The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class emerged not just as another luxury vehicle, but as a statement. Evoking the allure of a concept car brought to life, this “four-door coupe,” as Mercedes-Benz aptly termed it, redefined expectations. Its low-slung profile, gracefully arched windows, and a sweeping roofline masterfully merged seemingly contradictory design elements into a harmonious and captivating form. In a segment crowded with handsome midsize luxury sedans, the CLS-Class possessed that increasingly rare ability to command attention, a testament to its striking and unforgettable design. For discerning buyers in this competitive market, such distinctive style carries significant weight.
Beneath its captivating exterior, the 2007 CLS-Class boasted a chassis engineered for performance to match its aesthetics. This model year marked a significant upgrade in power, introducing two new V8 engines to the lineup. The CLS550, considered the standard variant, now featured a robust 5.5-liter V8 engine, delivering an impressive 382 horsepower – a substantial 80-horsepower increase over the previous CLS500. For those craving even more exhilarating performance, the CLS63 AMG debuted, housing a formidable 6.2-liter V8 that unleashed a monstrous 507 horsepower, a gain of 38 horsepower from its predecessor. Both powerhouse engines were paired with a responsive seven-speed automatic transmission, complete with manual-shift capability, offering drivers engaging control. The result was performance that ranged from exhilarating in the CLS550 to truly stupendous in the CLS63 AMG, ensuring a thrilling driving experience.
However, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, while undeniably attractive and powerful, was not without minor compromises. The very design element that contributed to its coupe-like silhouette, the tapered roofline, resulted in slightly reduced rear headroom compared to the more traditional E-Class sedan. While most passengers would find the rear seats comfortable, taller occupants might find themselves vying for the front seats on longer journeys. Furthermore, despite the advanced engineering evident in its powertrains and suspension, the CLS-Class presented a few ergonomic quirks. These included details such as a somewhat flimsy pop-out cupholder and audio and navigation controls that some users found to be less intuitive than desired.
Identifying direct competitors for the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class proves challenging due to its unique “four-door coupe” body style that blurred traditional segment lines. In a broader sense, its rivals could be considered V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive luxury sport sedans. This competitive set included formidable contenders such as the Audi A8 and S8, the BMW 5 Series and M5, the Lexus GS 430, the Infiniti M45, and the Cadillac STS and STS-V. While each of these vehicles offered impressive attributes, none quite captured the CLS-Class’s distinctive blend of head-turning style, exhilarating performance, and practical functionality, solidifying its unique position in the luxury automotive landscape.
