So the new CLS is out to challenge the Panamera. Just wanted to know the general opinion from all. Base on 1) exterior looks 2) interior looks 3) ride and handling 4) performance 5) build qlty 6) overall package.
I go 1st.
1) Cls is v nic. But i still love the pani better ( im bias thou)
2) Pani hands down
3) I hvnt driven the CLS. But i think its v hard for any sedan to surpass the pani in this category
4) no comment
5) porsche.
6) i think the CLS has a better value for money.

 

Before I placed the order for my Panamera S, I was all over the CLS AMG.
This is my opinion.

1) They both look real sharp.
2) Panamera for sure!
3) I never drove the CLS but im sure it'll handle the same or maybe better.
4) I cant compare the CLS AMG to the S.
5) Porsche
6) THe CLS has the worst depreciation out of all Mercedes. Porsche has always done a fine job of holding their value very well.

What really sold me onto the Panamera was the Interior, and its a "Porsche".

I also love the fact that I never see panameras in the streets here in Miami, Theirs a mercedes in every corner.

 

I drove a 2009 CLS 550 for 3 years, changed to a 2010 E63 (Non turbo) and just got a Panamera Turbo last week. I can certainly compare the above not the lesser Panamera models.

1st about the CLS. The CLS 550 was smooth with adequate power. Handling was acceptable. Build quality was excellent. I Loved the design.

The E63 was something else. Build quality was good although should have been better for a 100k Car. The power was very good but where it excelled was the handling. One cannot beat the pleasure of a RWD car esp in turns and drifts.

Panamera turbo is a class of its own. E63's power is no match for the Pani. The AWD 0-60 cannot be beat. It is pretty impossible to slide/ drift it (I am not pushing the car yet), which was great fun with the E63. The interior is beautiful and a grade better than my old E63. I did look at the new CLS 2012 interior at a dealer ship and it has been significantly upgraded for the new model year. I do miss the electronics in my Merc ie Lane departure warning, blind spot warning (I didn't get this on the Pani) and most significantly the front collision prevetion where the car warns you and then applies the brakes by itself.

I have not tested the new Supercharged V8 in the Merc.

Now for the verdict. If you are thinking Pani turbo, the CLS63 is no competition. For all other Panameras the CLS 63 in my opinion will be more power and more fun and with the new interior better built.

Mir.

 

1) i like the old CLS better than the new one, but the Pana is much more unique and has by far more personality.
2) i don`t really like the new, edgy mercedes interiors, they are well built but the panamera`s is simply jaw dropping.
3) no match, the Pana is a sports car with 4-doors.
4) the CLS does well in straightline contests, but the PTT with PDK has taken the sports sedan game to another level.
6) a redesigned e-class with some added sportiness, not much else to it.

 

Wow, these reviews are shockingly balanced for a Porsche forum!

 

I just went through the same adventure - I think the deciding factor for me was the small size of the CLS - the new CLS looked great in pictures but it still is built on a "c" class frame and was way too small when I saw it in person. If performance is key it will be hard to beat the MB engine for the money unless you go for a PTT.

 

i have a test drive scheduled this weekend, a 2012 blk cls63 without the performance package. Will let you guys know how it drives. car and driver tested cls 550 0-60 4.7 seconds (4.3 sec by Motor Trend!!) and cls63 did 3.9 (with performance package)

 

I've seen a couple of the new CLS' around town already, and they do look good. Problem is: give it TWO months, and we'll be seeing them all over the place, even the AMGs. While the Panamera is selling in good numbers, it's still a relatively rare sight after launching almost 2 years ago.

 

In nyc I see at one -2 panameras a day, and i'm outside for total of maybe 25 mins a day

 

Drove 2008 Black CLS for three years...found the 2012 CLS nice, but too much like the 2008 model CLS, which every car manufactor from Ford to Hynduni (sp) copied. The Panamera.....well, is in a class by itself.

 

Pana is the top of the line. Cls is more middle of the line for mb

 

CLS used is a good bet...probably a smoother driving luxury/cruising car than the Panamera


No one can match Panamera's handling, esp the lower trimmed vehicles. ANd the naturally aspirated engine...Benz is going all forced induction now. Not a driver's engine.

 

This depends on what models you are comparing and what you like. I loved allready the previous cls and I had an e55 amg. I can only tell you why I chose Panamera turbo vs CLS63.
CLS I think looks better and I love the AMG sounds. Both have only 4 seats which I think is a minus. However in the CLS u cant fold the seats, then again it has a big boot. Not sure about the new model. No AWD for the AMG, big minus for winter driving. ALSO PTT is faster. Porsche has 9year warranty, MB 10 years. MB is a luxury limo, PTT more like a real sports car, but more expensive.

Ultimately for me it was that I wanted AWD and the fastest possible car, the powerkit was the last go sign for me. I wanted also a car as close to the 997tt which I loved but had to lose because it is too small.

Both cars are really cool!

 

based on my limited viewing of a neighbor's cls, the exterior design doesnt look good to me. I recently saw an Audi A7, and it looks pretty tight. the performance numbers on that car looks pretty good, and it's cheaper than the Pan V6's

 

Just getting out of my second cls lease.enjoyed the car. The 2012 is nice design. But no exclusivity. With so many VW cc's (copy cats) the cls lost its luster.