2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 Road Test

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 (photo: John LeBlanc, straight-six.com)

Critiquing the CLS 500 as a conventional four-door sedan doesn't make sense. And forget the BMW 6 Series comparisons; as a performance coupe, the CLS doesn't cut it there either. Think of the CLS 500 more as a German Maserati Quattroporte ($108,231), and the rationale behind Mercedes building this gorgeous car starts to make some sense.

For luxury coupe buyers looking for something different, more sophisticated, or even sexier, the 2006 CLS 500 would make a stunning sartorial selection.


- John LeBlanc is an automotive critic and publisher of www.straight-six.com


Just the facts...

• Build quality 5/6
• Features 5/6
• Performance 4/6
• Fun-to-drive 3/6
• Overall value 4/6

Model reviewed: 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500
Vehicle Type: Front-engine, rear-drive, four-passenger coupe
Engine: Variable SOHC, 5.0-litre V-8
Horsepower: 302-hp @ 5,600rpm
Torque: 339-lb.-ft. @ 2,700 to 4,250 rpm
Curb Weight: 1,810 kilograms
0 to 100 kms/hr: 6.1 seconds
Wheels: 5-twin spoke, 8.5J x18 front, 9.5J x18 rear;
Tires: front 245/40R-18, rear 275/35R-18 Continental SportContact2 tires
Base price: $92,600
Price as Tested: $92,600
photo:John LeBlanc