That’s the one thing I don’t like about mine always putting my ass back in auto lol they do it for reliability so you don’t fuck it up ECU always tryna keep RPM as low as necessary I’m pretty sure you can tune that out tho
I have a 2013 CLS 550. I’m sure by now you know it has a 6-disc cd changer. I’m 6’2-1/2” and because it is classified as a coupe I’m not worried about room in the back, the back doors are a bonus. Plenty of leg room in the front. Finally, the gas mileage is not that bad for a twin turbo V8. I work 18 miles from home and I get 24-27 mpg.