Benz Faqs

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is a luxury sedan that was created to look like a coupe. The gorgeous styling comes at the expense of big-sedan practicality. The funny thing is, the CLS isn’t as expensive as it looks. We were surprised to learn that the CLS starts well under $70k. Considering the CLS’ unique styling, powerful engine, quiet ride, top-of-the line safety features and gadgets galore, people expected the base price to be well above $80k, more once you started piling on the options.

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.

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. 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. And while the E seats five, the CLS only accommodates four.

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.

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 doesn’t put you off.

You can’t help but love the way the CLS looks, even if it does seem to evoke the ire fellow motorists. But from the inside you’ll barely notice the CLS’ more rakish styling. You will, however, notice the offset steering wheel and the challenge of driving a wider car, provided you aren’t too busy apologizing to your rear-seat passengers for not warning them to watch their heads as they got in.