What's New for the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class?
Mercedes-Benz adds a different sort of crossover to its lineup for 2006, the CLS-Class, sold in a single trim of CLS 500. Combining the roominess of a four-door sedan with the design of a coupe, the CLS-Class is based on the E-Class platform, and comes with a 306-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8 connected to a seven-speed automatic transmission with a manumatic option. Safety gear includes adaptive two-stage front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front occupants, side-curtain airbags, and a new sensor system for the seatbelts and airbags that works to detect accident severity more quickly than usual. Inside, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class may be trimmed in four different colors, three types of leather, and two kinds of wood.

Advantages of the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class:

• A rolling showcase of Mercedes-Benz technology
• Refined powertrains
• Gorgeous styling

Objections to the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class:

• Confusing control operation
• Frustrating COMAND infotainment system
• Fussy Sensotronic brake-by-wire system

Editor's Advice:
What to do? The sensible, left side of your brain knows that you need a four-door sedan, yet the artistic; right side of your cranium wants a sleek, two-door coupe. Mercedes-Benz feels your pain. Blending the functionality of a sedan with the visual impact of a coupe, the new 2005 CLS-Class represents the best of both worlds. Sure, it looks like a sexy coupe, but inside the CLS-Class coddles the senses. But with the pavement-mauling grunt of the 5.0-liter V8, this is one 'Benz that will fulfill the kid in you, while keeping the practical side of life in check.