Premium midsize car; Built in Germany
  • 4-door sedan
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $22,000 – $81,000*


2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class


2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class


2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class


2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Front-seat room and comfort
  • Quietness
  • Ride
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Tire noise

The CLS500 performs like its E500 sibling, but sacrifices some sedan functionality for its coupelike shape and costs considerably more when new. The high-power CLS55 relates similarly to the E55. Similar comparisons may be made with the 2007 models. For well-heeled shoppers who put a high value on style and can live with limited rear-seat room and cargo space, the CLS combines E-Class virtues with dramatic design and is therefore worth a look. Fairly strong resale values tend to keep secondhand prices somewhat high.

Overview

Mercedes-Benz dressed its E-Class sedan in sleeker sheetmetal for 2006, and revamped the interior to create the new CLS-Class. Sharing the E-Class’s wheelbase, the premium midsize CLS wore a longer, lower, wider body that seated four instead of five.

Unlike the E-Class, the CLS lineup did not include a wagon or all-wheel drive. The CLS500 had a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine. For higher performance, the CLS55 AMG held a 469-horsepower supercharged 5.4-liter V8. Both used an automatic transmission: a seven-speed for CLS500, a five-speed for the CLS55. Each had a manual shift gate; steering-wheel shift buttons were optional on the CLS500, standard on the CLS55.

Both models came with antilock four-wheel disc brakes, antiskid/traction control, and an air-spring suspension that adjusted firmness within three driver-selectable modes. Braking was handled via Mercedes’ “by-wire” control, designed to vary brake pressure for each wheel as needed. The CLS500 had 18-inch wheels. The CLS55 came with 19-inch wheels, larger brakes, firmer chassis tuning, and cosmetic touches developed by Mercedes’ AMG performance division. An AMG Sport Package for the CLS500 included wider tires and aero body add-ons.

Front and rear side airbags, and head-protecting curtain side airbags, were standard; so were a full-length center console and twin bucket-type rear seats. Ventilated front seats were available, as were Mercedes’ drive-dynamic front seats with air bladders that adjusted firmness to match cornering force.

Also optional were steering-linked bi-xenon headlamps and cruise control designed to maintain a set following distance. A navigation system was available, as was Mercedes’ Keyless Go locking/engine-start system with a pocket transmitter. Nothing in the premium midsize sector looked anything like the stylish low CLS, but its ostensible competitors included the Acura RL, BMW 5-Series, and Infiniti M45.

Yearly Updates

2007 CLS-Class
New engines for 2007 triggered model-name modifications.
In this year’s CLS550, a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 replaced the prior 302-hp 5.0-liter. Under the high-performance CLS63’s hood, a new 507-horsepower 6.2-liter V8 edged aside the 469-hp 5.4-liter V8 of 2006. Both engines worked with a seven-speed automatic transmission. Steering-wheel shift buttons were optional for the CLS550 and standard on the CLS63. Firmer chassis tuning was used for the CLS63, and an AMG Sport Package was available for the CLS550.
2008 CLS-Class
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was unchanged.
2009 CLS-Class
The CLS-Class received slightly freshened exterior styling, while a navigation system and wireless cell-phone link were newly standard.
2010 CLS-Class
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class was largely unchanged.
2011 CLS-Class
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is largely unchanged pending a redesign due in calendar 2011 as a 2012 model.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear-wheel drive

In 2006, the CLS500 held a 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine and seven-speed automatic transmission. The high-performance CLS55 AMG got a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 that generated 469 hp and drove a five-speed automatic. Engines and model designations changed for 2007. The CLS550 used a 382-horsepower 5.5-liter V8 while the CLS63 got a 6.2-liter V8 that made 507 horsepower. Both models now use a seven-speed automatic transmission.

ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.0/303
Engine HP 302
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 439
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

14/20

19.0

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.5/333
Engine HP 382
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 391
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

15/22

Supercharged ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.4/332
Engine HP 469
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 516
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

14/20

dohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 6.2/375
Engine HP 507
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 465
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
7-speed automatic

13/20

Road Test

Mercedes claimed the CLS500 could accelerate to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. Its V8 engine has ample power for any situation, assisted by the smooth, alert seven-speed automatic transmission. Models with the higher-powered 2007 engines have not yet been tested.

Fuel economy isn’t bad for this league. A test CLS500 averaged a relatively frugal 19.0 mpg in mixed city/highway driving. All engines require premium-grade fuel.

Ride comfort is a high point. The CLS500 is nearly as comfortable as an E500, despite lower-profile tires on 18-inch wheels versus 17s. These stylish sedans are impressively unruffled on most any surface.

Steering/handling also stands above the pack. A CLS500 feels a bit more agile than an E500 on tight, twisty roads, with less apparent cornering lean and the same grippy assurance.

All this and quietness, too? A CLS model is about as hushed as any four-door Mercedes. Little wind noise is evident, and only a muted V8 growl at high revs, though moderate coarse-pavement tire thrum occurs.

Controls are positioned in a typical Mercedes design and layout, with several odd control icons and a steering-column cruise-control stalk that can be confused with the turn-signal lever below. That’s been a common complaint against most Mercedes-Benz models. The dashboard screen handles many audio and optional navigation controls, often requiring multiple steps for basic functions. Separate front- and rear-seat controls operate the standard four-zone climate system.

Cabins satisfy with top-notch workmanship, elegant leather upholstery, and genuine wood accents.

Low-roof styling produces a cozy cabin feel versus the E-Class, pinches driver vision astern and to right rear, and reduces entry/exit ease. Front leg space is ample, but six-footer headroom is limited even with power seats at their lowest position. Well-shaped seats hug nicely, and seem long-haul restful. The Comfort Package’s 10-way seats have a tacked-on-looking control pod that’s difficult to manipulate and looks incongruous. Little rear headspace is available for riders over five-foot-nine or so. Knee and legroom get tight for adults if front seats are pushed well back. Individual rear seats are supportive but set low, which combines with narrow door bottoms to hamper entry/exit.

Although the trunk is long and wide, it’s not very tall. Neither is the trunk opening, so larger, hard-sided suitcases may not fit inside. Sickle-shaped trunklid hinges don’t intrude much, and are shielded to help avoid cargo damage. Decent cabin storage includes large covered bins, front and rear.

Ratings

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz CLS500

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 8
80%
Fuel Economy - 5
50%
Ride Quality - 8
80%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 8
80%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 5
50%
Cargo Room - 4
40%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
112.4 193.3 73.7 55.2
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
15.8 21.1 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
36.9 36.1 42.1 35.0
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: N/A

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Airbags
Description: The airbag warning light may come on if a device with a memory card (e.g. laptop computer, PDA, etc.) is placed on the passenger seat which causes interference with the Baby Smart system. (2006-07)
Blower motor
Description: The blower motor may quit, but run again only to quit again due to a faulty blower motor regulator. (2006-07)
Brake noise
Description: Noises from the front brakes due to weak brake pad pressure retaining springs. (2006)
Steering problems
Description: The speed sensitive steering may malfunction due to a broken connector or other electrical connector fault at the valve on the rack-and-pinion assembly. (2006)
Sunroof/moonroof
Description: The sunroof may leak or rattle due to an inadequate seal in the frame. (2006)
Water leak
Description: Floor and fuse block may get wet due to water entering via the module box on which the lid is not clamped tightly. (2002-07)
Water leak
Description: Water may get into the trunk due to a cracked seal for the lid. (2007)
Battery
Description: There was a service recall to replace the voltage regulator in the alternator which, if not replaced, allows the battery to go dead. (2006)
Check-engine light
Description: The check engine light may come on because of a malfunction in the secondary air injection system due to a bad air pump relay. (2006-07)

Recall History

2008
Description: An incorrect software calibration number (SCN) coding received during a recent workshop visit can affect a number of functions: (1) the fuel gauge readings may be incorrect; (2) a stuck fuel-level sensor may not be displayed in the instrument cluster; (3) the check engine light may illuminate incorrectly; and, (4) the speedometer may be out of tolerance. In the event of a vehicle crash, the electrical fuel pump may not receive a crash signal that is required for the fuel pump to disconnect and prevent future fuel delivery as designed. Dealers will recode the SCN.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

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