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Leather / Heated Seating
Xenon Headlamps
Sunroof
2006 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS 500C
WDDDJ75X66A047751
COUPE 4 DR 5.0L V8 FI SOHC 24V
REAR WHEEL DRIVE
Vehicle Overview
A brand-new model joined the Mercedes-Benz lineup for 2006. Dubbed a four-door coupe, two versions of the CLS-Class are available, including a high-performance, AMG-powered variant.
Beneath the hood of the CLS500 is a V-8 rated at 302 horsepower. Stepping up a notch, the CLS55 AMG features a 469-hp, supercharged 5.5-liter V-8. The CLS500 went on sale first, as an early 2006 model.
The CLS500 includes such features as Airmatic DC air suspension and four-zone climate control for comfort levels comparable to the automaker's S-Class sedan. Safety features include adaptive front airbags, side-impact airbags and side curtain-type airbags.
Exterior
Derived from a coupe study that appeared at the 2003 Frankfurt Motor Show in Germany, the four-door CLS-Class features a high belt line and short side glass. A distinctive body crease rises from the front wheel arch, extends across the bodyside and continues through the contoured rear light cluster into the back bumper. The roofline forms a sweeping arc above the body before smoothly transitioning into the C-pillar, which appears pulled toward the rear of the car. Aluminum is used for the front and rear subframes, parcel shelf and other components. Aerodynamically speaking, the car has a coefficient of drag of 0.30.
Built on a 112.4-inch wheelbase, the CLS-Class is slightly more than 193 inches long overall and nearly 74 inches wide.
Alloy wheels hold 18-inch tires on the CLS500, but the CLS55 AMG gets 19-inchers. Projector-type headlights are standard, and bi-xenon headlights are optional. An automatic cornering light function with the bi-xenon units switches on the cornering lights during a turn, and the adaptive headlights pivot to follow the driver's steering movements.
Interior
Up to four occupants can fit inside the CLS-Class. The instrument panel's central speedometer is flanked by a tachometer and clock. Black dials have chrome surrounds. Bar-chart displays show the fuel level and coolant temperature.
The four-door layout of the CLS-Class permits easy entry and exit. Power front seats are standard and may be equipped with optional active ventilation. Massaging front seats are also optional.
Under the Hood
The CLS500 gets a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V-8 that works with a seven-speed-automatic transmission. The CLS55 AMG has a 469-hp, supercharged 5.5-liter V-8 that's connected to a five-speed-automatic transmission. Both transmissions have manual-shift provisions.
Safety
Mercedes-Benz's Electronic Stability Program, antilock brakes, front and rear side-impact airbags, and side curtain-type airbags are standard.
Driving Impressions
This CLS sedan doesn't look like a typical Mercedes-Benz. Relatively light steering detracts from the sporty feel even though handling capabilities rank high. This is a big car, yet it maneuvers like a smaller model.
The automaker's mighty V-8 delivers plenty of power in a wholly refined and civilized manner. Shifts are more noticeable in the CLS than in some other luxury automobiles, but they're reasonably crisp and quick. However, the automatic transmission's operation tends to be intrusive while braking; it sometimes feels like an anchor ratcheting you down yet another notch. Occasional downshifts get awkward when rolling to a halt — and more so if you then step on the gas.
Expect a comfortable ride in the true luxury sense. The suspension might be taut, but its operation is largely concealed as you drive on smooth surfaces. On the down side, backseat headroom is scant, though legroom and foot space suffice. Getting into the backseat is difficult.
