2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review
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Used CLS-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz CLS-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class types
- Sedan
- CLS55 AMG
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sharp and sexy exterior design, handles like a much smaller car, smooth V8.
Cons
- Sleek lines make getting in back a little awkward, complicated control interface.
What’s new
The CLS is an all-new sedan in Mercedes' lineup for 2006.
Edmunds says
Whether you want coupelike style and agility or the ease of entry that only four doors can provide, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class has it. This Benz also has a body so stunning that even those who find neither trait very important will fall for it.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.93 per gallon for premium unleaded in Missouri.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Missouri
$294/mo for CLS-Class CLS500
CLS-Class CLS500
vs
$165/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
When it comes to shaking up the rarefied air of the luxury car world, no amount of power under the hood or computers in the cabin can top the draw of an intriguing design. More stunning in person than in even the most flattering pictures, the Mercedes-Benz CLS has a visual presence that few of its peers can match.
The 2006 Mercedes CLS possesses a level of athleticism and luxury that up until this point has been hard to find in a single car. Although it makes use of numerous unique pieces throughout, the better part of its hardware is taken straight from the E500 sedan. The engine is a 5.0-liter V8 connected to Mercedes' seven-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual-shift capability. While its shape does wonders for its image, it also reduces its interior dimensions in several important areas. Up front, the effects are minimal, as the CLS feels every bit as accommodating as an S-Class. But in back its dimensions are tighter in nearly every dimension when compared to the shorter E-Class.
There are also a few ergonomic quirks typical of German cars, like the flimsy fold-out cupholder, lack of storage space and overly complicated audio and navigation controls. Nothing new here to be sure, but still the kind of things that leaves you scratching your head when you consider the brilliant level of engineering interspersed throughout the rest of the car. Having had time behind the wheel, we still harbor our previous objections to its nomenclature, but a newfound appreciation for its shape and performance makes its classification a moot point. The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class isn't a case of form over function; it's a rare combination of the two that makes them almost complementary -- an impressive feat that needs no explanation.
Performance & mpg
The engine is a 5.0-liter V8 connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission with Sportronic manual-shift capability. With so many gears at its disposal, the 306-horsepower V8 is never far from its sweet spot, a circumstance that makes the sizable sedan feel quicker than its horsepower number would suggest. Mercedes claims a 0-to-60-mph sprint of 6.1 seconds, a believable number. Responses from the advanced transmission are satisfyingly quick, especially when left in the sport shift mode that livens up the performance even more.
Safety
Besides the traditional luxury car safety features, such as four-wheel disc antilock brakes and stability control, the Mercedes CLS features a full complement of front- and side-impact airbags. The CLS has not yet been crash tested.
Driving
Although it's nearly 5 inches longer than an E-Class, the CLS weighs barely a few pounds more, and transitioning from one curve to the next makes it obvious that despite its accommodating rear seats, this is no S-Class. Unlike the big flagship that reminds you of its size when pushed, the CLS invites you to go harder at every turn. Quicker steering, less body roll and plenty of grip thanks to standard 18-inch wheels and tires give the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class a legitimate claim to coupelike performance.
Interior
Smaller door openings make getting in and out of the rear seats more difficult, but once situated, the aft quarters are surprisingly accommodating. Six-footers brush their heads, but plenty of knee, toe and shoulder room keep it comfortable. The short windows do make it feel less airy than a typical sedan, but compared to a traditional coupe, the Mercedes-Benz CLS is legitimately comfortable in back rather than merely passable. A dashboard-wide strip of wood trim differentiates the CLS from any of its current siblings, along with smaller, but tastefully applied touches of wood and chrome trim on the doors and center console. The standard wood wears a new matte finish designed to look more natural than the usual high-gloss timber found in most luxury cars. Optional high-gloss trim is available for those who prefer the shinier stuff.
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class models
The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is available in one well-equipped trim level. Expect typical luxuries like power seat, window, lock and sunroof controls, as well as four-zone automatic climate control and a trip computer. Mercedes' Airmatic suspension system comes standard, giving the CLS a level of adjustability to suit every type of driver. Left in its default comfort mode, the CLS responds with typical luxury car motions, soft when it needs to be and stiff enough to maintain complete control at all times. Two additional settings designed for more aggressive driving are available should you desire a more coupelike handling experience.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class.
5 star(83%)
4 star(12%)
3 star(4%)
2 star(1%)
1 star(0%)
112 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
3.75 out of 5 stars
CLS Mercedes
don, 02/08/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
This is the best looking Mercedes in a long, long time. The exterior has beautiful sleek lines and is a "hottie". The interior up front is very nice. The instrument panel is basically an "E" class cluster with some added extras. The back seat is for two people only and if you are tall, you will be bumping your head on top. For a fun and great looking car, its great.
5 out of 5 stars
A terrific sports sedan. Traded in 2 years ago
Jim Glass, 12/19/2015
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
Entry level cost is high, depreciation for no good reason is abysmal. It is a beautiful car, inside and out. In 2005-6, it set the style standard which has been copied by most manufacturers at some level within their product lineups. Performance is also very good even by today's standards 10 years later. It will do 0-60 in 5.5 sec. and its passing performance 50-90 mph is on par with any … similar car today. We continue to use this car mostly for highway trips and it performs admirably. Today, it simply lacks all the technical frills found on most cars in this class today. Notably, there is no backup camera, Bluetooth or other phone connection. (A hard wire phone-specific connector was available but not purchased.)
4.75 out of 5 stars
Only 4 passenger sports car!
doublet, 08/30/2005
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS55 AMG 4dr Sedan (5.4L 8cyl S/C 5A)
I traded my S500 for this car. I traded my Jaguar XKR for a SL500. The CLS55 is faster than my XKR and holds two adults in the back seat. The trunk is enormous. This is my daily driver. I love the sound, steering feel, power and look. Unbelievable to have something this cool and this practical. I am a senior and this is our sedan.
4.75 out of 5 stars
This is it
SUSAN KNOWS, 12/11/2009
2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class CLS500 4dr Sedan (5.0L 8cyl 7A)
I am a car person. That is what I do for a living, that is what I wake up in the morning for, to deal with vehicles. This car was well researched before the purchase. and yes there is no absolute when purchasing such a type of vehicle. They will have weak points and strengths. This vehicle has very few weak ones. It is simply fabulous. I am proud to own one. I am not new to the … Mercedes scene and I know they are built to last but It is nice when they look good and have the functionality in one package. Whenever I get in the car which is a kidless car by the way, I turn into another mode. I block out all other things and set myself free. be careful you will be tested, be strong!
2006 CLS-Class Highlights
Sedan
CLS500
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $64,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $294/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 15.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CLS-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
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