Mercedes-Benz cars: What's new for 2007

From Aaron Gold,
Your Guide to Cars.
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New V8s, diesels, and AMG models

B-class: This small 5-door hatchback, which Mercedes calls a "compact sports tourer", was introduced in Canada as a 2006 model and remains unchanged for 2007. Unfortunately Mercedes has no immediate plans to sell the B-class in the US.

C-class: C55 AMG discontinued; C230, C280 and C350 models now available in Sport or Luxury versions. The C230 is now a "flex fuel" vehicle and can run on E85 or gasoline. A redesigned version of the C-class will be introduced in 2007 as a 2008 model.

CL-class: (photo) Mercedes' top-of-the-line CL coupe gets a complete redesign for 2007. CL550 gets a 382 hp V8, while CL600 is powered by a 510 hp twin-turbo V12.

CLK-class: CLK550 replaces the CLK500 and CLK63 AMG (convertible only) replaces CLK55 AMG; both have new, larger engines.

CLS-class: Similar to CLK: CLS550 replaces CLS500 and CLS 63 AMG replaces CLS55 AMG. All models get the PRE-SAFE system from the S-Class.

E-class: (photo) All models get freshened styling, more standard equipment, and the PRE-SAFE system, and are available in Sport or Luxury versions at the same price. E550 sedan gets a new V8 engine and E320 sedan gets a new 3.0 liter V6 turbodiesel and BLUETEC emissions system. New E63 AMG (photo) debuts with AMG-designed 507 hp engine.

2007 E320 BLUETEC test drive
2007 E350/E550 test drive
2007 E-Class photo gallery

R-class: R320CDI diesel and high-performance R63 AMG join the lineup.

S-class: (photo) A redesigned S-Class was introduced in early 2006 as a 2007 model. Versions include 382 hp S550, 510 hp S600 and 604 hp S65 AMG.

SL-class: (photo) Coupe and roadster get freshened styling; SL550 with new V8 engine replaces the SL500 while SL600 and SL55 AMG models get an increase in power.

SLK-class: No major changes.

2007 Mercedes-Benz articles

2007 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC test drive 2007 Mercedes-Benz E350/E550 test drive 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 test drive

2006 Mercedes-Benz articles

2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 Wagon test drive 2006 Mercedes-Benz M-Class test drive

In the Driver's Seat: Paying the price for style

Beige color gives the CLS550's interior an open, airy look; black atop dashboard cuts glare

Photo © Aaron Gold

Larger interior photo

Mercedes is trying to get back to the over-attention to detail for which their cars used to be known. Examples abound in the CLS: A black dashboard topper for the beige interior, which all but eliminates dangerous windshield glare. A "max cool" button for the air conditioning system. Frameless door glass (link goes to photo). And then there's the center console armrest: It's double-hinged to open left or right, so either driver or passenger can reach the contents with ease. (That's German design for you. The Japanese would have simply hinged it at the rear.)

You might think the CLS gives up sedan-like practicality for its non-sedan-like shape. You'd be right. I'm only 5'6", and I had to duck my head to get into the back seat. I can't imagine how a 6-footer can get in without clonking his noggin or wrenching his back. Once inside there's enough room to sit comfortably, but the fact that you have to scoot your toes in under the front seat presents an additional challenge when trying to get out. All in all, aside from the individual temperature controls, the back seat accommodations aren't any better than Mercedes' own E-Class (review). And while the E seats five, the CLS only accommodates four.

On the Road: Quick and quiet

Driving the CLS takes some getting used to. The driving position is somewhat awkward because the steering column is offset slightly to the right -- a consequence, I would guess, of taking a car based on the E-Class platform and widening it by two inches. The added width -- the CLS is as wide as a Mercedes S-Class -- makes the CLS feel like a much bigger car, but the turning circle is remarkably tight: The CLS can pull a U-turn on small residential streets.

The rear-wheel-drive CLS550 is powered by a new 382 horsepower 5.5 liter V8 with a 7-speed automatic. Acceleration is brisk, passing is effortless, and the CLS is remarkably quiet at all speeds.

The CLS550's Airmatic air suspension has a comfort mode and two sport modes. It also has a lift mode, which every CLS owner should know and use; my test car's chin spoiler showed the scars of many curb-scrapes, at least one of which was my fault.

Regardless of which suspension mode you select the CLS is very stable in sudden swerves. The fun factor isn't very high, though, even with the suspension in sport mode. If you really love to drive, try the CLS550's big brother, the CLS63 AMG -- provided the $96,000 price tag (including $2,600 gas guzzler tax) doesn't put you off.

Journey's End: Are you willing to trade practicality for style?

CLS550 is a four-seater with a center console between the two rear seats

Let's get back to the question I raised earlier: Is this much Mercedes really necessary? I love the way the CLS looks, even if it did seem to evoke the ire of my fellow motorists. But from the inside you'll barely notice the CLS' more rakish styling. You will, however, notice the offset steering wheel and the challenge of driving a wider car, provided you aren't too busy apologizing to your rear-seat passengers for not warning them to watch their heads as they got in.

Personally, I'd rather have an E-Class. It's more practical, less expensive, and its available with a more economical V6 and a much more economical BLUETEC turbodiesel (review).

Now, all that said, I'm more about practicality than style, as anyone who has ever seen my wardrobe will attest. The E-Class is common to the point of blending in, but the CLS is truly unique, bordering on exotic -- and as exotic cars go it's well equipped and pretty reasonably priced. Despite being in its third year, the CLS550 still draws stares -- some admiring, some jealous, some resentful. I guess that's the price you pay for showing off.

All about Cars

2007/07/29