A5 v cls

[st4]

Shhhhh!!!! My wife would kill you for saying that!!! She loves Saaby - it has to stay..

Seriously, it's time to move on from the S211 and the CLS would be a serious treat for me (and gets SWMBO's all important approval!!).

I take it the Audi's not liked then!

I've only ever driven two Audi's and both left me cold. A Q7 and an S6.

The S6 was nice actually, but a pricier A4 nah not for me.

What about an S4 estate? A decent Audi. I think the S211 is one of the best cars on the road, I wouldnt change it for the sake of it. It has a huge range of abilities.

 

[Mactech]

Thing is I've had an E estate for a long time and really fancy something new, like the CLS.. Could always buy a cheap estate for bikes and stuff and running around...hmmm....

And the CLS 320cdi is such a good deal at '07 or thereabouts and set to get even cheaper once the new model is out - hard to say no really...

You've already done what I did and put CLS wheels on your E estate, the next logical step is to get the car to match the wheels!
We both know they share similar mechanical bits, but the drives are very different. Can't vouch for the aerodynamics and roll control with a couple of bikes on the roof though
Just spent a week in a rental car in Italy, what bliss to be back in the CLS

 

[st4]

Just spent a week in a rental car in Italy, what bliss to be back in the CLS

You should have taken your CLS over. Lovely drive through the Alps

 

[bpsorrel]

I think the CLS wheels are missing their car now...and I must be picking up on their vibe!

I agree, the S211 is a great car, but I get bored quickly and having contemplated just about every car made (and you guys have been on that journey with me! ) and ALWAYS come back to my love of the style of the CLS, so, logic would say that buying one is the right move..

 

[Deleted member 37751]

It's a given really isn't it?
To me, Mercedes entered new territory with the CLS and it is the best car in the line-up. I like the fact that you don't get many engine variants- big diesel or big V8.
To compare it to an A5 does it a disservice, its only real comparitives in the Audi group are the A7 and possibly A8.
If someone can somehow fit a 211 rear bench in the back of one, I would have one at the drop of a hat.

 

[bpsorrel]

To compare it to an A5 does it a disservice, its only real comparitives in the Audi group are the A7 and possibly A8.

Darn Audi salesmen!! He actually said the cars were comparable and the Audi was better 'cos it has the hatch! Cheek!! I didn't argue, but I have to say, for the money (£30K ish) it's quite a stylish package... though the only "coupe" thing is the frameless doors!

 

[bpsorrel]

If someone can somehow fit a 211 rear bench in the back of one, I would have one at the drop of a hat.

Looking at the CLS in detail this morning, I can't see why it couldn't be done. Surely if you removed the centre "console" the transmission tunnel would be the same height as the 211? But, not sure if the 211 rear seat back would be low enough to fit below the rear screen - - it's VERY low back there!! I actually couldn't ride in the back, but luckily I shouldn't ever have to!

 

[A140driver]

I'd far rather have a CLS over an A5 sportback. If carrying bikes is a concern you can get a detachable towbar and a Pendle bike trailer. We have one and it's excellent.

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Darn Audi salesmen!! He actually said the cars were comparable and the Audi was better 'cos it has the hatch! Cheek!! I didn't argue, but I have to say, for the money (£30K ish) it's quite a stylish package... though the only "coupe" thing is the frameless doors!

Salesmen, eh?
When comparing different marques, I tend to use the engine choices as a good yard stick. Mercedes wouldn't tarnish a CLS with a 220 cdi engine, would they? Audi on the other hand.....

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Looking at the CLS in detail this morning, I can't see why it couldn't be done. Surely if you removed the centre "console" the transmission tunnel would be the same height as the 211? But, not sure if the 211 rear seat back would be low enough to fit below the rear screen - - it's VERY low back there!! I actually couldn't ride in the back, but luckily I shouldn't ever have to!

I actually sort of asked this question in a thread a week or so ago, about whether or not you could get them as a factory extra 5 seat option.
I am seriously going to look into converting one myself, now you mention it.....

 

[bpsorrel]

I believe VW are now offering a five seat option in their CLS clone Passat CC..... Shame MB haven't followed suit there, although, maybe that would dilute the exclusivity...

 

[bpsorrel]

Mercedes wouldn't tarnish a CLS with a 220 cdi engine, would they? Audi on the other hand.....

Well.......... in the new model I do believe they've done just that..... CLS 250cdi

And, there's a 3.0 Quattro version of the A5 Sportback... But I get where you're coming from!

 

[Deleted member 37751]

I believe VW are now offering a five seat option in their CLS clone Passat CC..... Shame MB haven't followed suit there, although, maybe that would dilute the exclusivity...

The Passat cc everyone that I know thinks that it is a 'new shape' Passat! Ha!
As good as Audi are, they just make clones. Incidentally, it's one of the reasons I'm not keen on the Bavarian cars...

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Well.......... in the new model I do believe they've done just that..... CLS 250cdi

And, there's a 3.0 Quattro version of the A5 Sportback... But I get where you're coming from!

A CLS 250 cdi? Me and my big mouth!
If I was to purchase an Audi, it would be either an A6 3.0TDi Avant or an A8 V8 TDi twin turbo. Nothing else interests me generally speaking. Even with the RS4/RS6, they are not in the AMG comparitives league, in my opinion. They are good, really good. Just not AMG good

 

[bpsorrel]

Agreed! Same with all Mercedes, they just seem a cut above the likes of Audi and BMW (Oh God, I've probably started something now! LOL)

 

[Deleted member 37751]

Just found this little piece on PH about CLS 5 Seat conversions..
CLS rear seat

 

[The Boss]

looking at the cls in detail this morning, i can't see why it couldn't be done. Surely if you removed the centre "console" the transmission tunnel would be the same height as the 211? But, not sure if the 211 rear seat back would be low enough to fit below the rear screen - - it's very low back there!! I actually couldn't ride in the back, but luckily i shouldn't ever have to!

extra seat belt would be required.. For legal reasons of course..

 

[jonm]

You're right guys! Don't know what came over me! My slight (!) dilemna is the need to carry two folding mountain bikes, which best will in the world, won't go in the CLS boot! (one might...) Not keen on a roof mounted rack... But, I LOVE the CLS!

I too had this dilema, I always preferred to carry my bikes in the back of the car for some reason. Tried a boot carrier but decided it/they were not for me.

Then, when kids arrived I needed another solution (even with an estate) so went for roof rack & carriers and to be honest I can no longer understand what on earth I was p*****g around at all those years. The Thule racks/carriers are brilliant and my car doesnt get full of muck after a winter day out in the peaks (ok, not so important now as the peaks are a few '000 miles away) and the bikes are on the roof in about 10secs a piece without folding, dismantling etc etc. Also, bikes tend to get less damageed/scraped/scratched on the roof as well. So, fact is dont need an estate anymore..havnt' quite worked out how to get 4 bikes on the back of the CLK yet though

thus...go for the CLS, you know it makes sense Rodney!

 

[bpsorrel]

Thanks!!! I needed that re-assurance! LOL!!! I agree, bikes can go on the roof and I can enjoy the CLS!
Just spoken to SWMBO (she's in Russia) and she's up for it too!! :bannana:

 

[st4]

Yay Barry, you are getting a proper car, not an Audi thing. As nice as the Audi is, a CLS just is a classier proposition.

The A8 and A6s are nice, but I cannot see the point in paying more for a car (the A5) that's less attractive and practical than the superior car, the A4 estate.