First Glance: No one knows what it's like to be the bad man
People judge you by the car you drive. I'm amazed at how differently my fellow motorists treat me when I'm driving an oversized SUV versus a small, svelte hybrid. Driving the CLS550 earned me the sort of contempt usually reserved for giant SUVs. They cut me off. They turned in front of me. If I signaled before changing lanes, the opening for which I was headed would suddenly close up.I'm assuming this was the jealousy factor at work: A young-looking guy like me (I'm 35, but don't look a day over 34) driving such an expensive-looking car must have somehow cheated the system, right?
The funny thing is, the CLS isn't as expensive as it looks. I was surprised to learn that the CLS starts well under $70k. Granted, that's quite a bit out of my budget, but considering the CLS' unique styling, powerful engine, quiet ride, top-of-the line safety features and gadgets galore, I expected the base price to be well north of $80k, more once you started piling on the options.
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In the Driver's Seat: Paying the price for style
Mercedes is trying to get back to the over-attention to detail for which their cars used to be known. Examples abound in the CLS: A black dashboard topper for the beige interior, which all but eliminates dangerous windshield glare. A "max cool" button for the air conditioning system. Frameless door glass (link goes to photo). And then there's the center console armrest: It's double-hinged to open left or right, so either driver or passenger can reach the contents with ease. (That's German design for you. The Japanese would have simply hinged it at the rear.)
You might think the CLS gives up sedan-like practicality for its non-sedan-like shape. You'd be right. I'm only 5'6", and I had to duck my head to get into the back seat. I can't imagine how a 6-footer can get in without clonking his noggin or wrenching his back. Once inside there's enough room to sit comfortably, but the fact that you have to scoot your toes in under the front seat presents an additional challenge when trying to get out. All in all, aside from the individual temperature controls, the back seat accommodations aren't any better than Mercedes' own E-Class (review). And while the E seats five, the CLS only accommodates four.
On the Road: Quick and quiet
Driving the CLS takes some getting used to. The driving position is somewhat awkward because the steering column is offset slightly to the right -- a consequence, I would guess, of taking a car based on the E-Class platform and widening it by two inches. The added width -- the CLS is as wide as a Mercedes S-Class -- makes the CLS feel like a much bigger car, but the turning circle is remarkably tight: The CLS can pull a U-turn on small residential streets.The rear-wheel-drive CLS550 is powered by a new 382 horsepower 5.5 liter V8 with a 7-speed automatic. Acceleration is brisk, passing is effortless, and the CLS is remarkably quiet at all speeds.
The CLS550's Airmatic air suspension has a comfort mode and two sport modes. It also has a lift mode, which every CLS owner should know and use; my test car's chin spoiler showed the scars of many curb-scrapes, at least one of which was my fault.
Regardless of which suspension mode you select the CLS is very stable in sudden swerves. The fun factor isn't very high, though, even with the suspension in sport mode. If you really love to drive, try the CLS550's big brother, the CLS63 AMG -- provided the $96,000 price tag (including $2,600 gas guzzler tax) doesn't put you off.
Journey's End: Are you willing to trade practicality for style?
Personally, I'd rather have an E-Class. It's more practical, less expensive, and its available with a more economical V6 and a much more economical BLUETEC turbodiesel (review).
Now, all that said, I'm more about practicality than style, as anyone who has ever seen my wardrobe will attest. The E-Class is common to the point of blending in, but the CLS is truly unique, bordering on exotic -- and as exotic cars go it's well equipped and pretty reasonably priced. Despite being in its third year, the CLS550 still draws stares -- some admiring, some jealous, some resentful. I guess that's the price you pay for showing off.
