It is very typical for cars that start out with an inspired design initiative to lose some of their "Gestalt" as the model years progress, and to start looking more like other cars. Some early enthusiasts have moved on to newer things, and the accountants have pushed for a broader market segment appeal. The CLS was one of the most striking designs to make it into production in the 2000's, and inspired "knock off" versions from many makers, including the VW CC, some versions of the Honda Accord, and even some Chevy Malibus, which can be very beautiful in their own right, but cannot come close to the refinement of the initial design statement from Mercedes. I don't know who the designer was, or if they won any awards for it, but no model from the time would be more worthy of such recognition, in my opinion.
Cls500 2006 the first time I saw it, it turned my whole body around I watched as it passed in awe wow way more than a car for sure. It’s my miracle car I brought it for $32k with 25k miles on it in 2009 when no one was buying anything because of the housing bust. I would have never been able to afford it otherwise. I still have this car and love it like it’s the first day I got it. It’s beauty never stops. I’m ruined from now on no idea where I’ll go from here
Agreed. I still remember the day the press releases came out and I thought, this is a Mercedes I would actually like to own. Years went by where I saw these things flying by on the Autobahn. A CLS at speed with his hunkered down airmatic is a sight to behold. It really is a "Silberpfeil". In 2014 being tired of jumping about in hot-rod SEAT's I bought a 2007 CLS 500 and drove it for 7 years. Being 14 years old and approaching 150kkm I got cold feet in fear of something expensive breaking, although the car was still perfect. I drive a W218 500 now, and although it's a much better car, I fail to love it. I opted for a shooting break because it looks better than the sedan and I can get something in the rear. The slender, coke-bottle shape just isn't there. Never mind the newest CLS which I can't tell from a CLA. The original CLS feals like a lost pretty grirlfriend you will never have again...
Oooh nice! I'm super grateful for your story! I also have a very fond memory of w219 on the autobahn... I was in Germany with my family and this happened pretty much right after our visit to MB Museum. And this was in 2005 - the current museum building wasn't finished yet. So there was a traffic jam on the highway and I see a black CLS (I think it was 500). The driver's window was rolled down and the driver was a cool-looking older gentleman. At this moment I fell in love with the CLS. Given a choice, I would also get the shooting brake because of the relative rarity and practicality. And the optional wood-covered cargo area is just the ultimate baller option to seek for. Enjoy your miles with your SB! Thanks again for the meaningful comment!
Fell in love the first time, now own one doing everything to keep it in good condition. After this model the engines displacement dropped added the headache of turbo chargers. The models after this look rounded and lost the masculine muscular shape in the 2005 to 2011. Thanks for the video
I've always loved the CLS and I agree it's by far one of the best modern Mercedes-Benz designs. Sadly the newer models never quite lived up to the C219s beauty. Maybe I have the best of both worlds as I have a 2007 pre-facelifted CLS63 AMG. I do prefer the rear lights of the facelift model with the LED indicators and more prominent "linear" tail lights, but it is something only true aficionados will notice. For some reason even although my cars spec sheet says it has the active cornering function I cannot see this whilst driving. I also find the headlights rather dim when compared to my C350 Coupé with the intelligent light system, but that could just be a generational thing as lighting improved drastically on the early 2010s.
i have the cls 350 2005, and for the cornering lights its supposed to be the fog lights that turn on, for example u turn left then the left fog light will turn on. check in the settings from the steering wheel if its off. or you might just need new fog lights
@@ash0alhowar190 There was no setting for it, I know it's the fog lights that are used. Mine had to be turned on in Mercedes Star by my mechanic as for some reason they were not activated from the factory. After he changed the setting they worked just fine.
Wow. I loved the comprehensive nature of this review and the thoroughness of the creator. It's an overall, very wholesome piece. Keep up the good work, man.
Still a gorgeous vehicle that looks upmarket and underrated, the front headlights (similar to the porsche 996) are debatable and I guess that's why people don't like it too much. The standard front bumper didn't age that well, as well. I wouldn't mind, it looks glorious, especially inside, and it's far more interesting than the w211 e class, to me, it's like a four door c215.
Agree. I have a 2008 Series II: colour is Indum Grau (brown), camel interior with heated and ventilated seats, sunroof, 3500cc petrol engine which returns 8.5 litres around town if I baby it and less than 7 on the motorway, adaptive cruise control (tempomatic). My spouse says I can't sell it because of it's beautiful and not like any other car.
Wow! I really appreciate the fact you described your CLS in such detail. It's a gorgeous spec with very desirable options. Fuel economy figures are amazing considering the performance. Happy miles / kms!
For a minute, I was so confused about what he was saying/pronouncing "Coupé" Then I realized he was saying Coupe. 🤣🤦♂️😂. I thought that was funny. Anyway... I'm a huge fan of Mercedes Benz since I was a young lad. Out of all the MB models, there's only 3 Mercedes I love the most, SL 300, CLK GTR-LM, and the CLS Class. When MB finally introduced the new 2006 CLS in the States, I just had to have one. I still have/love my '06 CLS 55 Amg (under 70k miles), and of course, like with all my naturally aspirated toys, I could not just keep my CLS 55 bone stock. To give you an idea in what I've done, stock 490hp to 700hp.
Thanks for the insightful comment - I really appreciate it! Mad respect for including the first-gen CLS in your top 3 MB list. What mods have you used for the CLS? Just a supercharger pulley or something more? I rarely watch my own content but seeing it about 3 years later is so funny! I speak so slowly and some pronunciations are so cringe. It really shines through that English isn't my native language. I do my best to improve!
@Specproof no mate I wasn't saying funny nor laughing about your pronunciation. I was trying to express that I was laughing at myself for misunderstanding the word you were saying. 🤣 Anyway... yes, pully upgrade, I've done custom forged piston/rods, stage 4 Vrp, rod bearing, 630cc fuel injection, camshaft VRP, exhaust/header system (GM), Weistec ECU,
Such a great car, it's design is timeless for me (that wooden and leather steering combination is pretty attractive) . Definitely look like mafia vehicle and it's a V6. You give a great info about it.
I own a CLS 350 grand edition, it comes with a AMG package including front and back sports bumpers, AMG exhaust tail finish, AMG wheels, comfort package (keyless lock/unlock, seats heating and cooling, 4-ways A/C) and the most important Harman Kardon L7 speakers. The only thing I don't like about this car is the gearbox and the tuning of it..
The rule of thumb is to source the latest available vehicle. I personally don't like the styling of the facelift versions either. As far as I've heard/remembered, the M113 and M113K are the most trusty engines if you're looking for a pre-facelift version. M113 is the 5.0 306 PS V8 and the M113 is the 5.4 L AMG version of the M113. Read the forums and FB groups, the Internet is your friend.
I own a c219 cls350 from the 07 and its still good looking care people thinks that my cls its a 2015 and it isnt, i choose from the 07 cuz i dnt wanna deal w the sbc
Yep, they were a classic from day one. The 218 which followed tried too hard imo, I can see what they were trying to achieve with the power bulges around the rear wheels but it doesn't work imo. The front end just looks generic. And I still don't like the rear light clusters. The interior looks cheap too. Unlike the understated class of the original's interior.
The rear lights definitely look better on the facelift. But in my opinion, the front is cleaner on the pre-facelift models. In the end, it depends on the taste which I don't judge :)
They're definitely odd looking compared to other MB models in that period. I personally think they suit the overall design of the vehicle. But I respect your opinion. What to you think about the R-class headlamps? They're even worse, right?
It is very typical for cars that start out with an inspired design initiative to lose some of their "Gestalt" as the model years progress, and to start looking more like other cars. Some early enthusiasts have moved on to newer things, and the accountants have pushed for a broader market segment appeal. The CLS was one of the most striking designs to make it into production in the 2000's, and inspired "knock off" versions from many makers, including the VW CC, some versions of the Honda Accord, and even some Chevy Malibus, which can be very beautiful in their own right, but cannot come close to the refinement of the initial design statement from Mercedes. I don't know who the designer was, or if they won any awards for it, but no model from the time would be more worthy of such recognition, in my opinion.
Couldn't agree more! Perfectly written comment!
The vw cc facelift version is very elegant
Cls500 2006 the first time I saw it, it turned my whole body around I watched as it passed in awe wow way more than a car for sure. It’s my miracle car I brought it for $32k with 25k miles on it in 2009 when no one was buying anything because of the housing bust. I would have never been able to afford it otherwise. I still have this car and love it like it’s the first day I got it. It’s beauty never stops. I’m ruined from now on no idea where I’ll go from here
That's so nice! Thanks for sharing your story! Happy miles!
I have a 2007 CLS550 with the AMG sport package. Absolutely love the car! The 2004 to 2007 is the best years in my opinion.
Nice! I personally also love the pre-facelift models!
Agreed. I still remember the day the press releases came out and I thought, this is a Mercedes I would actually like to own. Years went by where I saw these things flying by on the Autobahn. A CLS at speed with his hunkered down airmatic is a sight to behold. It really is a "Silberpfeil". In 2014 being tired of jumping about in hot-rod SEAT's I bought a 2007 CLS 500 and drove it for 7 years. Being 14 years old and approaching 150kkm I got cold feet in fear of something expensive breaking, although the car was still perfect. I drive a W218 500 now, and although it's a much better car, I fail to love it. I opted for a shooting break because it looks better than the sedan and I can get something in the rear. The slender, coke-bottle shape just isn't there. Never mind the newest CLS which I can't tell from a CLA. The original CLS feals like a lost pretty grirlfriend you will never have again...
Oooh nice! I'm super grateful for your story! I also have a very fond memory of w219 on the autobahn... I was in Germany with my family and this happened pretty much right after our visit to MB Museum. And this was in 2005 - the current museum building wasn't finished yet. So there was a traffic jam on the highway and I see a black CLS (I think it was 500). The driver's window was rolled down and the driver was a cool-looking older gentleman. At this moment I fell in love with the CLS.
Given a choice, I would also get the shooting brake because of the relative rarity and practicality. And the optional wood-covered cargo area is just the ultimate baller option to seek for.
Enjoy your miles with your SB! Thanks again for the meaningful comment!
Fell in love the first time, now own one doing everything to keep it in good condition. After this model the engines displacement dropped added the headache of turbo chargers. The models after this look rounded and lost the masculine muscular shape in the 2005 to 2011. Thanks for the video
100% agreed, nicely put!
I've always loved the CLS and I agree it's by far one of the best modern Mercedes-Benz designs. Sadly the newer models never quite lived up to the C219s beauty. Maybe I have the best of both worlds as I have a 2007 pre-facelifted CLS63 AMG. I do prefer the rear lights of the facelift model with the LED indicators and more prominent "linear" tail lights, but it is something only true aficionados will notice. For some reason even although my cars spec sheet says it has the active cornering function I cannot see this whilst driving. I also find the headlights rather dim when compared to my C350 Coupé with the intelligent light system, but that could just be a generational thing as lighting improved drastically on the early 2010s.
Very interesting! I suppose it really is generation-dependent. Anyways huge thanks for the comprehensive comment! And enjoy your Mercs!!!
i have the cls 350 2005, and for the cornering lights its supposed to be the fog lights that turn on, for example u turn left then the left fog light will turn on. check in the settings from the steering wheel if its off. or you might just need new fog lights
The most thing i love about the cls is the ashtrays LOL especially the rear ones lol
@@ash0alhowar190 There was no setting for it, I know it's the fog lights that are used. Mine had to be turned on in Mercedes Star by my mechanic as for some reason they were not activated from the factory. After he changed the setting they worked just fine.
Wow. I loved the comprehensive nature of this review and the thoroughness of the creator. It's an overall, very wholesome piece. Keep up the good work, man.
Thanks, Man! I really appreciate your kind and motivating comment! I would really like to produce more reviews but they take so much time.
It is a superberb driving machine and it looks extremly beautiful. The best car I ever had and I have had many cars in my life. I am 76 years old.
It sure is! I wish you many joyful miles with your CLS!
I have 2008 facelift model. I love it more everyday, i see it as my baby i take care of her, this car is truly amazing
Nice to hear! Enjoy the miles!
Looks more modern than the one they discontinued last year.
Absolutley!
CLS is short for Coupe like sedan. Started as a joke, ended up being the most beautiful thing ever made by man.
Nice! I didn't know that! It's absolutely gorgeous and still looks modern!
Proud to own a cls w219 350 grand edition powered by brabus
Wow! They are rather rare I suppose. Enjoy the miles :)
Still a gorgeous vehicle that looks upmarket and underrated, the front headlights (similar to the porsche 996) are debatable and I guess that's why people don't like it too much. The standard front bumper didn't age that well, as well.
I wouldn't mind, it looks glorious, especially inside, and it's far more interesting than the w211 e class, to me, it's like a four door c215.
I will 100% agree with you! First-gen looks the best and it's pretty timeless. The third-gen is by far the worst.
I like the headlights, I don’t know why people don’t like them so much
@@ScarFace93119 I love the headlights, even those in 996, evn though the only Porsche I really liked is the 928, second edition.
Agree. I have a 2008 Series II: colour is Indum Grau (brown), camel interior with heated and ventilated seats, sunroof, 3500cc petrol engine which returns 8.5 litres around town if I baby it and less than 7 on the motorway, adaptive cruise control (tempomatic). My spouse says I can't sell it because of it's beautiful and not like any other car.
Wow! I really appreciate the fact you described your CLS in such detail. It's a gorgeous spec with very desirable options. Fuel economy figures are amazing considering the performance. Happy miles / kms!
Excellent review 👌🏼
Cheers! I deeply appreciate your positive comment :)
As an 05 cls 55 i approve this video 😊👌
Thanks for kind comment! Means a lot to me! Happy miles with your 55AMG!
the most beautiful modern mercedes next to the sls.
It sure is! I couldn't agree more, the SLS included!
For a minute, I was so confused about what he was saying/pronouncing "Coupé" Then I realized he was saying Coupe. 🤣🤦♂️😂. I thought that was funny. Anyway... I'm a huge fan of Mercedes Benz since I was a young lad. Out of all the MB models, there's only 3 Mercedes I love the most, SL 300, CLK GTR-LM, and the CLS Class. When MB finally introduced the new 2006 CLS in the States, I just had to have one. I still have/love my '06 CLS 55 Amg (under 70k miles), and of course, like with all my naturally aspirated toys, I could not just keep my CLS 55 bone stock. To give you an idea in what I've done, stock 490hp to 700hp.
Thanks for the insightful comment - I really appreciate it! Mad respect for including the first-gen CLS in your top 3 MB list. What mods have you used for the CLS? Just a supercharger pulley or something more?
I rarely watch my own content but seeing it about 3 years later is so funny! I speak so slowly and some pronunciations are so cringe. It really shines through that English isn't my native language. I do my best to improve!
@Specproof no mate I wasn't saying funny nor laughing about your pronunciation. I was trying to express that I was laughing at myself for misunderstanding the word you were saying. 🤣 Anyway... yes, pully upgrade, I've done custom forged piston/rods, stage 4 Vrp, rod bearing, 630cc fuel injection, camshaft VRP, exhaust/header system (GM), Weistec ECU,
I got one recently as my first car be choice I ever made, got a cls350 cgi 2007 3.5 v6 can’t go wrong with it
Nice! Happy miles! CGI means direct injection right?
Such a great car, it's design is timeless for me (that wooden and leather steering combination is pretty attractive) . Definitely look like mafia vehicle and it's a V6. You give a great info about it.
Thanks for the kind words! Mafia vehicle indeed ;) especially in black!
@@SpecproofI got it black and im such a happy man rn. Also only 21 so this should get me my first girl right??
@@eero3516 It looks perfect in black! Fingers crossed about the girl ;)
Love my CLS 350 petrol best car I've had
Nice! M272 is such a masterpiece! Enjoy the miles!
I own a CLS 350 grand edition, it comes with a AMG package including front and back sports bumpers, AMG exhaust tail finish, AMG wheels, comfort package (keyless lock/unlock, seats heating and cooling, 4-ways A/C) and the most important Harman Kardon L7 speakers. The only thing I don't like about this car is the gearbox and the tuning of it..
Wow! It sounds pretty loaded then. The Harman Kardon system there Sounds surprisingly good considering its age.
Enjoy and happy miles!
cool video. coupe is defined by SAE standard publication j1100. The CLS interior volume defines it as a coupe.
Wow! didn't know that! Thanks for enlightening me!
AS a owner i know why i bought one. This Car i a sculpture
Nice! It truly ages like a fine wine!
What year is the more reliable before the change the original style, I personal don't like the newer ones, they look nice.
The rule of thumb is to source the latest available vehicle. I personally don't like the styling of the facelift versions either. As far as I've heard/remembered, the M113 and M113K are the most trusty engines if you're looking for a pre-facelift version. M113 is the 5.0 306 PS V8 and the M113 is the 5.4 L AMG version of the M113.
Read the forums and FB groups, the Internet is your friend.
My dad has this one but with AMG trim.
Nice! AMG trim makes it even better!
I own a c219 cls350 from the 07 and its still good looking care people thinks that my cls its a 2015 and it isnt, i choose from the 07 cuz i dnt wanna deal w the sbc
C219 looks slightly better anyways compared to the 218 ;)
@@Specproof agreed! The c219 its more refine and elegant car
Yep, they were a classic from day one. The 218 which followed tried too hard imo, I can see what they were trying to achieve with the power bulges around the rear wheels but it doesn't work imo. The front end just looks generic. And I still don't like the rear light clusters. The interior looks cheap too. Unlike the understated class of the original's interior.
Right on! Exactly my thoughts!
Mercedes CLS 219 its the best. Clasic and youngtimer!!!!!!
100% true!!!
thanks! now I know it...
mercedes cls a real mercedes .......real car.....
It sure is!
Facelift looks way better
The rear lights definitely look better on the facelift. But in my opinion, the front is cleaner on the pre-facelift models. In the end, it depends on the taste which I don't judge :)
A great car for an up-and-coming Polak or other Eastern European.
True - especially when the car is neglected like this one in the video.
By fae the best looking benza
Couldn't agree more!
I have this car in indium grey from 2005. no one believes that this car is 18 years old
Nice! Indium Grey looks spectacular! Couldn't believe it has been 18 years already.
Headlamps look awful, blobby and ugly, they are the only thing that spoils the car
They're definitely odd looking compared to other MB models in that period. I personally think they suit the overall design of the vehicle. But I respect your opinion. What to you think about the R-class headlamps? They're even worse, right?
3.5 and 5.5 shit. Only m113 and m113k