The Mercedes-Benz CLS is beautiful to look at and almost as pleasing to drive. It gives up one seat in passenger capacity to most luxury sedans, but its visual impact is undeniable. There's plenty of power from the CLS550 with its new V8, and the CLS63 AMG is a real screamer.
NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Greg Brown filed this report from Rome.
6.2-liter dual overhead-cam 24-valve V8 with variable valve timing
Transmissions:
7-speed automatic with Speed Shift manual mode
Saftey Equipment (standard):
front multi-stage airbags, front and rear passenger side-impact airbags, front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, Electronic Stability Program skid-management electronics, ABS with Brake Assist, roll-over sensor, low-tire pressure warning system, Tele-Aid emergency telematics
Saftey Equipment (optional):
N/A
Basic Warranty:
4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:
Sindelfingen, Germany
Specifications As Tested
Model Tested (MSRP):
Mercedes-Benz CLS63 AMG ($92,200)
Standard Equipment:
four-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power adjustable front seats with 3-position memory and pneumatic bolsters, multifunction steering wheel controls, electric adjustable tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, 12-speaker harmon/kardon audio system with AM/FM/ CD, leather upholstery, hand-polished wood trim, power windows with express up and down, auto-dimming rear/driver side mirrors with right-side park assist, remote central locking system with user-recognition, integrated garage door opener, power tilt/sliding glass sunroof, blue-tinted glass, floor mats
Options As Tested (MSRP):
Keyless Go ($1,090)
Destination Charge:
775
Gas Guzzler Tax:
Price As Tested (MSRP):
94065
Layout:
rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):
507 @ 6800
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):
465 @ 5200
Transmission:
7-speed automatic with Speed Shift manual mode
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:
13/20
Wheelbase:
112.4
Length/width/height:
193.0/73.7/54.7
Track, f/r:
62.9/62.3
Turning circle:
36.7
Seating capacity:
4
Head/hip/leg room, f:
36.9/58.0/42.1
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:
36.1/57.6/35.0
Cargo volume:
15.9
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:
independent double-wishbone, electronically controlled air springs and shocks
Suspension, r:
independent multi-link, electronically controlled air springs and shocks
Ground clearance:
4.5
Curb weight:
4210
Tires:
255/35ZR19 front, 285/35ZR19 rear
Brakes, f/r:
vented disc with six-piston calipers/vented disc with four-piston calipers
Fuel capacity:
21.1
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class consumer reviews:
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS550 4dr Sedan (5.5L 8cyl 7A) is definitely one of the best German automobiles available currently. Power is instantly available when needed. The drive is silky smooth. More storage space would still be a nice improvement.
posted by Trevon on Jun 29 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
This is a beautifully made car, both inside and outside. Braking is exceptional. The airmatic suspension gives you the best of both: luxury as well as sporty. Overall, An exceptional car with gorgeous lines.
posted by K Omarion on Feb 02 2008
overall rating
value
comfort
reliability
I love to drive my new MB! It's so much fun, but I also feel safe. The interior is beautifully appointed. I love power and good looks and this car is awesome. Heated rear seats should be an option, wish manual transmission was available, but overall I love the design.
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