|
|
- Style-level Rating
-
-
 7.8
/ 10
Overall Ratings
- As long as you don't expect to use the rear seats often, the CLS63 AMG offers a new dimension in the performance sedan category. The monster V8 (507 horsepower!) feels like it came out of a thoroughbred racing car. The handling is better than most cars of this size, and the exterior design is destined for the hall of fame.
8.4 / 10
Dynamics
9.0 / 10
Engine Performance- Power every-stinkin'-where in the rev range, and that wonderful basso-profundo sound is glorious. It almost makes the $2,600 gas-guzzler tax and 13/20 mpg worthwhile.
9.0 / 10 Transmission Performance- We're pleased AMG were able to utilize the newer seven-speed automatic in place of the heretofore five-speed SpeedShift for this new engine. Three modes, paddle shifter and intelligent programming make it one of the best automatics in the business.
9.0 / 10 Brake Performance- With six-piston calipers squeezing 14-inch vented discs up front and 4-piston and 13-inch vented discs out back, the CLS63 defies expectations for a sedan's ability to stop -- repeatedly, and confidently. There's a little bit of idle stroke, but otherwise these brakes are brilliant.
7.0 / 10
Steering Perfomance- The one element where AMG could learn a thing or two from BMW M division. While the CLS63 provides a wide range of assist, the rack-and-pinion system lacks the tactile qualities one might hope for. That said, an AMG customer might not want to feel the road.
8.0 / 10 Handling- Better than most large sport sedans, but some might expect more from the performance division of Mercedes-Benz. High-speed stability is excellent. The car's grip and handling are very good, but not great.
8.5 / 10 Fun-to-Drive- Without a doubt, the engine (and resulting exhaust note) is the starring attraction here -- and the brakes. Combined with the almost stealthy good looks, the CLS63 AMG's performance is like a concealed weapon.
7.7 / 10 Comfort
8.5 / 10 Ride Comfort- With three-mode AMG-tuned Airmatic suspension, there's a wide range of comfort to be found. There's a slightly dead feeling in the soft setting, and only in the firmest setting does the ride become too busy for all but the smoothest roads.
8.0 / 10 Wind Noise- Slippery body means little wind noise.
8.0 / 10 Road Noise- Even with the wide, low-profile tires, the road noise never finds its way to the cabin.
7.0 / 10 Front Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Space is a little confined with the wraparound effect of the dashboard blending into the door panels. Because the seats nearly touch the doors, Mercedes had to put seat adjusters on the door panel. Also, the doors are remarkably small making ingress/egress a little more difficult than in other sedans of this size. Comfort is augmented with optional multiadjusting seats that are both heated and ventilated. Headroom might be a problem for some.
6.5 / 10
Rear Seat Comfort/Space/Access- Coupelike roof line really affects the rear ingress/egress of the CLS. Once in place, however, the seats themselves (and there are but two) are well contoured. Leg- and headroom will be an issue for most.
8.0 / 10 Driving Position- The feeling is an "intimate" one with the wraparound dashboard, but that's a comforting feeling, as well. With a powered tilt/tele wheel, large dead pedal, and ample seat adjustments (including side bolsters), the driving position is excellent.
7.0 / 10 Function
8.0 / 10 Headlight Illumination- Optional bi-xenon headlamps are better than good, and also turn (slightly) with the steering wheel.
7.0 / 10 Visibility- Proper mirror adjustment is essential to address the car's roofline and rather small side mirrors.
8.0 / 10 Instrument Panel Layout- Gauges are highly legible and well placed. One curiosity, however, is that the analog clock is the same size as the adjacent tachometer.
7.0 / 10 Climate Control System Layout- The climate control layout is adequately intuitive with the exception of the two identical fan buttons straddling the master off button in the center. Rear passengers also enjoy their own set of temperature controls.
6.0 / 10
Audio System Layout- Below average, especially in this league. Those with button-adversity will find the audio controls rather cumbersome. Even if little black buttons are your friends, you'll find the multifunction LCD display a little lacking in sophistication and rationale. Radio preset frequencies, for example, are rendered too small and quickly disappear before you can read them. You can still love this car without loving the audio system's wrong-headedness.
6.0 / 10 Secondary Control Layout- Again, the sea of similarly sized/shaped, black buttons with pictograms is looking pretty dated and requires too much attention. The cruise control stalk is often mistaken for the adjacent turn signal. Mercedes-Benz's overlord COMAND system is still a trial-and-error ordeal. The secondary controls are becoming an embarrassment to the brand when a Toyota Camry trumps it with one hand behind its back.
6.5 / 10 Interior Storage- Small doors mean small door pockets. The glovebox center armrest bin is small, as well. There's a generously sized covered bin between the rear seats, however. This car is big on the outside, and small on the inside.
8.0 / 10 Standard Cargo/Trunk Space- At 15.9 cubic feet, the trunk volume is pretty large. The shape is a little unorthodox being shallow (bottom to top), but deep (front to back). The power down/global lock feature is a nice option.
6.5 / 10 Maximum Cargo Space (ease & amount)- The rear seats do not fold down, nor is there a ski pass-through.
7.0 / 10 Cupholders- Unlike some elaborately engineered (but flimsy) cupholders of previous Mercedes-Benz products, those in the CLS are remarkably simple and effective. A nifty sleeve pops up/down to surround the container. The girth of 0.5-liter beverage, however, may not fit. The rear passengers get to share a single cupholder in the center, or may use the two hidden in the fold-down armrest.
8.5 / 10 Design/Build Quality
9.0 / 10 Exterior Design- Many have said that the CLS exterior design will one day be regarded as a modern classic. Who are we to argue with that? In a way that's almost uncharacteristic of usually conservative Mercedes-Benz, the CLS is both sexy and aggressive. The CLS arguably began the current "four-door coupe" theme now seen elsewhere.
7.0 / 10 Interior Design- The interior design doesn't match the elegance or the flair of the exterior. It's time Mercedes-Benz found a new corporate look.
9.0 / 10 Interior Materials- While the design may be lacking, the execution is still top-notch. All the materials are high-quality and look it.
8.0 / 10 Interior Control Tactile Feel- While the design may be lacking, the execution is still top-notch. All the buttons/knobs, and switches operate without wobble, sandiness or fragility.
9.0 / 10 Squeaks & Rattles- What's a rattle?
9.0 / 10 Panel Fitment & Gaps- Finally, there's a reason you pay as much as you do for a Mercedes-Benz and you will appreciate the quality of construction and the flawless paint.
Consumer Ratings are also available for this style.
See the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Consumer Ratings |
|
|
|
