CLS-Class (C218) [First drives] New Mercedes Benz CLS (C218) First Drives - Autocar etc...

[Laurent T]

First tests and comparisons

There seems to have been several tests/comparisons in German magazines (AMS, Auto Zeitung, Auto Bild) featuring the CLS against its competitors. Can anybody post some scans ?

 

[Rolf]

Another good one:

Preview: 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550

I like this quote:
If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, then Mercedes’ CLS is the most complimented car of the last decade.

Hi has anyone scanned in the Auto Motor und Sport comparison test with the CLS 350 CDi and Audi A7 3.0 TDI?

 

[klier]

Hi has anyone scanned in the Auto Motor und Sport comparison test with the CLS 350 CDi and Audi A7 3.0 TDI?

Wow, I'd love to read this too. In Internal Combustion though.

 

[Tarek]

Love the headlights..so glad MB offered those full LED headlights at the beginning.

 

[Yaz]

They're still optional Tarek . Should've been STANDARD. Damn you MB!

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[Tarek]

^Well considering it's still a new tech to offer a full LED headlights like that i think it's kinda plausible to offer it as an option and keep bi-xenons standard.

Now i really want those full LED headlights to find a way to the W212.

 

[SKY]

There seems to have been several tests/comparisons in German magazines (AMS, Auto Zeitung, Auto Bild) featuring the CLS against its competitors. Can anybody post some scans ?

Autobild:

1st: A7 (376 points)
2nd: 5er GT (368 points)
3rd: CLS (355 points)

 

[montana]

A7 beat CLS? Wow, first time I've seen that.

 

[SKY]

A7 beat CLS? Wow, first time I've seen that.

I think I ain´t seen any mag where the CLS has beaten the A7. Spanish press at least has preferred the Audi.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Autobild:

1st: A7 (376 points)
2nd: 5er GT (368 points)
3rd: CLS (355 points)

Pure Foolishness!

 

[K-A]

Nothing new here, M-B's always lose in Rag Tests.

M-B's aren't bought to be thrown through hairpin turns, at 120 MPH, nor are they bought to feel every pebble in the road via the steering wheel.

Mag Tests crack me up sometimes. Although, understandably, this is a purported "Coupe" segment, so some of what I said doesn't apply here.... But it does fully apply to Tests where the E-Class, S-Class, etc. lose out to "sportier" competitors, when they are superior cars in most every other way (ways that cater exactly to the demographic of people who lust for a car in such a segment.... I.e, not giving a damn about who could feel the road paint while doing a 180 more stiffly).

You need to own, experience, and understand why you are buying a Benz, to realize where it outdoes the competition (or, in some cases, simply see it on the road, next to said competition).

 

[HighestOfHigh]

My thing is why was the 5 GT even included? Why not wait for their 4 door coupe? Makes no sense and then to put it over the CLS. BS.




Then again...why am I even concerned? K-A, you make a good point.

 

[klier]

The 5 GT between the A7 and CLS proves how great the 5GT really is.

 

[SKY]

The A7 has to be something really serious to have such an advantage of points over the CLS.

The S7 is going kickass.

 

[LaArtist]

Why is this such a shock to you guys?

Have you ever read a autobild test?

they give points for each aspect of the car..
In there there is this category called space and load capacity:
The hunchbacked A7 and the VAN 5er ofcourse gains a healthy load of points there..

 

[Zafiro]

From Autobild comparison. Just facts, no speculations

CLS
Most expensive car and the smallest interior space
Elegant look
Strongest engine
Lowest weight
Smooth gearbox
19" wheels isnt a good option. Bumby drive, not worthy a luxury car...
Despite being the lightest (112kg less than A7) it feels like a heavy A7 to drive.
Rear with limited space

5GT
A design to get used to, not the prettiest car
Roomy interior
Slowest car
Good travelling partner
Luxurious interior

A7
Beautiful car
Spacy and practical
Quickest car
Good gearbox
Together with 5GT, lowest interior noise
Feels lighter than it is
Agile


Conclusion
Good materials, nice details and all three offer a good dose of luxury but A7 does it the best.


Audi / BMW / MB
0–50 km/h 2,1 s 2,3 s 2,3 s
0–100 km/h 6,1 s 6,9 s 6,3 s
0–130 km/h 9,9 s 11,6 s 10,3 s


(pardon my english )

 

[LaArtist]

^yeah like i said in my previous post..
If you start to think space the CLS is dead last..

So im gonna write this up as another silly review..of cars from diffrent classes, and judging aspects that arent relative.

 

[montana]

^but it's bigger than the E interior, right?

 

[Zafiro]

^yeah like i said in my previous post..
If you start to think space the CLS is dead last..

So im gonna write this up as another silly review..of cars from diffrent classes, and judging aspects that arent relative.

But take away 5GT from the test and A7 would still have won

In defense to the CLS, the car wasnt equipped with airmatic or sportdiff like the A7.

 

[LaArtist]

^
Cause its not a 4 door coupe..its a hunchback half wagon..