Autoweek's Roger Hart was given an advance opportunity to drive the new CLS. Here are some excerpts from his report, which was published on the Autoweek website and will be printed in AW. (Wish MBCA would get the same privileges, but maybe that will happen when we have 100,000 readers, like the mainstream car mags).
What is it?
2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 550
Powertrain:4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8, 402-hp, 443 lb-ft, seven-speed automatic, RWD
Curb Weight: 4,168 lb
0-60 mph: 5.0 sec (est)
Fuel Economy: Not yet determined
Price: Not yet determined
How's it drive? The thick, leather-wrapped wheel with perforated sections at the 3- and 9-o'clock positions with cutouts for your thumbs feels great in your hands and the electronic power steering is among the very best we've experienced from any manufacturer, with a direct response not found on recent M-B sedans. The feel tightens up when pushing the car a bit harder into corners while giving a nice, easy response for city driving.
The V8 has a nice little growl when pushed hard but quiets down at cruising speed. A stop-start feature to save fuel and reduce emissions is standard, and it worked seamlessly on our test drive in Tuscany. The seven-speed automatic can be manually shifted via steering-wheel-mounted paddles. When the car launches in the United States next spring, it will be offered with 4Matic all-wheel drive as an option.
This second-generation CLS might be a disappointment to some because its styling does not appear to be as breathtaking nor trendsetting as the original.. This new car's design had to meet new European-mandated pedestrian-safety regulations which forced the nose and the height of the hood to be changed somewhat drastically from the original, so from the start, the car was going to have a different look from the original.
Ultimately, the buying public will decide whether this is the right direction in which to go. But from a pure driving standpoint, the car is responsive in its handling, powerful enough to be highly entertaining and comfortable and quiet. Plus, it's loaded with the latest in technology, including the first application of M-B's new LED headlight system.
While the CLS is not a true sports car, there's enough performance from the twin-turbo V8 to get, and keep, your attention. Offering the car with all-wheel drive is a good move, opening up the car to more buyers in the Midwest and Northeast. And following the launch, a six-cylinder model will be available.
If you don't want to drive a traditional four-door sedan but want space for four adults and a ton of luggage space wrapped in an edgy design with all the latest doodads, the new CLS is the perfect car for you.