Snake Vargas

Yannis, there's a big difference between "sloppy" and "slopy" (sloping?)

I have heard of Popular Mechanics, and when I was younger I borrowed them from the library, yes, even in Australia. Interesting things to read, though as you say not all of it is automotively related. That said, people are entitled to their opinions, regardless of their level of expertise or whether you regard them as well informed or misinformed.

Anyhow, the CLS is very Mercedes, IMO. The rear lights are an evolution of the recent triangle theme, like them or not. The lights are likewise an evolution of the twin round headlight theme (one step after the twinned jellybean of the C-class, for instance). Needless to say, the grille is very Mercedes; and it might be a little generic in a way, but it's just as valid a design element as BMW's kidney grille.

Importantly, it has muscular lines, curved and sleek but also a purposeful stance. It might not be W140 S-class, but it sure is reasonably similar to R230 SL-class. Take off the badge and try putting a BMW or Audi one on it - it wouldn't fit in with those brands' lineups. So, the CLS couldn't be anything other than a Mercedes, IMO.

As for myself, I also think that the CLS is a car that looks much better on the road than in pictures. You get the best sense of the proportions and the sense of movement the car creates, and the way it draws your eye along it. More than any one particular part, it's the impression the whole of it gives me that makes it such a statement.

Then again, I still don't really like it that much - but I can see why other people do.

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Centurion

Excellent post Vargas.

Yannis

I 'm not against evolution in design. As time goes by car design needs to evolve. On the other hand car brands like Mercedes/Audi/BMW have a long history so the designers also must look at the past and try to continue the tradition. CLS doesn't seem to me to be coherent with the other models Mercedes made in the recent past, that's why i asked you to show me with which other older model it looks alike if there is one of course.
If there is no such model then you could just tell me that and not start making foolish accusations and assumptions.

Kleemann_SL

Mercedes never had a four-door-coupe before, its something totally new. Its a new segment, It has to be different. Damn man, is that so difficult to understand!

Yannis

Yes it is.

Anyway if you all Mercedes fans like the CLS that means that it's a succesful design. If most people liked it then it would had been a really great design although it's very hard for a design to be embraced by the majority of the public.

martinbo

My sentiments exactly.

I never get really excited to see a CLS, but that doesn't stop me from lingering over the car's looks when it comes by or when I walk past a parked example. It's a design that certainly attracts one's attention and has oodles of in-the-tin presence.

You like the CLS? Good for you, you've got every reason to.

And anyone that says it isn't a coupé is stuck in an old-fashioned paradigm about cars with four doors.

Hypersonic

It's not a coupé

Just_me

yes it is

Hypersonic

I don't care what anybody tells me, a coupé has two doors and a sedan has four - that is not some old fashioned notion martinbo, that's just reality. The CLS is a sedan - that is just the way it is - it is the same reason a cat can never be a dog.

But please, be my guest, if you want call the CLS a coupé, then the marketing people at Daimler Chrysler have done a great job.

I'll just be that annoying little voice in the crowd saying - "the Emperor's wearing no clothes"

MoSs AMG

a cat can never be a dog ...?????? now thats differant sh*T

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