Survivor Supercar - Episode IV - CLS55 vs S6

[hemants]

Background - I don't NEED any of these cars, but I'm turning 40 and I've been cheap for 40 years so why not? Drove the CLS55 last night. Power - HOLY CRAP IT'S FAST, what else is there to say? It's FAST. Butterfly exhaust opens up nicely and gives a growl that is as appealing (through different) as the monster. Handling - much firmer than the CLS550. There are three firmness settings and two height settings. On the lowest and firmest it is a very tight ride yet still comfortable. Probably comparable stiffness to the S6. This is good. It was 3 degrees celcius (about 38F) and with summer Z rated tires the car handled quite well. The only time I really felt TC kick in was from a stoplight that was facing uphill. The car definately struggled but kept going in a straight line. In contrast, when I drove the S6, the salesman had me put two wheels on gravel and two on pavement and hit WOT - straight as an arrow - very impressive. Audi wins in this department unless you need the flexibiliy of dialing in more comfort. AWD is a plus but also makes the car 400pounds heavier. Interior - Interior was black on black with Alcanterra headliner and A pillar. Very nice. Very Mercedes though too. Wood was high gloss laurel wood which is not dissimilar to the Birch in Audi. Equipped with the matte wood the CLS interior is a bit much, but this felt much better. Overall though, the S6 interior looks more like a cockpit. The red/blue lights on the temperature controls give it a stunning look IMO. For looks, Audi wins on the inside, for feel, I'd have to give the nod to Mercedes if only because of the adjustible seat bolsters. Seating position feels less upright too which is more sporty. Technology - Comparing an 07 Audi to an 06 CLS, the Audi has better and more technology. SD card, voice recognition for everything (not that it matters), etc. etc. to be honest I didn't get to play with the tech gadgets in either car that much. I figure they must be close enough. Ipod integration is retrofittable in either car. Main thing for me is to get song titles on the screen and to be able to hear my music without a tape adapter! Intangibles - Merc has already lost 35% of it's value in 1 year. I can only imagine what the S6 will be worth in 1-2 years, especially when the RS6 comes out. But alas, I plan to keep the car for a long time so it doesn't really matter - though it does, that's the deal hunter in me that I can't shut off. So here's what it comes down to : Looks - Merc says WOW, S6 is sleeper (depending on whether I hear the devil or the angel speaking, I can value both) Interior - Overall nod to the S6 Comfort - Merc wins Handling - S6 wins - this is clearly demonstrated in slalom tests. Power - Not even close, CLS55 is in another league. CLS550 is comparable to the Audi in power and sort of in price as well. So if it sounds like I'm leaning towards the CLS that may be true, but here's the kicker... Do I want a performance sedan that I can take advantage of when conditions are ideal and drive for comfort the rest of the time? Or do I want a performance sedan that's more than fast enough that will shine in all conditions? If it were S6 vs CLS550 at the same price, new for new, I'd pick the S6 for sure. So it's sort of a new vs used thing as well.... Sorry, this one's a cliffhanger! Neither has a heated steering wheel...blah

[Jet Jockey/A4 Pilot]

[ayap]

After all, how useful is a Mercedes that slides and skids on rain and snow.

Having lived in Europe for awhile, Mercedes are nothing but taxis in Germany, Austria, and Scandinavia. Ask any European ... Scandinavian ... Nobody in Europe really cares about Mercs. Prince and Princesses in Europe drive Audis, not Mercs.

I will never drive a Mercedes because I will be too ashamed of it when my Scandavian friends visit me and they think I'm driving a taxi. Doesn't matter if it's the sportier Mercs - its a taxi brand in Europe. Europeans grew up for the past 30 years knowing that Mercs are taxis. ewwwwww!!!!

[The DJP]

99% of the Taxis here in the Netherlands are Merc's.
Mercedes has a bad image these days, due to rust issues and electrical nightmares.
Audi's and BMW's are the cars to have over here.

[Life Rules]

[Inocent Bystndr]

I think you'll end up with the S6 if you can find one that meets your specs. Like I said, I'm not a fan of the look of the CLS, but it is a clearly a great car (notwithstanding the "taxi" comments below). I think the S6 will win you over due to Quattro and its "all around" usefullness; not to mention it is new (and perhaps even more exclusive).

Either way, you can't go wrong (unless the Merc has those pesky electronics issues). Sounds like you are having fun with the decision! Can't wait for the final chapter to be written!

[AUOOOO]

provided Diesel engines seemingly forever, and Taxi drivers keep them running 24/7 which is why they attain 500K+ kilometers on the same engine. Taxis are/were not paying the full tax, when I last lived there.

MBs are basically, S series too expensive for the general folks to drive (I'm referring to Denmark where you add about 200% to the fatcory price) Any and all cars/brands. They laugh when I tell them a car is too expensive here in calif.

[ACSGP]

If so, you've lost quite a bit of practicality. Rear headroom not great too.

Looks like you're having fun though.

[badgerh]

I got an A6 over an E-class (Had a 5 series before) partly becasue of the taxi thing. However, nobody will mistake a CLS for a taxi: far too beautiful.

[tkao2025]

Although I was looking at an E63, M5, and the S6. You are right. I think the S6 has the best interior and the idrive is just bad IMO. My only question is when did 435bhps become not enough power? Although the E63 and M5 were both faster, you really don't need that sort of power in the real world (except for maybe bragging rights). The quattro comes in handy and you will appreciate the interior. That's how I made my decision. Even the A6 4.2 is enough power for daily driving, but I wanted something a little more special. That's just my 2c.