Overview & Reviews

When it comes to shaking up the luxury car world, no amount of power, technological sophistication or supple leather in the cabin can top an alluring design. More stunning in person than even the most flattering photography might suggest, the coupelike Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has a visual presence that few other luxury sedans can match. And that is something that's not likely to change for some time to come.

Yet whether you're looking at the current CLS or its predecessor, both share much of their underlying structure, engines and hardware with the well-regarded E-Class. In a way, you're essentially buying a more visually interesting version of Mercedes' popular midsize sedan. However, in doing so you will be trading in some practicality. Though the front seats are every bit as accommodating as Mercedes' S-Class full-size luxury flagship, the CLS' dimensions in back are tighter in nearly every direction when compared to more mainstream sedans. Additionally, the high beltline and small rear windows can make occupants feel closed in. Overall, though, for the luxury car buyer who desires distinctive styling, strong performance and a sumptuous interior, the CLS is easy to recommend.

Current Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a four-door sedan with coupelike styling. Based on the E-Class, it shares that model's V8 engines and rigid structure that helps promote a composed ride along with confident handling characteristics.

The CLS-Class lineup starts with the CLS550. It's equipped with a 4.7-liter twin-turbo V8 that produces 402 horsepower and 443 pound-feet of torque. Rear-wheel drive and a seven-speed automatic are standard, but you can get "4Matic" all-wheel drive as an option.

The CLS63 AMG goes a few steps further with a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 550 hp and 531 lb-ft of torque in its standard form, and 577 hp and 590 lb-ft with the optional S-Model package. As 4Matic is standard, power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed automated manual transmission. Besides its powertrain, the 63 gets AMG-specific wheels, suspension, steering and styling details. A limited-slip differential, forged alloy wheels and carbon-ceramic brakes are options.

As with the exterior, the CLS' cabin takes on an organic and curvaceous theme. Materials are beyond reproach. The control layout is similar to the E-Class, though it swaps in an analog clock and the older knob-style climate controls in lieu of the newer toggle buttons. Stepping up to the CLS63 adds a chunky AMG steering wheel and fills the center console with AMG vehicle controls and the MCT transmission selector (complete with an embossed AMG crest) instead of the 550's electronic column shifter.

With its low, racy roof line and two-person backseat, the CLS isn't what we'd call the ideal people carrier. If you frequently ferry people around or have particularly tall friends, opting for an E-Class is probably a wiser idea. Indeed, this is the price you pay for that slinky styling. Well, besides the literal higher price attached to it compared to the E. At least you get a spacious trunk.

On the road, the "base" CLS550 essentially matches the acceleration of the previous-generation AMG model, while the CLS63 matches the get-up of many exotic sports cars. Both also handle brilliantly, tricking the laws of physics by going around corners with talent that belies their size. Nevertheless, ride quality is excellent in the CLS550 and acceptably firm in the CLS63. In total, this is a truly special luxury sedan for those who want a little flair from their four-door daily driver.

Used Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Models
The current-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class debuted in 2012. Compared to the first-generation CLS, this one rides and handles better, boasts better build quality and has superior ergonomics with more user-friendly controls. The following year brought an updated mbrace telematics system and a new Bang & Olufsen audio option. These early second-gen CLS models differ from today's version in a handful of minor ways. All lack an automatic engine stop-start feature (which helps to reduce fuel consumption), while the CLS63 AMG was rear-wheel drive and had less power. Still, with outputs of 518 hp and 516 lb-ft for the standard CLS63 and 550 hp and 590 lb-ft with the available AMG Performance Pack, that doesn't strike us as much of a disadvantage.

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was produced from 2006-'11. Like the current car, it was based on the E-Class sedan of its time period and featured sleek, coupelike styling and the practicality trade-offs that came with it. Used shoppers will note that the key differences between this model and the one that replaced it are less user-friendly interior controls, less backseat room, hydraulic versus electric steering and less exuberant acceleration (although this is more a testament to the current car rather than an indictment of this one).

For 2006 only, the CLS-Class was available in CLS500 and CLS55 AMG guises. The former came with a 5.0-liter V8 rated at 306 hp, while the CLS55 AMG had a 469-hp supercharged 5.5-liter V8. From '07 until the end of this generation's run in 2011, the CLS550 featured a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 that produced 382 hp. The 2007-and-up CLS63 AMG had a 6.2-liter V8 that made 507 hp. A seven-speed automatic with manual-shift capability was standard for both trims. Acceleration was obviously very strong for both.

Inside the cockpit, sweeping wood panels, chrome trim surrounds, premium materials and beautiful detailing made the CLS more visually interesting than other Mercedes-Benz sedans of the time. However, the car's coupelike roof line and tighter door openings made getting in and out of the rear seats more difficult. Once in place, the aft quarters were surprisingly accommodating, but headroom bordered on unacceptable for 6-footers. The short windows also made it feel less airy than a typical sedan, but compared to a traditional two-door coupe, this Mercedes-Benz CLS was legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely tolerable.

In reviews, we've noted that this first-generation CLS-Class offered plenty of entertainment value to go along with its gorgeous styling. Transitioning from one curve to the next made it obvious that the CLS was something more than the average midsize Mercedes. The CLS550 even invited spirited driving thanks to its quicker steering and reduced body roll compared with its E-Class contemporary, while the CLS63 AMG pushed the envelope even further thanks to its sport-tuned suspension, more powerful brakes, and bigger wheels and tires.

Besides the '07 engine swap, changes were light during this generation. For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class received a mild exterior styling refresh, including an updated twin-bar grille, restyled wheels, trapezoidal exhaust tips and reshaped LED taillights. The COMAND interface was also revised, but it was always plagued by usability issues. Instead of the touchscreen interfaces of some competitors or the screen-and-knob system that replaced it, this generation of COMAND featured an LCD screen and multidirectional buttons akin to a video game controller.

User Reviews:

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  Awesome - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By dct - July 30 - 3:10 pm

  Great car to drive if you can afford it. Hope it last like a Benz should. This is for the buyer that likes to drive a car for 5 years plus.

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  JWW Review - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Jack - July 27 - 2:40 pm

  I really like the exterior design. My wife likes a coupe but I like a sedan. When I first saw this car I knew it was just the answer to our needs. She loves the design too. It drives like "silk", smooth and quick.

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  Wanna turn heads? - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By FelixNYC - June 30 - 4:10 pm

  This car is SEXY , like an Italian car built by Germans. It looks fantastic, it goes like hell, seats four people perfectly (unless all you friends are in the NBA). The engine noise is sweet, the dynamic seats are a trip - heat, cool, massage AND inflating side bolsters to keep you in tight. Everyone stares and gives a thumbs up. The AMG version is worth extra money, the feeling you get when you blast down a highway is pure exhilaration. I traded in an Infiniti FX45 (a pretty quick SUV in its own right) for this baby and I never looked back.

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  Its a Sexy Beast! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By TeddySilva - June 23 - 5:00 am

  I have owned my CLS500 only 3 months and love every minute I am inside of it. It drives like the smooth flow of the wind and feels like it too. Had 2 BMW525s before including the recent 2004 newbody style it was just a great drive. But CLS500 is a awesome car.

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  A Winner - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Dewey - May 20 - 7:23 am

  As a previous owner of BMWs, I must say that Benz has made a major step forward in terms of design and performance. The CLS500 is a fun machine to drive and the body design is outstanding. Whether sitting still or rolling along, it draws a lot of admiring looks. Overall, I am extremely pleased with this automobile.

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  Good for the family, too! - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Luigi - May 12 - 3:00 pm

  A beautiful car with a gorgeous style and power to spare! I traded in my 2003 MB CLK 320 for this car because I needed a 4-door car to travel with my two children. Room was my only concern. I am not a truck/SUV kind of a guy so I was looking for a sport sedan that would offer a backseat big enough to accommodate two carseats and a large trunk to carry my childrens bike, stroller and other stuff. My CLS just does that and more since I was not expecting this much room! Very impressed. In terms of performance? An endless engine, a GREAT manumatic gearbox, superb brakes and royal comfort/quietness.

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  Only 4 passenger sports car! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By doublet - April 5 - 9:00 pm

  I traded my S500 for this car. I traded my Jaguar XKR for a SL500. The CLS55 is faster than my XKR and holds two adults in the back seat. The trunk is enormous. This is my daily driver. I love the sound, steering feel, power and look. Unbelievable to have something this cool and this practical. I am a senior and this is our sedan.

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  Jaguar NO...Mercedes... YES - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Mercedes Guy - April 3 - 7:53 am

  After being a Jaguar guy for over 10 years, It was time to move up the ladder to something better. I have been driving XJRs, and most recently the 2005 Super V8. And to the discredit of Jaguar, and the Service departments...I have moved on, and it has been to a better place. Mercedes Benz CLS 500. What a nice little rocket. Looks good on the street.I thought it was a car that stickered for well over $100,000 when I first saw it. Again, was I surprised. The interior is tight, and the seats are comfortable. The size is great for me, as an average size man, it fits me perfect. I couldnt imagine being over 63" and trying to slink into it. This car in black makes you want more. Yummy!

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  Unbelievable show stopper - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By vin - March 11 - 3:20 pm

  Everywhere I go I have people stopping me over the syling of the car. I sold a BMW 545 i because I was so uncomfortable in it. Love the ride and comfort of this car. Recommend it highly. Buy it with the AMG package.

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  500 CLS - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By John - March 7 - 8:33 am

  Absolutely wonderful automobile. One of the best looking ever by Mercedes. Wish they would build the CLS with the new 320CDI diesel technology