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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  This is it - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By SUSAN KNOWS - December 27 - 1:20 pm

  I am a car person. That is what I do for a living, that is what I wake up in the morning for, to deal with vehicles. This car was well researched before the purchase. and yes there is no absolute when purchasing such a type of vehicle. They will have weak points and strengths. This vehicle has very few weak ones. It is simply fabulous. I am proud to own one. I am not new to the Mercedes scene and I know they are built to last but It is nice when they look good and have the functionality in one package. Whenever I get in the car which is a kidless car by the way, I turn into another mode. I block out all other things and set myself free. be careful you will be tested, be strong!

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  Stylish Sedan - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By alegrats - December 4 - 5:53 am

  Have owned the CLS500 for almost 3 years and has been everything i have expected - great sedan for family of 4 with school aged kids - a lot of head turning looks with this car - just enough truck space for active family - only complaint is the challenges in accessing a drive up ATM through the smallish side window - every facet of this car speaks quality

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  More fun than I expected - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By car shopper - September 28 - 3:13 am

  The CLS550 has both more power AND more room than I expected. An absolute BLAST to drive and the back seat is more spacious than it looks. It has a low roof line but it opens up once you get in the back seat. The front is totally spacious. Handles much better than the BMW 545, 550 and 750. I have owned a 750i and it was too big and made me feel old. The CLS turns heads and puts you in the back of the seat when you hit the pedal.

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  CLS 550 07 - 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Vijil - September 7 - 3:13 pm

  CLS 550 is truly a fun car to drive. Airmatic DC (air suspension), by all means is the best. The ride is smooth and sporty at the same time. Airmatic will automatically lower the suspension at highway speeds to improve the aerodynamics of the vehicle. CLS has a very powerful engine, enough power for most people. I can only wonder what the 63 & 65 (AMG) has to offer in terms of power. The car is so unique in terms of its exterior styling, there is nothing like it on the road. The audio, Harmon Kardon/ Logic 7, has exceptional sound quality. CLS is a beauty with the beast inside.

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  Benz is back! - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By JimG - July 26 - 8:06 pm

  This car is absolutely stunning, and with the seven speed transmission, 302 HP feels like 402! Less than 6 sec. to 60 in a first class luxury sedan is nothing to sneeze at. The build quality feels superb like previous generation Benzes when engineering came first and the price was set as an afterthought. Anyone looking at this level will be impressed with this car...if they can find one to see and drive. This makes my 7th Benz in 13 years and it is without question the best of the batch including my vaunted 92 S class. No car is perfect, but for me, this one comes very close.

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  Best looking car on the road and more - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By go-n-fly - July 6 - 12:53 am

  Such a great looking car. Can only imagine what the CLS63 must be like. Somehow Im getting 22-24 MPG on the highway. Both good and bad, it feels like a luxury car and not a sportscar.

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  Sleek - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Dr B.Singh - June 29 - 5:36 am

  I bought this car for my wife but i have been driving it more for now. No doubt it is one of the best Mercedes we have. Cup holders are neat but do interfere with moving the shift stick. One may spill his/her coffee. Storage space in between front seats is small .I would like to have small space to put my papers in front console. A cover to accomadate a fifth passenger/child would help in rear middle. It definitely however turns heads.

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  New CLS 500 - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By Cliff McGahee - June 20 - 5:46 am

  Have only had the car less than a week, but it is beautiful, silky smoothe, and couldnt be more satisfied. Silver, with dark red interior and most of the add-ons - no keyless go. Not one thing wrong with it - no adjustments needed.

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  Dream Car - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By lgleaves - May 30 - 12:56 am

  Under my Christmas tree was a beautiful pewter grey MB 550. Best gift and car of my life. Cant comprehend that 90mph seems fast in this car. Feels like cruising speed. Back seat could be bigger, but I dont plan on spending much time there. So far, my adult sons dont complain too much. A head turner for sure.

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  Nice at first, but... - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
  By BP - May 21 - 7:20 am

  Bought this car new in 2006. Was torn between the 650 BMW and the CLS500. Both seemed to purr but thought I would go for the lesser horsepower but try for the Mercedes badge. Test drove each for a weekend, and found the BMW to be more appealing, faster, and over all a better head turner, but thought the MB was a better buy. Lets just say I had the Mercedes for 2 months and traded it for the BMW 650. The MB sqeaked, knobs cracked, just poor quaility I missed all this at the begining during my test drives. I guess if I wanted a Chrysler product, I should have bought a Chrysler. Never again. I learned my lesson on this one. Maybe once they stop sharing parts on $20,000 Crossfires, I may be back