The 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500 burst onto the scene, redefining what a midsize sedan could be. Forget the mundane; this four-door marvel combined the seductive lines of a coupe with the practicality of a sedan, creating a vehicle that was as breathtaking to look at as it was exhilarating to drive. For those seeking a luxury car that made a statement, the CLS500 was – and remains – a compelling choice.
Model Lineup: CLS500 and the High-Performance CLS55 AMG
The 2006 Benz Cls500 anchored the CLS-Class range, offering a potent V8 engine and a suite of luxury features. For drivers craving even more power, the CLS55 AMG stood as the ultimate performance variant. Following Mercedes-Benz’s tradition of crafting sportier models from existing platforms, the CLS-Class emerged from the E-Class sedan foundation. Compared to its E-Class sibling, the CLS was elongated by approximately 3.5 inches while maintaining the same 112.4-inch wheelbase. It also boasted a wider stance, being 2.5 inches broader and 2 inches lower, enhancing its sleek and aggressive profile.
Mirroring Mercedes-Benz’s typical offerings, the 2006 Benz CLS-Class presented two primary trims, differentiated by their powertrains. The core model, the V8-powered CLS500, became the focus of many reviews, including a week-long test drive. For enthusiasts prioritizing maximum performance, the CLS55 AMG unleashed a formidable 469-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 engine, complemented by a sport-tuned suspension, larger 19-inch wheels, and distinctive AMG body styling.
Coupe or Sedan? Decoding the CLS500’s Identity
Mercedes-Benz boldly labeled the CLS-Class a “coupe,” a designation that sparked debate. Traditionally, a coupe features two doors. Despite its four doors, Mercedes-Benz positioned the CLS as a “four-door coupe,” emphasizing its sporty spirit and design-focused approach. Therefore, while technically a sedan, the 2006 Benz CLS500 blurred the lines, embodying the emotional appeal of a coupe with sedan practicality.
The rationale behind this “semantic sleight-of-hand,” as some called it, was Mercedes-Benz’s attempt to convey that “coupe” was more of a design philosophy than a strict body style definition. This positioned the 2006 Benz CLS500 uniquely, blending the alluring aesthetics of a sports coupe with the everyday usability of a sedan. By marketing it as a four-door coupe, Mercedes-Benz aimed to carve a niche in the competitive luxury car market. However, this strategy also subjected the CLS500 to comparisons with a broader spectrum of vehicles, from luxury coupes like Mercedes’ own SL500 and the Jaguar XK8, to high-end sports sedans such as the BMW 545i and Lexus GS 430. The 2006 Benz CLS500 had to prove its mettle against both charismatic coupes and established sports sedans to attract discerning buyers.
Striking Design: The CLS500’s Visual Appeal
The 2006 Benz CLS500 prioritized captivating aesthetics above even its luxurious features and advanced technology. Its design, praised from virtually every angle, imparted a sense of dynamism even at a standstill. The car’s flowing profile, pronounced wedge shape, and sculpted flanks contributed significantly to its visual magnetism. The extended length, prominent grille, sharply angled windshield, and blacked-out window frames, which created the illusion of a continuous glass surface, amplified its powerful presence, further accentuated by 18-inch wheels and subtly flared fenders.
Opening the door of the 2006 Benz CLS500 revealed an interior that felt as intimate and sporty as a two-seater, thanks to the low roofline and a wide center console that ran the length of the cabin. True to its luxury pedigree, the interior was swathed in premium materials, including generous amounts of leather and a choice of matte-finished burl walnut or high-gloss laurel wood trim, showcasing the refined craftsmanship within the 2006 Benz CLS500.
Comfort and Practicality: Inside the CLS500 Cabin
Front passengers in the 2006 Benz CLS500 enjoyed ample comfort, but rear occupants encountered limitations in legroom and headroom due to the coupe-like roofline. Visibility was also somewhat compromised, and interior storage space was modest. Sliding into the driver’s seat of the 2006 Benz CLS500, one found comparable head and legroom to the E500 sedan. Comfortable 10-way power-adjustable front bucket seats and a power tilt/telescoping steering column facilitated finding an optimal driving position. Memory settings for both front seats added convenience.
However, the rear of the 2006 Benz CLS500, with its two individual seats, sacrificed considerable headroom (1.5 inches) and legroom (7.5 inches) compared to the E500 sedan. This posed challenges for taller passengers, and even those of average height had to be mindful of the doorframe when entering and exiting. The sleek window design and thick C-pillars, while visually appealing, reduced outward visibility. Furthermore, the smaller side mirrors were noted as being somewhat difficult to adjust for an ideal view. Storage within the 2006 Benz CLS500 cabin was limited, with only small covered bins in the center console and shallow door pockets. The trunk, however, offered a respectable 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space. An optional power trunk closer added convenience to the 2006 Benz CLS500.
Engine and Performance: The Heart of the CLS500
Beneath the hood of the 2006 Benz CLS500 resided a remarkable 5.0-liter V8 engine, generating 302 horsepower and delivering robust acceleration. Power was channeled to the rear wheels via a sophisticated seven-speed automatic transmission, befitting its sports sedan character. This refined powerplant, shared with the E500 sedan, provided ample power, producing 339 lb.-ft. of torque across a broad rev range. Coupled with low emissions and a pleasing exhaust note, it was considered more than sufficient for most drivers.
The seven-speed automatic transmission in the 2006 Benz CLS500 optimized engine power delivery and featured a Sportronic manual shift mode, enabling drivers to manually control gear changes. Selectable Comfort and Sport modes further allowed customization of the transmission’s shift behavior. A drawback of this potent powertrain, common to high-performance vehicles, was its requirement for premium fuel. The 2006 Benz CLS500 achieved 15.5 miles per gallon in mixed driving conditions, slightly below the EPA estimates of 16 city/22 highway mpg. With a 21-gallon fuel tank, it offered a range of approximately 325 miles between refueling stops.
Driving Dynamics: On the Road with the CLS500
The 2006 Benz CLS500 delivered strong acceleration, reaching 0-60 mph in an impressive six seconds. The Sportronic transmission contributed to this performance by intelligently selecting gears in automatic mode. However, a minor flaw emerged in the powertrain’s responsiveness. A slight hesitation upon initial throttle application could lead to unintended surges of acceleration, a characteristic sometimes associated with electronic “drive-by-wire” systems. While a minor issue, it was noted as a potential source of irritation over time.
Once in motion, the 2006 Benz CLS500‘s electronically controlled air suspension continuously adapted to driving conditions. The suspension offered driver-selectable Comfort, Sport 1, and Sport 2 settings, allowing for tailored ride and handling characteristics. A self-leveling feature accommodated heavy loads, and a separate button enabled raising the ride height for rough terrain. The speed-sensitive power steering, shared with the E500, provided precise control, although some driving enthusiasts might desire slightly more steering feedback. Braking was accomplished by large four-wheel disc brakes, enhanced by ABS, electronic brake-force distribution, and electronic brake assist. However, similar to the throttle, the brake pedal feel was also affected by electronic systems, exhibiting a slight surge that made smooth stops challenging. These minor electronic quirks, while not major faults, were noticeable given the 2006 Benz CLS500‘s overall sophistication and price point.
Safety and Security: Protecting Occupants in the CLS500
Reflecting Mercedes-Benz’s long-standing commitment to safety, the 2006 Benz CLS500 was equipped with a comprehensive array of standard safety features. These included essential technologies like electronic stability control, traction control, and antilock brakes with Brake Assist. In terms of occupant protection, the CLS featured advanced multi-stage front airbags, along with front and rear side-impact and side-curtain airbags. Mercedes-Benz’s TeleAid system, with a year of complimentary service, could automatically alert emergency services and relay the vehicle’s location in severe accidents.
Value and Price: The CLS500’s Market Position
The 2006 Benz CLS500 commanded a significant price, placing it in competition with a wide selection of attractive, luxurious, and powerful coupes and sedans. The test vehicle, finished in granite gray metallic paint, included standard luxury amenities such as four-zone climate control, auto-dimming mirrors, a garage door opener, and a sunroof. With a base price of $66,920 (including destination and gas guzzler tax), the addition of options like the Lighting Package (xenon headlights), Premium Package (ventilated seats, navigation, Harman Kardon audio), and power trunk closer, brought the total to $72,300. This price positioned the 2006 Benz CLS500 against numerous compelling luxury vehicles, making the value proposition a matter of individual priorities.
Conclusion: Balancing Style and Substance in the CLS500
Ultimately, the 2006 Benz CLS500, like many style-focused vehicles, prioritized visual appeal, sacrificing some practicality in the process. However, for buyers seeking a car that turned heads while still offering reasonable space for passengers and cargo, the Mercedes-Benz CLS500 presented a unique and desirable package. Its distinctive design and performance capabilities made its minor shortcomings easier to overlook for those prioritizing style and presence.
Specifications:
Test Vehicle: 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS500
Price of Test Vehicle: $72,300 (including $720 destination charge)
Engine Size and Type: 5.0-liter V8
Engine Horsepower: 302 at 5,600 rpm
Engine Torque: 339 between 2,700 and 4,250 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed Sportronic automatic
Curb weight, lbs.: 3,812 lbs.
EPA Fuel Economy (city/highway): 16/22 mpg
Observed Fuel Economy: 15.5 mpg
Length: 193.3 inches
Width: 73.7 inches
Wheelbase: 112.4 inches
Height: 55.2 inches
Leg room (front/rear): 42.1/28.1 inches
Head room (front/rear): 36.9/36.1 inches
Max. Seating Capacity: 4
Max. Cargo Volume: 15.8 cubic feet
Competitors: Audi A6 4.2, BMW 545i, BMW 645Ci, Cadillac STS V8, Cadillac STS-V, Chrysler 300C SRT-8, Dodge Charger SRT-8, Ford Mustang Shelby Cobra GT500, Infiniti M45, Jaguar S-Type 4.2, Jaguar S-Type R, Lexus GS 430, Lexus SC 430, Porsche 911 Carrera, Saleen S281-E
Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz
