Opulence with a dash of frigid
Once aboard the car, a few thoughts cross the mind. The first one involves the selected materials that make up the essence of the cabin. Sumptuous leather covers the seats, the dashboard and the door panels. The carpets should have a sign that reads: "Leave your shoes outside". The few pieces of plastic are scarcely noticeable as they blend into the
background. My tester included the high-class touch of the no-charge optional high-polish Laurel wood panels. The dash ergonomics are not exemplary. However, most of the controls are straightforward enough. What I did not like was the fact that the "numbered" buttons for surfing the pre-selected radio channels often times require more than just one very firm application of pressure to work.
At the helm of this luxury vessel, the driver is greeted by large, easy to consult gauges, a wonderfully padded good-sized steering wheel and best of all, a firm and supportive, multi-adjustable seat. It seems as though all aspects of the cabin are cushioned for ultimate wellbeing. Amongst the overabundance of options, there are drive-dynamic seats and active ventilated seats. The combination of the two help you stay in place and keep your cool.
A 4-door Coupe you say
The reason for this descriptive name stems from the fluid roofline that follows an arc more akin to that of a 2-door coupe as opposed to a 4-door sedan. Although this design feature is intriguing, it does make ingress and egress somewhat of a chore, especially for those that are taking place in the rear. Another consequence of the shape of the car is very limited headroom. I barely reach 5 feet 10 inches in height and with the seat in its lowest position; my head is a mere ½ inch from the ceiling. On the other hand, legroom is very generous all around and the trunk is quite cavernous.
What do you get for $100,000?
For starters, xenon headlights are optional. Cars costing a 1/3 of the CLS offer them as standard equipment. Also, a parking assistance system is optional. In the interest of saving costly alloy wheels and bumpers, this type of aid should be standard considering the poor rearward and rear ¾ visibility. What you are entitled to is eight air bags, stability and traction
control and excellent crash protection. You also get a car that will turn heads almost anywhere you go. Even though the CLS has been on our roads for about a year, I was surprised by the amount of looks it received; another testament to its bold design. Lest we forget, a 25% premium will put you behind the wheel of the awesome 469 hp supercharged CLS 55 AMG. This luxury road-rocket will have you laughing at so-called sports cars when sprinting from a full stop while your passengers are spreading Grey Poupon on their finger sandwiches.
One for the garage?
If you want a Mercedes, there is no substitute. If you want a Mercedes with more headroom, get an E-Class. Here is how I see it. A 5-Series BMW will have you appreciating the road; it is more communicative and involving. The Audi A6 strikes a balance between the two however it tends to lean more on the bimmer's side as far as how the driver feels. In the end, the Benz sacrifices some driving pleasure for ultimate refinement, comfort and security. It is difficult to argue with that.
Once aboard the car, a few thoughts cross the mind. The first one involves the selected materials that make up the essence of the cabin. Sumptuous leather covers the seats, the dashboard and the door panels. The carpets should have a sign that reads: "Leave your shoes outside". The few pieces of plastic are scarcely noticeable as they blend into the
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At the helm of this luxury vessel, the driver is greeted by large, easy to consult gauges, a wonderfully padded good-sized steering wheel and best of all, a firm and supportive, multi-adjustable seat. It seems as though all aspects of the cabin are cushioned for ultimate wellbeing. Amongst the overabundance of options, there are drive-dynamic seats and active ventilated seats. The combination of the two help you stay in place and keep your cool.
A 4-door Coupe you say
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The reason for this descriptive name stems from the fluid roofline that follows an arc more akin to that of a 2-door coupe as opposed to a 4-door sedan. Although this design feature is intriguing, it does make ingress and egress somewhat of a chore, especially for those that are taking place in the rear. Another consequence of the shape of the car is very limited headroom. I barely reach 5 feet 10 inches in height and with the seat in its lowest position; my head is a mere ½ inch from the ceiling. On the other hand, legroom is very generous all around and the trunk is quite cavernous.
What do you get for $100,000?
For starters, xenon headlights are optional. Cars costing a 1/3 of the CLS offer them as standard equipment. Also, a parking assistance system is optional. In the interest of saving costly alloy wheels and bumpers, this type of aid should be standard considering the poor rearward and rear ¾ visibility. What you are entitled to is eight air bags, stability and traction
 |
One for the garage?
If you want a Mercedes, there is no substitute. If you want a Mercedes with more headroom, get an E-Class. Here is how I see it. A 5-Series BMW will have you appreciating the road; it is more communicative and involving. The Audi A6 strikes a balance between the two however it tends to lean more on the bimmer's side as far as how the driver feels. In the end, the Benz sacrifices some driving pleasure for ultimate refinement, comfort and security. It is difficult to argue with that.