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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class Safety Review

July 28, 2008

SAFETY | 9 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

sophisticated safety features
ForbesAutos

optimum airbag protection
Edmunds

pre-Safe system is standard
Cars.com

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has exceptional standard safety equipment, but crash tests haven’t yet been performed on the four-door.

Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed any crash tests on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS.

However, the CLS’s list of standard safety gear is impressive. In addition to the full complement of airbags (eight in all, according to ForbesAutos), the Mercedes-Benz 2008 offers numerous high-tech safety features that are not found on every vehicle. These include the company's PRE-SAFE system. This may be the ultimate in "smart car" accident–avoidance technology; when an "imminent and unavoidable collision" is detected, the system takes a number of protective measures automatically. Cars.com reports that this system "pre-tensions seat belts, moves the seats into a safer position and closes the sunroof." Kelley Blue Book notes that standard safety equipment in the Mercedes-Benz 2008 CLS models includes "electronic stability protection" and "an advanced electro-hydraulic braking system."

The only negative issue noted was the Mercedes-Benz 2008 CLS's "low roofline and high beltline," which, according to ForbesAutos, can "impair outward visibility." In an otherwise mostly giddily gushing review of the 2007 model, Car and Driver says the high beltline "makes looking out of the car and around the various pillars like poking your head out of a trash can that's sitting in a jail cell."

Conclusion

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS makes plenty of safety equipment standard, but crash tests are still in the offing.

SAFETY | 9 out of 10Expert Quotes:sophisticated safety featuresForbesAutosoptimum airbag protectionEdmundspre-Safe system is standardCars.com The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS has exceptional standard safety equipment, but crash tests haven’t yet been performed on the four-door. Neither the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) nor the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has performed any crash tests on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS. However, the CLS’s list of standard safety gear is impressive. In addition to the full complement of airbags (eight in all, according to ForbesAutos), the Mercedes-Benz 2008 offers numerous high-tech safety features that are not found on every vehicle. These include the company's PRE-SAFE system. This may be the ultimate in "smart car" accident–avoidance technology; when an "imminent and unavoidable collision" is detected, the system takes a number of protective measures automatically. Cars.com reports that this system "pre-tensions seat belts, moves the seats into a safer position and closes the sunroof." Kelley Blue Book notes that standard safety equipment in the Mercedes-Benz 2008 CLS models includes "electronic stability protection" and "an advanced electro-hydraulic braking system." The only negative issue noted was the Mercedes-Benz 2008 CLS's "low roofline and high beltline," which, according to ForbesAutos, can "impair outward visibility." In an otherwise mostly giddily gushing review of the 2007 model, Car and Driver says the high beltline "makes looking out of the car and around the various pillars like poking your head out of a trash can that's sitting in a jail cell." ConclusionThe 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS makes plenty of safety equipment standard, but crash tests are still in the offing.  2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "makes a Jaguar look ugly" Edmunds: "sleek and sexy exterior design" ForbesAutos: "curvaceous...combines coupe-like looks with sedan-like practicality" The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is dubbed a "four-door ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The Jaguar XJ has a classic--some might say outdated--look, but its aluminum chassis and six-speed automatic help give it good fuel economy. The Infiniti M is offered with a V-8 engine, and its interior is a slick blend of high-tech features and wood-clad shapes. The Lexus LS has V-8 power, an available long-wheelbase version, and a hybrid edition.

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See the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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