2007 Mercedes-Benz

2007 Mercedes-Benz
MSRP: $67,675
Engine: 5.5-liter, 32-valve, DOHC V8
Horsepower: 382 @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 391lb-ft @ 2,800rpm to 4,800RPM
MPG (city/highway): 15/22

Performance

For 2007, the 5.0-liter CLS500 is gone and the 5.5-liter CLS550 is ours to enjoy. The new 32-valve engine begs to be exploited with 382 horsepower and 391lb-ft of torque to back up its looks, and it hits 60mph in 5.4 seconds. The seven-speed automatic transmission adapts to your driving style and lateral nudges of the shifter let you manually control the shifting. For the nudge-direction challenged among us, Mercedes equips the CLS550 with Optimum Gear programming. When activated, the car determines the best gears for acceleration and engine braking. Conventional braking of this two-ton car is impressive and fear-free. The ABS is as unobtrusive as it is effective, clamping the Merc to a halt from 60mph in about 116 feet.

Exterior design

The CLS has incorporated the look of a coupe into a four-door sedan package. The polarizing design is especially noticeable in the hind quarters -- what is it with German sedans and their controversial booties? For me, the car that shares parts with the E-Class has decidedly more aggressive looks while still looking graceful. Overall, the CLS appears contemporary without being trendy -- but for some reason it is reminiscent of a Ford Taurus.

Interior design

Certain aspects of past E-Class interiors felt a little more Chrysler than Daimler, but the CLS ups the ante with better detailing -- a dash with real stitching, for example. Also, the controls in the CLS have a more positive, rich feel in their execution. From the driver’s seat, some climate-control and sound-system adjustments are less intuitive than I would prefer and require familiarity to operate without diverting our eyes from the road. The CLS offers four-zone climate control, leather seating, wood trim, and velour carpets, but from the back seat -- two buckets really -- the experience is dampened for taller passengers, as the thick C-pillar and headliner converge around them.

Sound system/goodies

Awkward pauses in conversation can be filled with the 320-watt, 12-speaker harman/kardon digital surround-sound system, complete with amp and subwoofer. The low-range never seems muddy, highs are crisp and vocals are realistic. This is easily among the best-sounding factory-equipped systems, and yet one of the most confounding to adjust -- some controls require more visual hunting than preferred. However, there is some consolation in being able to adjust some audio functions on the steering wheel. Another trick feature is automatic closure of windows, the sunroof and outside air with the push of the air recirculation button -- Mercedes calls it "tunnel mode."

Driving experience

To drive a CLS550 is to guarantee the attention from most onlookers. Stoplight challengers come out of the woodwork for this car, so there’s a certain element of temptation to resist -- or consider. Once junior and his ratty Civic have been taught a lesson, the Electronic Stability Program and Airmatic Dual Control air suspension with Adaptive Damping System keep things on an even keel. However, the near-perfect experience is dulled a little by the slightly artificial feel of the electronic brakes and throttle.

Bang for buck

For $67,000, discerning drivers who appreciate style, performance and luxury shouldn’t have to second-guess this purchase. Other cars -- even from within Mercedes -- are more stylish or offer better performance or represent greater luxury, few balance all three traits as well as the CLS550. The CLS550 represents terrific value for the investment.

Source: askmen

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Saturday, March 7, 2009