Just received the latest C&D with a review of the CLS 500. It is most favorable regardling the styling, inside and out. The author gives the performance good marks, but still takes exception to the brakes (which maybe are being fixed as I type under this most recent "recall"/upgrade). Mine is being built this month for May delivery. Other writers commenting are not so favorable in their thoughts though.
The article was a little disturbing for me in two respects. The test car, a 500, had Drive Dynamic seats and I was told that they were only available in the CLS 55. I wonder if there has been a "running" change since I wanted them. My dealer has yet to return my call.
The other matter concerns the speed limiter. I asked my dealer and the sales manager, specifically, if the CLS 500 was limited to 130 as were all other non-AMG models. I was told "No". The CLS 500 comes with high speed tires (Y rated) that run about $300 each. The Car&Driver review says 130 mph, computer-limited! I'm so pissed about this, I may even cancel the order if this is the case. I really resent the "big brother" control here in a car this price. My G500 would hit almost 130! My '92 400SE was clocked at 151! All of the others, SLK 230, ML430, CLK320, CLK430 were all 130 limited too. Since I have access to a race track and go to track days, I refuse to pay this much for this car when my Miata and RX-8 will out run it! Today, BMW has raised the 130, to 150 on all their higher performance cars and even the 330i with the performance package. Friggin Hondas will out run it. This is a serious marketing mis-step in my book if this is the case. If anyone knows differently, I'd like to hear it. I've written to MBUSA, too.
The article was a little disturbing for me in two respects. The test car, a 500, had Drive Dynamic seats and I was told that they were only available in the CLS 55. I wonder if there has been a "running" change since I wanted them. My dealer has yet to return my call.
The other matter concerns the speed limiter. I asked my dealer and the sales manager, specifically, if the CLS 500 was limited to 130 as were all other non-AMG models. I was told "No". The CLS 500 comes with high speed tires (Y rated) that run about $300 each. The Car&Driver review says 130 mph, computer-limited! I'm so pissed about this, I may even cancel the order if this is the case. I really resent the "big brother" control here in a car this price. My G500 would hit almost 130! My '92 400SE was clocked at 151! All of the others, SLK 230, ML430, CLK320, CLK430 were all 130 limited too. Since I have access to a race track and go to track days, I refuse to pay this much for this car when my Miata and RX-8 will out run it! Today, BMW has raised the 130, to 150 on all their higher performance cars and even the 330i with the performance package. Friggin Hondas will out run it. This is a serious marketing mis-step in my book if this is the case. If anyone knows differently, I'd like to hear it. I've written to MBUSA, too.
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