So I wonder if someone can answer a question for me...

I'm on my fourth E and getting ready to trade up... with prices the way they are these days, a CLS or even a CL does not seem as far out of reach as they once did...

So MBUSA says I can get a 2009 E550 for $61,000. Or I can get a CLS550 for $70,000... but the CL550 for $107,000? I guess I can see the differential between the E and the CLS... there are some interior refinements and the design of the CLS is still pretty stunning... Not sure if I see $9,000 worth of difference, but that is tempered by the fact that we are talking about Mercedes here and we are willing to pay $300 for an oil change! But THIRTY THOUSAND DOLLARS difference between the CLS and the CL?

Or comparing the E to the CL? FORTY SIX THOUSAND DOLLARS? Keep in mind, all three of these vehicles have the SAME powertrain! In fact, the E, as the lightest of the bunch, has the best performance specs... Ironically, the CL is the heaviest... so it is also the slowest!

I know the CLS is based on the E chassis and the CL is based on the S chassis... so all things being equal I could see a price differential MAYBE going as high as $15K? But 30 GRAND????

I have driven the CLS, but not the CL... before I do, I was hoping someone here could shed a little light on this topic for me.

Generally, you pay for horsepower. I get that. For the extra $46,000 the CL550 should S*M*O*K*E then E550... but it doesn't...

Any takers?

Thanks!

 

the CL does have a much nicer interior, suede headliner, nicer leather seats, night vision assist, distronic, ABC suspension, and there are fewer of them on the road....than the E class.. but i agree with the engines the same engine is available in all of them. once you drive the cl you will see why ....i think so anyway..i like the CLS look and interior but the CL is much classier looking like the S class. you cant get the V12 in the CLS or the E either.

 

Yeah, I get that. I know the CL is a truly premium package, but pound-for-pound, I just can't imagine that it is $46,000 better than the E with the same powertrain. But thanks for your input.