New Car Review of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 and CLS55 AMG

Base MSRP Range: $64,900 - $86,600

Base Invoice Range: $60,357 - $80,538

MSRP As Tested: Not available.

Versions: 500, 55 AMG

Vehicle Category: Luxury Mid-Size Sedan and Coupe

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive.

Standard Engine: 5.0-liter, Single Overhead Cam, 16-valves, V-8, 302 -horsepower at 5600 rpm and 339 lb-ft torque at 2700 rpm.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 16/22.

Optional Engine: 5.4-liter, Supercharged, Single Overhead Cam, 16-valves, V-8, 469 -horsepower at 6100 rpm and 516 lb-ft torque at 2650 rpm.

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 14/20.

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, Seven-speed automatic.

Standard Safety Features: Dual front airbags, Front and rear side airbags, Curtain side airbags, ">Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, Brake assist, Antiskid system, Daytime running lights, Emergency inside trunk release.

Competition: Acura RL, Audi A6 4.2, BMW 545i, BMW 645ci, Infiniti M, Jaguar XK8, Jaguar S-Type 4.0, Lexus GS430, Mercedes-Benz E-Class.

The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 is like French lingerie - expensive, racy and like absolutely nothing else you've ever slipped into.

And both are a little too complicated - in the same way that no one likes to waste valuable time struggling with hooks and straps and ribbons, few are willing to do battle with the CLS's hefty owner's manual and cryptic software program just to turn on the radio. What ever happened to pure functionality? And what, pray-tell, is wrong with traditional radio station controls?

Well, what's wrong with buttons and knobs is the same thing that's wrong with granny-panties. Both serve their purpose, but you can bet that Victoria's Secret sells more skimpy thongs than they do cotton bun-huggers. Which is also the reason why Mercedes is swiftly moving from its engineering-driven roots to its marketing-driven future.

Americans are willing to shell out serious cash for what looks good - whether it's a $100 undergarment or Mercedes' $65,675 luxury coupe. But you can be sure that this is one coupe - which with four doors is really more like a mini-sedan - that fits perfectly with the American mentality. It's gorgeous, sleek, agile, and, of course, it can really, really move. The CLS500's performance lives up to the Mercedes name, so those sensual exterior lines make overlooking those high-tech gizmos and pointless add-ons that much easier. And those who have the means to move up to the 469-horsepower CLS55 AMG can always just pay someone else to handle those pesky controls.

PERFORMANCE

With a standard V-8 5-liter engine that takes you from 0 to 60 in just under 6 seconds, the CLS500 is as fast as it looks. The seven-speed automatic shifter with overdrive has manual capabilities in the form of the TouchShift system, which makes for faster, easier shifting. Built on the same platform as the Mercedes E-class, the CLS500 was introduced in 2005 as an alternate choice between the big MBZ sedans and diminutive sports coupes.

The engine, which boats three valves per cylinder, puts out 302 horses (at 5,600 RPM), and 339 lb.-ft. of torque (at 2,700 to 4,250 RPM). For the paltry sum of $87,375, the supercharged 5.5-liter CLS55 AMG will throw anyone's head back with 516 lb.-ft. or torque and 469 horsepower, and will reach 60 miles per hour in 4.5 seconds. Its five-speed automatic transmission features AMG SpeedShift, an even faster, quicker version that's found in the CLS500. Both the 55 and the 500 house a Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) per cylinder bank.

The intake systems in both use sequential fuel injection and electronic throttle control, although the AMG had a belt-driven supercharger as opposed to the 500's two-stage resonance intake manifold. The CLS500's suspension system runs with an Airmatic DC, with computer controlled air springs and gas shocks with four-stage variable damping - and an auto-leveling system. The front has independent multi-link suspension with anti-dive geometry, pneumatic shock absorbers and coil springs, and a stabilizer bar. The rear, which also houses a stabilizer bar, has independent multi-link suspension with anti-squat geometry, alignment control, and the same Pneumatic shock absorbers and coil springs found in the front.

RIDE/HANDLING

We all know the word Mercedes is synonymous with a great ride, and the CLS500 is no exception. The tires grip tightly and keep their hold on the ground - thanks to the extensive Electronic Stability Program that works seamlessly with the Stability Control System - even around tight corners or on twisty roads. And drivers won't feel as much lean through the corners as expected. The 500 maintains that coupe feel, something you can be sure Mercedes put a lot of time and effort into preserving.

Shifting is quick and agile, and acceleration is brisk, even with a full load of four passengers. And those passengers won't sacrifice comfort for style; there's little wind rush, and few potholes can jar the smooth ride, despite this year's lower-profile tires. And like many Lexus vehicles, the CLS500 has a special cruise control option - this one is the Distronic. It uses a radar sensor to keep a safe following distance between the 500 and the cars in front of it, all without the driver having to do anything but set the (slightly complicated) gauges and relax.

SAFETY

When a consumer is willing to hand over more money for a car than many Americans make in year, we would hope that car would protect its passengers, and be protected by an extensive anti-theft system. And the CLS500 does just that. Like most cars today, Mercedes has offered more standard safety features this year than in years past - again, a good thing considering the price tag.

New this year are active head restraints for front passengers, which deploy just like an airbag does in the event of a collision. They move forward 1.7 inches, and up over an inch, and thus minimize the likelihood of a whiplash injury. But unlike an airbag, anyone can reset the head restraints with a special key that comes with the car.

Braking is superior in the CLS500. A myriad of stopping mechanisms work in unison to bring the car to a complete halt in 118 feet (from 60 to 0 MPH). Power disc brakes are installed on front and rear wheels, and Brake Assist (BA) helps maximize what the Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) brings to the table. Automatic Slip Control (ASC) offers all-speed traction control through the ABS and through electronic engine power reduction. Electronic Stability Program (ESP) practically reads the driver's mind and predicts his reactions by taking measurements on several of the CLS500's electronic and mechanical components (such as steering wheel angle and direction, yaw rate, wheel speed and lateral acceleration). And an anti-roll sensor keeps all four wheels on the pavement.

Of course, the restraint system is just as extensive. Airbags cushion every seating position, with the driver and front passenger getting dual-stage deployment front bags. All occupants get side airbags and head-protecting side curtain airbags, too. Front and rear crumple zones in the Unibody frame, along with side guard door beams, help absorb the impact of a collision. A BabySmart system can tell whether or not to deploy the airbags depending on how much weight it senses in a particular seat, whether that seat's safety belt is engaged, or whether there's a child seat installed there.

All four passengers get three-point safety belts with pretensioners and force limiters, as well as height adjustable should straps. TeleAid can tell when you've experienced a collision, and alerts the proper authorities immediately. The program comes standard with every CLS500, is free for one year after the car is purchased, and does more than just help passengers in mortal peril - it helps in social predicaments, too (see "Interior").

So Mercedes has its occupants protected, but what about the car itself? This is where the anti-theft system comes in - and so does TeleAid, with the stolen vehicle recovery system. There's an alarm system, engine immobilizer and panic alarm. Those who can afford this car will be happy to know that it comes standard with a valet lockout and locking glove box. And the more absent-minded among us will be relieved that the CLS500 comes equipped with an anti-lockout component.

A rather large debate is raging over the effectiveness of the CLS500's Sensotronic drive-by-wire control for the brakes. Many contend that there's no reason for it if Mercedes already uses a more traditional hydraulic system; having two components doing one job, many suggest, almost makes it seem as though Mercedes doesn't trust its own parts. But others maintain that the reason for the drive-by-wire is that this makes it easier to integrate all the electronic safeguards into one big happy family, thus creating an overall safer car. Like the car's exterior, the drive-by-wire is something that you'll either love or hate.

EXTERIOR

Speaking of exteriors, there are few on the market today that can compete with the CLS500. Talk about sex appeal - this thing will fly out of dealerships across the country based on the lines alone. Its the perfect blend of low-profile foxiness and four-door convenience mean this is a Consumer Guide "car to watch." With four doors, it is a curiosity in a world where we're used to two-door coupes. But those two extra doors lend a unexpected but appealing shape that gives Mercedes a big thumbs-up in the styling department.

The rear is as enticing as the front, with an integrated spoiler that tapers off gracefully along the trunk line. The dual exhaust gives it a sporty kick, and clear lights add a clean, high-class look. A moonroof comes standard on every CLS-class, and choose from one of 13 exterior paint colors. Wheels, which are 18-inch light alloy on base models (19 inches on the AMG), are wrapped in P245/40ZR18 in the front and P275/35ZR18 in the rear. The AMG's 19-inch rims play off the sleek 255/35 front, and 285/30 back rubbers. Run-flats are available on both models.

Rain-sensing variable intermittent windshield wipers are also heated for icy, snowy conditions. And the convenience of dual power-adjustable, heated, signaling, folding rearview mirrors cannot be denied. That's a lot of functions that mean a lot of convenience and style.

INTERIOR

The cushy, I'm-better-than-you interior that is typical in most Mercedes can be found in the CLS500, as well. The base model comes with Burl Walnut wood trim (Laurel wood is also offered), four, leather, bucket seats and a four-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel. Those seats are power adjustable 10 ways, and can be upgraded to become heated and/or ventilated. Along with the mirrors and steering wheel, the seats are equipped with memory capabilities.

The instrument panel is uncluttered, and dials are accented in sophisticated chrome that gives the whole interior a lift. That's a great styling feature, but in bright sunlight the chrome serves as a prefect reflector that bounces light right into your eyes while driving, and it dims the LCD screen in the dash.

The radio system comes with nine speakers and an AM/FM/CD player, as well as satellite radio capabilities. Upgrade to get Sirius radio, or upgrade to the 6-CD changer, 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon digital surround sound system that converts every bit of music to digital quality, meaning anyone sitting anywhere in the vehicle can hear the stereo equally well. Anyone can also use the reading/map lights, which grace the front and rear seating areas.

Power gadgets abound the CLS500. Power windows, power doors, power (heated) exterior mirrors, power seats, power moon roof, power fuel door release, power trunk release - the list goes on. Two 12-volt outlets, one in the front and one in the rear, are convenient for cell phone chargers and MP3 player chargers. Also in the front and back are center consoles that open up for ample storage space. There are also four cupholders, but they won't fit many cup sizes. And every passenger can control their own weather patterns with the automatic climate control. With digital control panels in both the front and rear, everything is in within easy reach. The air conditioning's dust and pollen air filter will be invaluable as the days get warmer and your allergies run rampant.

A Driver Information System lets the driver know when to refill the windshield washer fluid, change the oil, or whether there's a more serious problem. But the more serious problems we had with the CLS500 were intentionally added to the car by Mercedes. While the exterior lines serve as much an aerodynamic as a fashion function, they also create back seat space issues. Yes, we know, this IS a coupe. But we also know that Mercedes uses that label to get around their serious lack of space for anyone over 6 feet tall in the rear seats.

Severe claustrophobics need not apply; the way the roof slopes makes occupants feel like they have to duck. Plus, those same lines create one heck of a rear visibility problem that some might find too problematic for daily driving.

While trunk space is not stellar, again - think what the word "coupe" implies.

And, sure, it looks really cool to have that COMAND digital screen to control all sorts of applications in the car. It frees up space and gives off a sophisticated air - but it’s not for anyone who has ever owned a copy of "PC's for Dummies." This is one complicated, labyrinthine mess of a software program, harder to operate than a graphing calculator. It requires several steps just to go from AM/FM to CD, and even more to set up the mini trip computer.

We'd like to see a return to the self-explanatory controls. After all, many states have outlawed talking on a cell phone while driving because it is a dangerous distraction. So we can't see much logic in a system that requires you to take your eyes off the road to scan through the owner's manual for every application the system can perform. We suggest setting aside a few hours to learn this program before putting the keys in the ignition. But don't get us wrong - once the system is mastered, it's great. Just like the Space Shuttle.

But what it lacks in common sense, it makes up for with the TeleAid system. Standard on all models, it offers automatic collision notification, concierge services, emergency response and stolen vehicle tracking, it offers remote unlocking, reservations, navigation and traffic information.

CONCLUSION

A fun, gorgeous ride doesn't have to be completely practical. Americans by nature aren't practical. What we demand as must-haves are extravagant luxuries in developing nations. Americans want to see cars like the CLS500 - its beauty, like the beauty of a movie star, is something to aspire to. The sole purpose of a sexy human body is to impress others, and we do the same with our cars. So, really, who cares if some of the CLS500's features are a little off? It's damn hot. Sure, this is a German-made car. But we're in America, folks - it's what's on the outside, and how that makes us feel, that really counts.

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Ratings (1-10)

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• Performance:
• Price:
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More Data

Where Built: Germany

Major Options: Launch Edition Package, Comfort Package, Entertainment Package, Premium Package, AMG Sport Package, AMG Performance Package, Lighting Package, Trim Package. Rear-obstacle-detection system, Tire-pressure monitor, Navigation system, Satellite radio, Distronic cruise control, Power trunk closer, Keyless Go, Upgraded leather upholstery, Heated front seats, Voice-activated integrated cellular telephone.

Seating: 4

Number of Rows: 2

Length in Inches: 193.3

Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles Bumper to bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles Corrosion protection.

Weight in Pounds: 3812 lbs.

Cargo Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gross Maximum Vehicle Weight in Pounds: Not available.

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not available.

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 21.1

Destination Charge: $775