The Original CLS is One of the Best Looking Modern Mercedes 

It is very typical for cars that start out with an inspired design initiative to lose some of their "Gestalt" as the model years progress, and to start looking more like other cars. Some early enthusiasts have moved on to newer things, and the accountants have pushed for a broader market segment appeal. The CLS was one of the most striking designs to make it into production in the 2000's, and inspired "knock off" versions from many makers, including the VW CC, some versions of the Honda Accord, and even some Chevy Malibus, which can be very beautiful in their own right, but cannot come close to the refinement of the initial design statement from Mercedes. I don't know who the designer was, or if they won any awards for it, but no model from the time would be more worthy of such recognition, in my opinion.

Cls500 2006 the first time I saw it, it turned my whole body around I watched as it passed in awe wow way more than a car for sure. It’s my miracle car I brought it for $32k with 25k miles on it in 2009 when no one was buying anything because of the housing bust. I would have never been able to afford it otherwise. I still have this car and love it like it’s the first day I got it. It’s beauty never stops. I’m ruined from now on no idea where I’ll go from here

I have a 2007 CLS550 with the AMG sport package. Absolutely love the car! The 2004 to 2007 is the best years in my opinion.

It is a superberb driving machine and it looks extremly beautiful. The best car I ever had and I have had many cars in my life. I am 76 years old.

Agreed. I still remember the day the press releases came out and I thought, this is a Mercedes I would actually like to own. Years went by where I saw these things flying by on the Autobahn. A CLS at speed with his hunkered down airmatic is a sight to behold. It really is a "Silberpfeil". In 2014 being tired of jumping about in hot-rod SEAT's I bought a 2007 CLS 500 and drove it for 7 years. Being 14 years old and approaching 150kkm I got cold feet in fear of something expensive breaking, although the car was still perfect. I drive a W218 500 now, and although it's a much better car, I fail to love it. I opted for a shooting break because it looks better than the sedan and I can get something in the rear. The slender, coke-bottle shape just isn't there. Never mind the newest CLS which I can't tell from a CLA. The original CLS feals like a lost pretty grirlfriend you will never have again...

Wow. I loved the comprehensive nature of this review and the thoroughness of the creator. It's an overall, very wholesome piece. Keep up the good work, man.

Fell in love the first time, now own one doing everything to keep it in good condition. After this model the engines displacement dropped added the headache of turbo chargers. The models after this look rounded and lost the masculine muscular shape in the 2005 to 2011. Thanks for the video

I have 2008 facelift model. I love it more everyday, i see it as my baby i take care of her, this car is truly amazing

I've always loved the CLS and I agree it's by far one of the best modern Mercedes-Benz designs. Sadly the newer models never quite lived up to the C219s beauty. Maybe I have the best of both worlds as I have a 2007 pre-facelifted CLS63 AMG. I do prefer the rear lights of the facelift model with the LED indicators and more prominent "linear" tail lights, but it is something only true aficionados will notice. For some reason even although my cars spec sheet says it has the active cornering function I cannot see this whilst driving. I also find the headlights rather dim when compared to my C350 Coupé with the intelligent light system, but that could just be a generational thing as lighting improved drastically on the early 2010s.

the most beautiful modern mercedes next to the sls.

Proud to own a cls w219 350 grand edition powered by brabus

Looks more modern than the one they discontinued last year.

Still a gorgeous vehicle that looks upmarket and underrated, the front headlights (similar to the porsche 996) are debatable and I guess that's why people don't like it too much. The standard front bumper didn't age that well, as well. I wouldn't mind, it looks glorious, especially inside, and it's far more interesting than the w211 e class, to me, it's like a four door c215.

As an 05 cls 55 i approve this video 😊👌

Agree. I have a 2008 Series II: colour is Indum Grau (brown), camel interior with heated and ventilated seats, sunroof, 3500cc petrol engine which returns 8.5 litres around town if I baby it and less than 7 on the motorway, adaptive cruise control (tempomatic). My spouse says I can't sell it because of it's beautiful and not like any other car.

Excellent review 👌🏼

For a minute, I was so confused about what he was saying/pronouncing "Coupé" Then I realized he was saying Coupe. 🤣🤦‍♂️😂. I thought that was funny. Anyway... I'm a huge fan of Mercedes Benz since I was a young lad. Out of all the MB models, there's only 3 Mercedes I love the most, SL 300, CLK GTR-LM, and the CLS Class. When MB finally introduced the new 2006 CLS in the States, I just had to have one. I still have/love my '06 CLS 55 Amg (under 70k miles), and of course, like with all my naturally aspirated toys, I could not just keep my CLS 55 bone stock. To give you an idea in what I've done, stock 490hp to 700hp.

Such a great car, it's design is timeless for me (that wooden and leather steering combination is pretty attractive) . Definitely look like mafia vehicle and it's a V6. You give a great info about it.

cool video. coupe is defined by SAE standard publication j1100. The CLS interior volume defines it as a coupe.

I own a CLS 350 grand edition, it comes with a AMG package including front and back sports bumpers, AMG exhaust tail finish, AMG wheels, comfort package (keyless lock/unlock, seats heating and cooling, 4-ways A/C) and the most important Harman Kardon L7 speakers. The only thing I don't like about this car is the gearbox and the tuning of it..

AS a owner i know why i bought one. This Car i a sculpture

Love my CLS 350 petrol best car I've had

What year is the more reliable before the change the original style, I personal don't like the newer ones, they look nice.

mercedes cls a real mercedes .......real car.....

Yep, they were a classic from day one. The 218 which followed tried too hard imo, I can see what they were trying to achieve with the power bulges around the rear wheels but it doesn't work imo. The front end just looks generic. And I still don't like the rear light clusters. The interior looks cheap too. Unlike the understated class of the original's interior.

I own a c219 cls350 from the 07 and its still good looking care people thinks that my cls its a 2015 and it isnt, i choose from the 07 cuz i dnt wanna deal w the sbc

My dad has this one but with AMG trim.

Mercedes CLS 219 its the best. Clasic and youngtimer!!!!!!

A great car for an up-and-coming Polak or other Eastern European.

By fae the best looking benza

Facelift looks way better

I have this car in indium grey from 2005. no one believes that this car is 18 years old

3.5 and 5.5 shit. Only m113 and m113k