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2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class Review

February 21, 2009

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

One cannot argue with the sheer beauty that is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.
Kelley Blue Book

curvaceous...combines coupe-like looks with sedan-like practicality
Forbes Autos

makes a Jaguar look ugly
Car and Driver

sleek and sexy exterior design
Edmunds

Mercedes-Benz dubs the CLS a “four-door coupe.” That’s not much of an exaggeration, as the CLS has a very aggressive, coupelike profile. For 2009, the CLS models get a number of subtle styling changes—such as a new grille design and trapezoidal exhausts—that altogether add a little more spice.

TheCarConnection.com notes the CLS’s “sweeping arc” roofline in more than one review, including Cars.com. Edmunds practically quotes ForbesAutos, calling it "a 'four-door coupe' that blends the sleek lines of a luxury two-door with the practicality of a sedan." Automobile ridicules the notion that it’s a coupe, as do many sources; the “CLS is a sedan,” they report. “Take a look: four front-hinged doors, back seats, trunk. If that's a coupe, then Mercedes should open a real estate arm specializing in two-bedroom studio apartments.”

Kelley Blue Book says "nothing about the Mercedes-Benz CLS is as distinctive as its unfamiliar shape," in which the back blends into the rear C-pillars and trunk lid to create a "unique fastback profile." Edmunds sums it up: “More stunning in person than even the most flattering photography might suggest, the coupe like Mercedes CLS-Class has a visual presence that few other luxury sedans can match.” Car and Driver agrees wholeheartedly with Edmunds. When evaluating the pluses and minuses of this particular 2009 Mercedes-Benz, Car and Driver puts "visual presence inside and out" in the former column.

The interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS mimics Jaguar’s sedans in some respects—with soft finishes and wood veneers throughout—and receives a more sophisticated treatment than the typical Mercedes sedan. Edmunds says, “Inside the cockpit, sweeping wood panels, chrome trim surrounds, premium materials and beautiful detailing set the CLS apart.” Kelley Blue Book observes, "Large expanses of unique matte burl walnut trim...combine with sculpted perforated seats to convey a purpose that is at once both elegant and spirited." Automobile reports, “A wood-trimmed center console separates the seats and continues the theme set by the Paul Bunyan-sized slab of burled walnut that adorns the leather-upholstered dashboard.”

Conclusion

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remixes the E-Class basics with a sexier shape—and a more luxurious and sumptuous experience.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:One cannot argue with the sheer beauty that is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.Kelley Blue Bookcurvaceous...combines coupe-like looks with sedan-like practicalityForbes Autosmakes a Jaguar look uglyCar and Driversleek and sexy exterior designEdmunds Mercedes-Benz dubs the CLS a “four-door coupe.” That’s not much of an exaggeration, as the CLS has a very aggressive, coupelike profile. For 2009, the CLS models get a number of subtle styling changes—such as a new grille design and trapezoidal exhausts—that altogether add a little more spice. TheCarConnection.com notes the CLS’s “sweeping arc” roofline in more than one review, including Cars.com. Edmunds practically quotes ForbesAutos, calling it "a 'four-door coupe' that blends the sleek lines of a luxury two-door with the practicality of a sedan." Automobile ridicules the notion that it’s a coupe, as do many sources; the “CLS is a sedan,” they report. “Take a look: four front-hinged doors, back seats, trunk. If that's a coupe, then Mercedes should open a real estate arm specializing in two-bedroom studio apartments.” Kelley Blue Book says "nothing about the Mercedes-Benz CLS is as distinctive as its unfamiliar shape," in which the back blends into the rear C-pillars and trunk lid to create a "unique fastback profile." Edmunds sums it up: “More stunning in person than even the most flattering photography might suggest, the coupe like Mercedes CLS-Class has a visual presence that few other luxury sedans can match.” Car and Driver agrees wholeheartedly with Edmunds. When evaluating the pluses and minuses of this particular 2009 Mercedes-Benz, Car and Driver puts "visual presence inside and out" in the former column. The interior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS mimics Jaguar’s sedans in some respects—with soft finishes and wood veneers throughout—and receives a more sophisticated treatment than the typical Mercedes sedan. Edmunds says, “Inside the cockpit, sweeping wood panels, chrome trim surrounds, premium materials and beautiful detailing set the CLS apart.” Kelley Blue Book observes, "Large expanses of unique matte burl walnut trim...combine with sculpted perforated seats to convey a purpose that is at once both elegant and spirited." Automobile reports, “A wood-trimmed center console separates the seats and continues the theme set by the Paul Bunyan-sized slab of burled walnut that adorns the leather-upholstered dashboard.” ConclusionThe 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class remixes the E-Class basics with a sexier shape—and a more luxurious and sumptuous experience.  2009 MERCEDES-BENZ CLS-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10] Kelley Blue Book: “One cannot argue with the sheer beauty that is the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS.” Forbes Autos: "curvaceous...combines coupe-like looks with sedan-like practicality" Car and Driver: "makes a Jaguar look ugly" ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The classic, conservative look of the Jaguar XJ might not appeal to those who want to be seen, but its lightweight aluminum construction, perky performance, and good fuel economy are all big positives—as is its interior, which has a uniquely British air in a sea of feel-alike luxury-sedan interiors. The Infiniti M45 is a little less opulent inside, but it’s also priced much lower. Its performance is perky, and it feels more like an agile sport sedan than the others. Plus, its slick blend of high-tech features will win over enthusiasts and tech geeks. The Lexus LS has V-8 power, an available long-wheelbase version, and a hybrid edition, along with a great ride and almost unbelievable levels of refinement, but its conservative feel throughout isn’t at all the choice for those who want a more spirited experience.

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See the Mercedes-Benz CLS Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006

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