Motor Trend: Cadillac STS-v vs Mercedes CLS55

[bmwrules]

From Motor Trend

Which is king of the autobahn? The CLS55's outstanding performance, superb high-speed stability, and impressive cabin make the difference, even for a few dollars more. That Cadillac's entry is a credible large luxury/performance sport sedan makes it a winner in its own right. Well done, but the Mercedes still gets the crown.

CLS55
5 Speed Auto
0-60 - 4.3
0-100 - 9.8
passing 45.65 mph - 2.0
1/4 mile - 12.5 sec @ 114.5 mph
braking 60-0 116 feet
braking 100-0 320
lateral acceleration .91g
base price - $89,075
price as tested $94,195

STS-v
6 Speed Auto
0-60 - 4.8
0-100 - 11.9
passing 45.65 mph - 2.3
1/4 mile - 13.3 sec @ 105.7 mph
braking 60-0 114 feet
braking 100-0 317
lateral acceleration .90g
base price - $77,090
price as tested $77,090

[Merc1]

This is most interesting. I just got the Jan issue of MT and read this review breathlessly to find out who won because they didn't just list them as in most comparos, you had to read that paragraph above, which was the very last one, to find out who the winner was.

I haven't gotten my Jan issue of Car and Driver yet, they ranked the STS-V over the CLS55 AMG, based on price from what I'm hearing. Which is somewhat silly because most people can't afford either 77K or 94K (MT test prices), but those who can usually in most cases can make that jump.

MT just picked the best car and let the public decide which on is the better "buy". Well done IMO.

Of particular note is that the higher the speeds the CLS55 showed even more of its arse to the Cadillac. Look at the braking numbers from 120-60 mph and 130-0 mph, the Benz did better by 5 and 7 feet respectively. The CLS' brakes aren't even warmed up until well over 100 mph it seems in the MT tests. True Autobahn heritage.

From interior quality, speed, and style the CLS stomps a mutthole in the STS-V imo. That C&D review had better have something else than price to put the STS over the CLS.

M

[cawimmer430]

Both the CLS and STS are hot. I find the STS to be the hottest Cadillac on the market now. If I was in the market for a Caddy, it'd be a white STS all the way. Too bad they don't offer diesels.

[Osnabrueck]

I rode in the STS-V just last week and came out throughly unimpressed.

It's funny how the numbers can always fail to tell the real story. When you stomp on the gas in the V it goes fast, but not the kind of "head planted into your seats, gosh I just crapped my pants" fast you'd expect. I haven't had the pleasure of experiencing the CLS55, but I'm told that your gut can tell the difference in a major way.

On top of all that, the interior of the STS falls far short of any and all German fare. There's just no compro - even when you factor in price.