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

[K-A]

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

Is that possible? I thought they're the same dimensions (chassis wise, at least), with the CLS simply losing more rear seat space/head-room.

Kind of weird that the CLS would have the loudest interior of the bunch, as M-B is expected to have the quietest, but I think they seemed to chalk that up majorly to the 19" wheels.

Odd comparison though. The 5 GT has no relevance in that test (looks wise, space wise, STYLE wise, purpose wise, etc.). Why stop at the 5 GT, why not use a X5? Or a VW Routan?.... Or a Pontiac Aztek? Lol.

 

[HighestOfHigh]

If Autobild were so pressed to put a BMW against a CLS they should have waited to put the 5GT against the CLS Shooting Brake. Don't just throw something in there that doesn't belong. If anything they could have replaced the 5GT with the Porsche Panamera.

 

[K-A]

5 Series Sedan is waay closer to the CLS than the 5'er "Wagon" (to us in the U.S, at least).

 

[Zafiro]

From Autozeitung.

1. Audi A7 Sportback 3.0 TDI quattro
2. Mercedes CLS 350 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY
3. Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 Diesel
4. Citroën C6 V6 HDi

Conclusion
No question about it, new CLS is a better car than previous generation. Powerful engine and economical engine with the best brakes in the test. But still, Audi A7 is a better car. More comfortable and flexible and with lower costs. Also with better engine and gearbox together with better handling.

 

[SKY]

Damm, what a decepcion, two of the big three german mags have said the same. A7 seem to be just better than the CLS.

 

[montana]

Hm, weird. I love the CLS and I can't stand A7. The rear is a total deal-breaker for me. Interior-wise I'm sure it's nearly perfect, though. But exterior is just not good enough.

I read a Norwegian mag, and they concluded with the fact that the CLS is more stylish. However, the A7 is also very well built and a bit more flexible.

Is that possible? I thought they're the same dimensions (chassis wise, at least), with the CLS simply losing more rear seat space/head-room.

Kind of weird that the CLS would have the loudest interior of the bunch, as M-B is expected to have the quietest, but I think they seemed to chalk that up majorly to the 19" wheels.

Odd comparison though. The 5 GT has no relevance in that test (looks wise, space wise, STYLE wise, purpose wise, etc.). Why stop at the 5 GT, why not use a X5? Or a VW Routan?.... Or a Pontiac Aztek? Lol.

I went with my dad to check out an E class, and I felt the interior was more than big enough. So I was just thinking maybe the CLS would be even bigger inside, but obviously not

 

[merc4]

Just to inform you, in Auto motor und sport the CLS has beaten the A7. In that test the Merc is quicker to 100, has better brakes and consumes less. Even the transmission is considered better.

 

[montana]

^As well as the start-stop function...

 

[HighestOfHigh]

A7 seem to be just better than the CLS.

View attachment 764970d2bf8033aaf071608334321aff.jpg

 

[K-A]

Again, Mag Tests never seem to favor Benzes. They shine in "Tests" that far exceed 30 minute performance track blitzes.

Not discrediting the A7 though, it's obviously an outstanding car, and even though the styling doesn't speak to me, and that green-house style and hunch/hatchback are deal-breakers to my tastes, it was a nice looker in the flesh too.

The CLS will be the car with far more curb appeal, it'll have a more prestigious aura, people will fawn over it more, etc. etc. Typical Benz traits VS the competition. Individually, this CLS is relatively overstated, so that can also turn people off.... Which is where the A7 really comes in.

 

[Merc1]

I'll wait until the U.S. magazines compare them.


M

 

[Laurent T]

Just to inform you, in Auto motor und sport the CLS has beaten the A7. In that test the Merc is quicker to 100, has better brakes and consumes less. Even the transmission is considered better.

Could somebody (DeDe maybe) scan that test ?

 

[Deleted member 1071]

The actual margin by which one car is crowned "victorious" over its' competitor is actually so negligable that it all remains subject solely to personal taste. The A7, CLS and 5 GT are all magnificent automobiles. Well alright, I do have a bit of a hard time liking the appearance of the 5 GT

Mercedes-Benz commands a formidable image in the U.S., an icon of a brand rich in history with an amazing legacy. And the CLS' wow factor will afford this car massive curb appeal. It should outsell the A7 in the USA by quite a large margin. But in Europe, it could be a totally different story. The same may apply to Russia and China also.

 

[Zafiro]

I'll wait until the U.S. magazines compare them.


M

Why ?

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Why ?

Because they use common sense and don't always play on favorites...Well except for Car and Driver.

 

[Zafiro]

Because they use common sense and don't always play on favorites...Well except for Car and Drilolver.

LOL. Americans with common sense. No offense but Europeans are superior to Americans

 

[LaArtist]

Its not such a bad idea hoh..

Most unbiased view is a american reviewing a european car..and vice versa..
As ALL journalists are biased to their own brands..

 

[Merc1]

Why ?

Because it will tell me how these cars stack up in American specs and with petrol engines and the criteria is often different from what European magazines use. Load space for a CLS? That is just plain stupid to compare it to a 5GT in that regard.

M

 

[Zafiro]

Because it will tell me how these cars stack up in American specs and with petrol engines and the criteria is often different from what European magazines use. Load space for a CLS? That is just plain stupid to compare it to a 5GT in that regard.

M

Alright I understand but A7 aint winnings those two earlier tests based on load space only Their conclusion is that the A7 is better in areas like comfort and handling.
I havent read AMS conclusion why CLS is a better car than A7 so I cant comment on that yet,

 

[Merc1]

Alright I understand but A7 aint winnings those two earlier tests based on load space only Their conclusion is that the A7 is better in areas like comfort and handling.
I havent read AMS conclusion why CLS is a better car than A7 so I cant comment on that yet,

I didn't say the A7 won because of load space either, but I do know that what U.S. magazines look at is different. Handling and comfort are universal, but some of those other Euromag items aren't.

Sporty diesels are no interest to 99 percent of the U.S. buying public so I'll wait to see how the CLS550 does against the A7 3.0T if anyone compares them here.


M