2011 CLS Official Thread
#91
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
S is PURE luxury, smooth and roomy and anyone who needs real back seats will never get a CLS or a CL for that matter over an S.
CL is on a grander scale and literally the same size in the front as an S, which makes the CLS (mind you I of course have not sat in this one) seem small, but I could see buyers cross shopping the two, particularly when considering AMG trim, but the true CL buyer cross shops the Bentley GT.
IMO, the CLS attracts the E class buyer who is not interested in an S because it "seems" too big or just is. I doubt S sales will suffer. Once the novelty of this car wears off, the same demographic buyer will stick with his plush luxury S while the CLS buyer will want his posh performer.
CL is on a grander scale and literally the same size in the front as an S, which makes the CLS (mind you I of course have not sat in this one) seem small, but I could see buyers cross shopping the two, particularly when considering AMG trim, but the true CL buyer cross shops the Bentley GT.
IMO, the CLS attracts the E class buyer who is not interested in an S because it "seems" too big or just is. I doubt S sales will suffer. Once the novelty of this car wears off, the same demographic buyer will stick with his plush luxury S while the CLS buyer will want his posh performer.
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
#96
Pole Position
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Lake Country, WI
Posts: 2,794
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did. ![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
![Thumb Up](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/thumbsup.gif)
#97
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No disrespect intended, but have you driven the CLS?
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did.![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
i have also driven the e63 and cls63 around. the cls63 feels a bit unbalanced compared to the e63. but then to me, i think amg is more about straight line punches, i always don't think the cornering is that good overall because of the balance and weight. and in terms of straight acceleration, gosh, amg are pretty insane
#98
Super Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-smod2.gif)
#99
Lexus Test Driver
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: GA
Posts: 1,232
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
No disrespect intended, but have you driven the CLS?
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did.![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
Hopefully the new gen CLS is more of a "performer" without the AMG badge. I personally love the previous gen CLS's looks and will also reserve judgement on the current one until I see one in person. I was hugely disappointed in the driving dynamics of the old CLS. Unbeknownst to my wife, I walked into the dealership fully intending on buying the CLS. After taking it on a fairly lengthy test drive, I was hugely disappointed. The interior was nice and comfortable, but the rear seats were horrible for a car this size and it felt like I was piloting a land yacht. I played with all of the suspension settings and even in "sport" mode it was weak. Power was adequate, the brakes were terrible and the body roll was horrid. My X5 feels more connected to the road than the CLS did.
![Sad](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/sad.gif)
Sucks the car is not a performer, but if it is as you say, I hope they change this because I like the new more aggressive styling and now that I can actually afford a CLS, would like to buy my first Benz.
#103
Racer
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think this car looks a lot better than the current design that I own. Once this car hit the street it’s going to make my current car look old. CDNROCKIES the current CLS is not a road carve but it handles a lot better than a lot Mercedes Benz cars. I think you’re feebing if it’s such a word on the car wobbling around corners and the braking. MB has actually changed the brakes on the CLS. It’s obvious you were looking for something else when you test drove the vehicle. One thing I can guarantee people were staring as you drove pass.
The CLS is more about passion and having the balance of both worlds. No matter where I go the car grabs attention. As far as people picking this car over the current CL, of course they will. I actually downgrade to a CLS from a CL. The CLS can’t touch the CL as far as comfort and interior. The CL is the boss of coupes as far MB goes.
The CLS takes the cake in attention and looks. Women just love the car.
The CLS is more about passion and having the balance of both worlds. No matter where I go the car grabs attention. As far as people picking this car over the current CL, of course they will. I actually downgrade to a CLS from a CL. The CLS can’t touch the CL as far as comfort and interior. The CL is the boss of coupes as far MB goes.
The CLS takes the cake in attention and looks. Women just love the car.
Last edited by rogers2; 08-23-10 at 10:35 AM.
#104
Lexus Champion
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I think this car looks a lot better than the current design that I own. Once this car hit the street it’s going to make my current car look old. CDNROCKIES the current CLS is not a road carve but it handles a lot better than a lot Mercedes Benz cars. I think you’re feebing if it’s such a word on the car wobbling around corners and the braking. MB has actually changed the brakes on the CLS. It’s obvious you were looking for something else when you test drove the vehicle. One thing I can guarantee people were staring as you drove pass.
The CLS is more about passion and having the balance of both worlds. No matter where I go the car grabs attention. As far as people picking this car over the current CL, of course they will. I actually downgrade to a CLS from a CL. The CLS can’t touch the CL as far as comfort and interior. The CL is the boss of coupes as far MB goes.
The CLS takes the cake in attention and looks. Women just love the car.
The CLS is more about passion and having the balance of both worlds. No matter where I go the car grabs attention. As far as people picking this car over the current CL, of course they will. I actually downgrade to a CLS from a CL. The CLS can’t touch the CL as far as comfort and interior. The CL is the boss of coupes as far MB goes.
The CLS takes the cake in attention and looks. Women just love the car.
I agree with you that the car is beautiful and is an attention grabber for sure. My impressions on how it drove may have been influenced by the fact that I drove the F to the test drive. I didn't expect it to handle or ride like the F, but I did expect more from it.
![Dunno](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/smilies/13879dunno.gif)