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Conveying vital statistics about vehicle speed, engine speed, fuel level and coolant temperature, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class features black instrument dials with chrome rings. Designed to resemble a chronometer, the gauge cluster features a large central speedometer flanked by a tachometer and a clock. Outer displays measure fuel level and coolant temperature. Power front seats are standard, with optional dynamic multi-contour seating optional. The optional seats include air chambers that inflate or deflate to provide the proper support depending upon the driving situation. Also available is a seat memory feature, a massage function and active seat ventilation to keep your backside cool on warm, muggy days. Rear occupants get individual bucket seats with a storage console and cupholders. How do the rear seats measure up? The Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is more comfortable than most coupes, but in comparison to conventional sedans there are compromises made to accommodate the rakish roofline. For example, the CLS-Class offers 33 inches of rear legroom, but it doesn't measure up to the 35.6 inches available inside the E-Class. There's no room to stretch out in the CLS-Class, but cutouts in the front seatbacks do offer a bit of extra knee space. Because of the dramatic roofline, one must duck and angle the head to climb aboard. Rear headroom is also dramatically reduced from that of a sedan - taller rear passengers may find their heads rubbing against the headliner, and back seat occupants won't have much of a view, since the thick, angled C-pillars block outward visibility.
Trunk space is commendable, holding 16 cubic feet of cargo, and the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class employs a new scratch-resistant paint treatment for a more durable finish. By integrating ceramic particles within the paint, a thick protective network forms on the outer layer when the paint dries to provide three times the resistance to scratches. Selected standard equipment for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350 includes heated auto-dimming side mirrors, an auto-dimming interior rearview mirror, outside temperature gauge, projector-beam headlights, and rain-sensing wipers. A Thermatic automatic climate control system assesses ambient temperature and humidity levels to keep the cabin at a set temperature, and it includes a filtering system to limit dust, pollen and odors. The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS 500 adds a Thermotronic four-zone climate system that even registers the position of the sun in its attempts to maintain four distinct occupant zone temperatures. Also included on the top CLS 500 model is an Airmatic DC suspension that replaces steel springs with air springs for a smoother, more controlled ride and handling mix. Both of these features can be ordered on the CLS 350. Though well equipped at base sticker price, the options list for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class is extensive. In addition to items already mentioned, either the CLS 350 or the CLS 500 can be equipped with: Comand control system with navigation
Bi-Xenon headlights with cleaners and cornering lights that operate at low speeds to help see around curves
Distronic laser-guided cruise control
Power sunroof
Keyless Go automatic access and drive authorization system
Parktronic parking sensors for the front and rear bumpers
Surround sound audio system
Ski sack
With graceful styling, a sumptuous interior, world-class technology and impressive powertrain combinations, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class should fit in quite well with the rest of the handsome brood that wears the three-pointed star. For those who simply can't decide between a coupe and a sedan, the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class may just be the car worth waiting for. -- Photos courtesy of Mercedes-Benz USA
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About Christian Wardlaw
Christian Wardlaw joined Autobytel's Automotive Information Center (AIC) in January 2003, and current serves as Manager of Content Development for Autobytel. Previously, Christian spent eight years as Editor-in-Chief and Director of Automotive Data for Edmunds.com. A writer, editor, and automobile aficionado, Christian is a different sort of car enthusiast. His passion lies in the vehicles that people most often buy, rather than with high-performance sports cars or ultra-luxury sedans. “Given the choice to spend an hour with a Dodge Viper or a Honda Accord, I’ll choose the Accord,” he claims. Unless, of course, the driving venue is a racetrack. Christian has been a car enthusiast all of his life, uttering “car” as his first word while growing up in Detroit. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he holds a bachelor’s degree in English. His daily drivers include a 1994 Mazda Miata, a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata, and a 2005 Nissan Murano.
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