CLS experience

[bpsorrel]

Today I experienced a CLS 320cdi properly for the first time. Without sounding too over the top, I was blown away. I loved the CLS as much, if not more than I expected to. Very stylish (to me the best looking 4 door ever), supremely comfortable, very fast and although not quite as good a handler as I thought it would be, more than adequate for my lazy driving style! In short, I'm in love with a car, really.

So, SWMBO and I have been negotiating!

I'm curious to know what you guys would choose, given these scenarios.

SWMBO has already agreed to a "classic", such as an R129. Therefore, there would in theory be 3 cars.

So, my proposals were:

1. Replace (potential) R129 AND S211 with CLS and 04/05 Saab 93 Sport wagon and give Saab 'vert to SWMBO. (her fav plan)

2. Keep S211 and Saab 'vert (for SWMBO) and ADD CLS instead of R129 (my fav!)

3. Renew S211 with 08/09 version, add R129 and give Saab to SWMBO

She's agreeable (just) to 1 and 3. 2 needs more work due to higher cost implication!

What would you do?!

 

[renault12ts]

Problems problems.:bannana::bannana:

 

[Charles Morgan]

2.

You know you want it.

 

[A210AMG]

Do you need three cars and associated running costs?

What would your wife like to drive as a first choice, what would you like to drive as a 1st choice. Assuming different then go for that option.

If you don't need the estate then the CLS for you and the Saab Vert for her.


Your just losing more money on 3 cars, and then there the running costs.

 

[moonloops]

What would you do?!

1. Stop faffing.
2. Get a divorce.
3. Buy a Ferrari.

 

[jeremytaylor]

2.

 

[renault12ts]

On the other hand...I'm not tall, but did find the CLS a little lacking in headroom.

 

[wemorgan]

As much as I like Saab, it does feel like the weakest link between R129, S211, CLS, Saab conv. The Saab practicality is not better than the CLS, possibly worse I imagine.

My selection would be:

R129 - week-end fun car
S211 - all day load lugger
CLS - travel in style

If it's only 2 cars, sadly ditch the CLS. Unless you can fit all you kit in the CLS. Have you tried

 

[bpsorrel]

Sadly CLS won't take the stuff I carry around periodically. My wife loves the Saab 'vert, so no manouevre on that! With multi car insurance, it's only really the road tax that's a biggie with an additional car. My thinking is CLS might only be around 5 or 6K more than a good SL500 so is within budget for a "fun" car. I've always had a few cars at a time as I'm a serious car fan and hate selling cars I like, but like to enjoy new ones too! (hence the CCC membership - which is due to expire soon and if I don't rejoin, I save around 4K...)

Extravangant, yes, but at a "certain age" you start asking "if not now, when??"

Thanks for your views guys!

 

[A210AMG]

If the CLS is a fun car??? and the estate as your everyday then no way would I choose it over an SL500. Sorry I didn't read your first post properly.

My dad has an SL500 as his fun car, lovely car, looks like an SL55 with the full kit / exhausts. Still looke like 50K worth of car, as nice as the CLS looks they don't look as good as an SL.... sorry

 

[bpsorrel]

Well, I used to agree with you, but the CLS has really lit my fire! No, it's not a fun car as such, but a really stylish feel good way to enjoy a drive - not to mention a great way to attend client meetings...

 

[Will]

Sorry for the OT (and nothing personal to the OP ), but am I the only one who hates it when convertible/cabriolet cars are shortened to 'Vert'

Nothing personal - thankfully very rare amongst MBs - seems mainly a BMW 3-series thing?

Back to the original question - I'd have to be honest and think of it like this:-

E-class and CLS are very similar cars. Okay, the CLS has unique styling, but really it's an E-class with a posh frock

If you didn't need the practicality of an estate, I'd say go for it But seeing as you do, I reckon - keep the current S211 (unless there's a real need to swap it for a slightly newer one), buy a nice R129 (spend about £10k on a good one), and give the Saab to your wife.

Minimal depreciation overall - you get the R129 that you want (which won't depreciate), the slightly older 211 estate is virtually the same as a newer one and won't be losing as much cash, keep the Saab until you feel it's worth upgrading to a newer one.

If any of the vehicles get a bit 'stale', you can always update one at a time?

Will

 

[C240Sport97]

CLS rocks

It is surprisingly agile, incredibly comfortable and a great cruiser.

Plus it looks like nothing else on the road.

 

[A210AMG]

Nice yes but cannot compare it to a SL500.

Have you driven one....lovely sound. As good as the CLS is, you simply cannot compare to a v8 convertible.

I would rather turn up to a meeting in an SL

 

[C240Sport97]

E-class and CLS are very similar cars. Okay, the CLS has unique styling, but really it's an E-class with a posh frock

they feel quite different to drive .. much less glass area for example.

CLS also quite a bit lower than E class, and also stiffer.

 

[C240Sport97]

Have you driven one....lovely sound. As good as the CLS is, you simply cannot compare to a v8 convertible.

get a CLS 500

 

[bpsorrel]

I have, yes and it was wonderful! Thanks for muddying the waters!

 

[Will]

the feel quite different to drive .. much less glass area for example.

CLS also quite a bit lower than E class, and also stiffer.

Yep - I agree, and I *do* like the CLS, it's a lovely looking 4-door - especially blue '55 AMG ones!

I was just trying to think on practical terms for the OP - an S211 and a CLS diesel just seems a bit too similar in terms of owning both.

Nothing against a CLS, but if I already had a 211, I'd be looking for a bit more variety, if that makes sense

Will

 

[bpsorrel]

The solution!! Only need one car now!

 

[C240Sport97]

Yep - I agree, and I *do* like the CLS, it's a lovely looking 4-door - especially blue '55 AMG ones!

I was just trying to think on practical terms for the OP - an S211 and a CLS diesel just seems a bit too similar in terms of owning both.

Nothing against a CLS, but if I already had a 211, I'd be looking for a bit more variety, if that makes sense

Will

it's designo mystic blue please

agree diesel for diesel is not that interesting

however, E320 CDi to CLS 500 is something else