Motortrend: M5 vs CLS55

[Just_me]

From March 2006 issue so this is all info I have at the moment.


M5/AMG

1st Place 2nd Place

0-60: 4.5 4.4
0-100: 10 10.1
1/4th time: 12.9 12.7
1/4th speed: 114.9 113.6
45-65: 1.8 2.1

Lat Accel--g ave: .87 .90
600 FT slalom: 67.7 66.6
MPG: 12/18 14/20

Some quotes:

"One blast in the CLS55, and you'll feel like you've been there, done that. One sortie in the M5, and you'll want more."

"Comparing the best single laptimes, the M5 finished 24 carlengths ahead of the CLS55 after one lap."


I'm just the messenger so please dont shoot me this time

[Just_me]

The acceleration times are a little bit slower than C&D times.

Car, 0-60 time, 0-100 time, 0-150 time, 1/4 mile time @ trapspeed

CLS55, 4.2, / 9.8 /, 24.9, / 12.6@114
E60 M5, 4.2, / 9.4 /, 20.7,/ 12.5@118

[drronh]

There's no doubt the M5 is faster, sportier, and will turn better lap times.
The fact is the CLS is also a very capable car and for me this is one of the few instances where style wins over substance not so much because the CLS is a good looking car, but because IMO the M5 is not. This pains me because I know the M5 is more capable and can be bought in stock at a slight discount from MSRP, while a CLS 55 with the performance pack and options is over $105,000.

[Just_me]

Originally Posted by drronh

There's no doubt the M5 is faster, sportier, and will turn better lap times.
The fact is the CLS is also a very capable car and for me this is one of the few instances where style wins over substance not so much because the CLS is a good looking car, but because IMO the M5 is not. This pains me because I know the M5 is more capable and can be bought in stock at a slight discount from MSRP, while a CLS 55 with the performance pack and options is over $105,000.

funny, I still dont like how the CLS look like, to each his own I guess but to me, the M5 is the only choice here IMO.

[Kleemann_SL]

I wouldnt buy the CLS55 now, if I had the money. I would wait for the 63 AMG, but stil take the CLS55 over the bmw. Cause of the style, its more special and beautifull (its a matter of taste ofcourse, and Ive a very good taste ) and comfort is very important too for me. And dont say that there isnt a big difference between the CLS and 5!!!!!!

[Zonda]

If the CLS55 didn't sound the way it does, I would've gone for the M5. Fantastic cars, both of them.

[Alx]

Both astounding cars and real close too...

I say the upgrades to the 55 engines are really worth it... for the prices, the hp cant be beat... under $10K with Kleeman gets you 100hp.

[bmwrules]

I'm not a huge fan of the CLS55 either. I don't like the head lights and the rear end looks fat and bloated to me. However, I do like the roof line although I still can't call a 4 door car a coupe.

[donau]

Originally Posted by Just_me

The acceleration times are a little bit slower than C&D times.

Car, 0-60 time, 0-100 time, 0-150 time, 1/4 mile time @ trapspeed

CLS55, 4.2, / 9.8 /, 24.9, / 12.6@114
E60 M5, 4.2, / 9.4 /, 20.7,/ 12.5@118

It is interesting how some magazines consistently test lower than another magazine. Road & Track is another example.

I have no doubt that the M5 is a more fun car to drive. Can't say I'm overly excited by the looks of these cars either. Both have some nice features and some that are not so nice.
Even though the CLS55 is a 4-door coupe, you have to be rather supple to squeeze yourself in the back. If you happen to be older and stiffer and things hurt a bit more than they used to years and decades back, CLS is not the one to choose.

[Just_me]

I dont know but I might be the only one but I would choose E55 over CLS55 without thinking twice. CLS is ugly (IMO) but E55 is so much cleaner and sexier to look at.