from the earlier CLS concept car shown at last year's Frankfurt show, the production version of the CLS receives a toned-down grille, door handles, mirror housings and aluminum wheels. The concept car's panoramic glass roof is also gone, though as on the E-Class it is likely to be offered as an option.



Bucking the recent coupe trend toward rear-hinged doors, the CLS's long rear doors open in the conventional manner, hinging at the front on a strengthened side member. The B-pillar is retained, though clever styling tricks, with darkened paneling on the pillars and tight shut-lines between the doors, give it an almost pillarless appearance.

Stuttgart's new sedan-***-coupe is longer, wider and lower than the E-Class, but because it rides on the same wheelbase, the front and rear overhangs are extended, most notably at the rear.

Inside, Mercedes-Benz's designers have given the CLS a unique-looking dashboard swathed in wood and boasting familiar E-Class switchgear. Rear-seat passengers benefit from ease of entry and ample space typical of luxury sedans.



CLS will be available in the United States in early 2005, with the company's new 24-valve 272-hp 3.5-liter V6 in the CLS350, and the familiar three-valve-per-cylinder 24-valve 306-hp 5.0-liter V8 in the CLS500. About 18 months after CLS goes on sale, two new 32-valve V8 engines will join the lineup: a 350-hp 4.6-liter and a 400-hp 5.5-liter. When they arrive, the existing 5.0-liter V8 will be phased out of production. But before the new V8 engines arrive, Mercedes plans to launch a CLS55 AMG model. Due to premier at the Paris motor show in September, it gets the supercharged 500-hp 5.5-liter V8 engine used in a variety of AMG models.

Need more? In preparation for the new AMG-developed 6.3-liter V8 engine in 2006, Mercedes also has registered the CLS63 name, which AutoWeek sources say will replace the CLS55."

I still hate the Mercedes Aurora. If this car had 2 doors it would outsell the CL. That may be the reason for this 4 door "CouDan".

If I was looking for a luxury Coupe in that price range I would buy the BMW 645i or the upcoming M6 over the CLS500 or CLS55 or CLS63!

I'm not a big fan of the CLS but would still pick it over the new 6-series.

I'm not a big fan of the CLS but would still pick it over the new 6-series.

Was that car Bangled?

So is the E also getting the new 350-hp 4.6-liter and a 400-hp 5.5-liter? What about the new AMG-developed 6.3-liter V8 in 2006?

Yes, eventually each of those engines should be phased into the E's.

What are the prices?

How do you think they will be badged ? Will the E500 have the 4.6 and still be badged as that or will they go E460, E550 and E63 AMG ?

The CLS maybe fine on its on, however, calling it a Coupe makes me think they think we are stupid. CLS sales will not exceed the sales of the 645i Coupe and Convertible and Mercedes does not need another sedan between the E-Class and S-Class. The idea of calling it a Coupe is just plain DUMB! Just call it a Sedan and be done with it. They should have never hinted at a 2 door E-Class and then rammed this Aurora and ES300 looking crap down our throats.

BMW sales are exceeding Mercedes every year and they now have a luxury coupe and cabrio that does not cost the price of a CL500 with more HP (325) from a smaller 4.4 liter V8 versus only 302HP from a 5.0 liter. BMW has even entered the "Cute Ute" market with the X3. Mercedes sales will be horrible for 2004 because they have no new platform to generate showroom traffic.

If I want a fast sedan I'd buy another E55 - If I want a fast Coupe or Cabrio many more will buy the 645i and the M6 and brag they have a Sports Coupe instead of buying a CLS and trying to explain "But Mercedes says it is a Coupe. Really!"

I made a mistake! The CLS is a Coupe. Mercedes put a Star in the Grille and that lets the world know it is a Coupe! How ridiculous!