hey guys.
I am seriously deciding between CLS500 and 550i for my next car. For those of you who drove both cars, can you give me some insight on both cars? How is the ride quality between two cars? which one gives quieter ride? Also, handling, rear seat room comparisons, and other aspects of two cars. Please don't say "it's ugly" because I think 5er and cls both looks great. Thanks alot.

 

yo do know this is E60.net right? but that being said if you want a luxury stop light drag racer get the CLS500 if you want to REALLY drive get the 550i

 

Agree partly - the 550 will outrun the CLS at a stoplight also... Get the 550 if you appreciate a performance machine that really connects you to the road. The CLS if you want luxury and style, and don't mind being a bit isolated from the road.

 

If you want superior interior quality/workmanship/layout, then go with the CLS.

If you want superior performance/handling/driving dynamics, then go with the 550i.

The 550i has better rear passenger space than the CLS.

The CLS ride is softer and I believe quieter (though not sure on this one).

FWIW, there are more blindspots with the CLS than in comparison with the 550 -- probably due to the CLS' rakish C-pillar.

Personally, I find the "4-door coupe" design a bit baffling, if not outright ugly. But styling is such a personal thing, so this is something only you can decide.

 

I've drived my friends cls 500 and to be honest its a great ride.

For performance go with the 550
Comfort?CLS 500
Handling?I would say the same

Both are great rides IMO.I think the cls 500 cost a bit more but whichever you buy, you are a winner

 

Handling for the CLS is simply crap. Sorry for being bias here but i think my 530i without Active steering & Sport package still handle better than the CLS.

 

CLS500 vs. 550i in 0 to 60, 1/4 mile 550i is the winner.

The CLS with the new V8 from the new S Class vs. the 550i in performance will be close but no cigar.

The 550i has the roomier back seat.

 

If you want a car with a butt, get a 550i because the CLS500 has no butt.

Seriously, both cars are great. It's nice to have the luxury to choose, isn't it? Remember, see which dealer (service) is better in your area too. Servicing is every part of owning/leasing and enjoyment of the vehicle.

 

How much are you willing to pay for an oil change?

Seriously, when MBZ down-graded their warranty, I was so turned off that I may never again consider them for future purchases. Remember that you're investing in something mechanical which WILL require maintenance at regular intervals.

 

Prior to getting my 545 I test drove the CLS and I was truly impressed. CLS interior is so much better than the 5 series in my opinion, it's hand-stitched I think (looks like it). The ride is also much more smoother than the 5 series and the overall interior impresses me. I love the exterior too, it looks beautiful in my opinion. The drive was pretty good as well, the 7 speed gearbox is smooth so overall its a nice machine, except the backseat.

I got the 545 instead because it felt more connected to the road, albeit a harsher ride. besides, the 6 speed with sport suspension is such a beautiful combination, I feel like I am in a race car sometimes.... Furthermore, the 545 is at least 10K cheaper than the CLS 500, goes faster, and really loses out in the quality of the interior. Having said that, one would probably buy the CLS only if rear leg/headroom is not an issue and interior quality ranks high on their list. Even the 545 beat the CLS in terms of the performance, so the 550 would make the gap even wider.