s550 vs cls550

[bellagio]

Any thoughts about the 2 . Was considering the s550 now for some reason the cls550 looks real sleek to me. Has anyone considered both and was torn between what to do

Thanks

[mr.xpowerseller]

No question, the S550 wins. It's an all around better car. I can't really think of anything that the CLS is better at, besides being overpriced and shorter. The S550 is at the top of the range and will hold its value better over time.

[asianml]

Depends what you need or what you're looking for. If you don't usually carry passengers or at least more than three at a time, I'd probably go with the CLS.

[pdeacon]

Go with the S550. The CLS is a nice looking car but doesn't drive like the S Class. Remember, the CLS is built on the E Class chasis. Nice but no comparison.

[OliverK]

Originally Posted by mr.xpowerseller

No question, the S550 wins. It's an all around better car. I can't really think of anything that the CLS is better at, besides being overpriced and shorter. The S550 is at the top of the range and will hold its value better over time.

I actually have to disagree.

Im my experience, cls prices have held up much better than S class prices.

Build numbers perhaps?

[MB-SV]

Originally Posted by asianml

Depends what you need or what you're looking for. If you don't usually carry passengers or at least more than three at a time, I'd probably go with the CLS.

I agree, since back seat in my car is for occasional use only. The CLS is more stylish. I see plenty of both here, but still prefer the CLS.

[mr.xpowerseller]

Originally Posted by OliverK

I actually have to disagree.

Im my experience, cls prices have held up much better than S class prices.

Build numbers perhaps?

The CLS had held a better residual value over the W220 (S500), yes. But not the W221 (S550). The CLS is older. It is based on a vehicle that was introduced in 2003. S was 2007. They really don't compete. If you want an E class, then get an E class.

[W140FTW]

I'd be willing to bet that the CLS would be the bigger pussy magnet.

[Knucklehead]

My wife originally went to get a S550, but after seeing the CLS550, she ordered one of those instead. The choice for her came down to looks and style. The CLS just looked like a far more fun and less "stuffy" car that still allowed her to carry at least 3 passengers with their own doors. The leg room in the rear seat is not that bad (if you're under 5'11" and the front driver or passenger doesn't play in the NBA). The S is no doubt roomier, with a slightly more refined interior, and has more "bells and whistles", but the performance, ride, and handling of both cars was outstanding with no real runaway winner (CLS had better handing in mountain curves, the S had a slightly smoother ride, both have great "get-up and go"). As for residual value, from what I've seen, both cars are pretty bad at holding any value, and even worse if you put a lot of miles on them, so any contrast there is just splitting hairs. She still plans on getting a S-class, she just decided to wait until we have kids and need the extra room. Until then, the CLS is a great car that turns heads, is a blast to drive, and starts conversations.

[dahappybanana]

Well at almost 500 pounds lighter, the CLS should be quicker, more economial and better handling. That is all based on the weight difference, since the engines are the same the CLS should accellerate faster, get better gas milage and handle better.

The stated 0-60 is the same, but the tested times put the CLS as being the faster car.

The CLS is set up as sportier chassis and suspension, this mainly being the AMG versions, but I do believe all the CLS's are setup stiffer and sportier. The S class has its advantages too though, its a smoother riding car and also quieter to be sure.

As for economy, thats truly simple, same engine and transmission, lighter body on the CLS.

Both good cars that serve their purposes, but their purposes are different. I might take the CLS for its sportier composition, but I certainly couldn't ignore the engineering in the S.