@@RobRandomVids try that in the US. It's a very different story, unfortunately. Dealerships are awful and parts are ridiculously expensive. Especially Mercedes.
@@MrVieDetailing There wasn't, yes, but colored screened phones with internet were available. That said, it means nothing, a simple nokia back then had everyone hooked.
@@dennis-br6vr the 5g found in CLK's and AMG's is bulletproof. The CLS500 has slightly less bulletproof 7g which in my case malfunctions, most likely due to electronic conductor plate playing up. However, this can be fixed for fair price and used gearboxes don't cost a fortune just pain to find someone to do it right. The plate needs to be removed from gearbox and send off for repair and used gearbox needs to be mated to the computer using dealer diagnostic tool.
What a superb design. It looks so good even today. First generation CLS is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen in my life. It is also my favourite car, all these years later.
Absolutely. Had one for two years. Unfortunately it was a nightmare to run, and the previous owners did not help. Assuming the car was in mint condition, it would be everything I wanted from a car. Shame you don't get something like this, or in fact the 2nd gen CLS, anymore. The E class coupé somehow is not the same.
its the choice between plague and cholera, they are both nice, but they have their issues and are expensive to maintain, i i have to choose one i would go with the bmw e60
@Andy Raposo Rubio People can do whatever they like, it's their cars, not yours. Why don't you people accept what other people do? The world doesn't only involve car enthusiasts like you. It's their cars, people can put whatever wheel they like, Also how would you feel if someone said the same thing about you? You know everyone have their own tastes and opinions.
@@YBehri a panamera is still like a like a 30k for a decent condition one tho A cls starts at like 4k, is usually in a horrible condition but looks good. More like first gen cayenne, those are horrible too
@@YBehri honestly, if i had the money to fix one, i absolutely would. Older luxury cars are dope if they work, problem is the horrible state theyre in nowadays.
I'm not rich but I'm not poor as well I own a tesla and this CLS beast stage 2 like a project car. I can overtake easily 85% of UK brand new plate cars whit it. Insurance & road tax for this car cost more than the finance per month of a shitty Golf MK8 with a 1.4 engine and warranty included. So who's poor here?
This is one of best looking Mercedes cars ever made. I especially love the rear end on it, these lights so nicely fitted with boot lid line... So much style, shame that newer ones weren't as eye catching as first one (still nice, but not as nice as first generation)
This thing always grabs my looks. I have seen them in streets many times and at first I thought it was looking like anteater, but it's growing on me a lot and it looks good now. Still, it's very distinct looking Merc and it really stands out.
The first time I saw one of these in a parking lot, I stopped dead in my tracks. It was a black CLS 550 (US version) and it looked like an S-class for a younger demographic. I ended up buying a well optioned 350 (gasoline) and now many years later she is still in my garage. Doesn't have a scratch and now although no longer my daily driver I still have all the service done scheduled at MB and can't bear the idea of parting with her.
The CLS is gorgeous, but I just prefer the EU version. I don't like the US version, while the appearance is the same as EU version, but I don't like the amber side reflector tacked on the front bumper, just like all other Mercedes models from this era.
As a 6-8 year old my dad always took me to some car dealership on Saturdays because I just loved looking at cars and sitting in them. Still remember when he took me to the huge Mercedes dealership in Frankfurt, Germany and I saw the CLS for the first time. I was absolutely fascinated by it because my parents always said that Mercedes were "old people's cars" but this just looked like it came from the future.
@@xxFobioxx i own 2 companies and in my country you can either pay tax at the end of the year or buy something for your company. I had everything for my company so I bought myself a volvo s90 and a porsche cayenne so the cls was just parked and driven for 2000km in the last year.
The 5 speed automatics from Merc in early 2000s already had two reverse gears, it’s for comfort purposes as well as driving uphill backwards in bad weather conditions
I've had mine as my first car for almost two years now, absolute tank and I love it to bits but an expensive mess when things go wrong! Never knew about the two reverse speeds tho so that'd be cool to test out someday
I had a LCI 2014 CLS Premium Plus, and I still miss it to this day it's like there's just something about them that's different to the 6 Series or the A7. I drive an 2018 M3 now but I still think about a CLS, I miss the comfort and the elegance alot. Great cars
First car I ever drove was a Cls 350 full option back when I was 14 years old. It was a 2007 model and absolutely gorgeous! It is still one of my dream cars
Can pick them up for £4000 in UK now. I bought a few cars I wanted then and buy now Just a minefield if you hit a bad one as usual Merc costs and labour, never had any major problems. Really nice interior in these, A lot are on 18 inch run flats and they are like £200+ a Tyre, would say best buy on these is the 320 CDI diesel one. Just check all the electrics work as I had to get a rear electric window fixed and had problems as the glass drops down when you open the door in these, for that sleeker look. So a window regulator replacement ended up being £200, would be about £50 in a Corsa Nice drive, pretty fast, easy to drive even though it’s a long car ,and the V6 sounds great. Just bills big if any issues
Side is best look for these and how long it is. Front looks like any Merc and rear looks like a Jaguar or something. Any series one CLS I have driven has been a real pleasure, Only two seats really at rear with seatbelts though What BMW would this compare to like a 5 series or big enough for a 7 series? As I found this car a better drive than 5 series of same era
im turning 17 soon, i started working for keltbray and im saving up £5,000 for one of these, not the cls63 but cls350 or 550 Actually i need a five seater so imma try to to get a s320
That Mercedes is so cool. If they were doing the cool wall, I think they'd have to make a new section for that. It just goes to show that 4 door saloon cars can be very good looking and very, very cool.
@@legioner9 I still can't like the rear light clusters on those, maybe they'll grow on me eventually. The front end just looked generic Mercedes, hard to differentiate with the other models in the range. The interior took a bit of a dive, less classy in my opinion. I can see what they were trying to do with the rear waist line though, trying to make it look more muscular.
@@phil955i Yes, the second CLS design had to grow on me too, and also true, it was harder to differentiate from the other models. The first generation CLS was an instant like on my part at least. I always liked the first generation CLS - it is my favourite sedan of all times.
The simple sweeping style of the first gen was definitely more unique but the front looks quite dated now. The 2nd gen looks substantially more modern but also more generic imo.
Got a CL600 V-12, although I like the cls it has a major flaw and that’s the fact it has a b-pillar. Also underneath it all in the crappy E-class chassis. Doesn’t mean I don’t want one, love the actual AMG versions of it. But if you drove a CL600 like I do (in summertime) you’re going to hate that b-pillar it’s unfly and uncomfortable.
That doesn't make it a flaw. I could easily just as well say the CL has a flaw in that it has no B pillar and so the window sealing won't be as good or the roof strength is compromised. Don't be a tool. From Wikipedia; "The production version of the C219 CLS-Class was based on the W211 E-Class platform,[13] and shares major components including the engines, transmissions and an identical wheelbase of 2,854 mm (112 in). The car is 95 mm (4 in) longer, 51 mm (2 in) wider, and 27 mm (1 in) lower in comparison, and features, according to Mercedes, a 30% stiffer suspension setup and faster steering.[14]".
@@gottliebdee263 It’s commonly known that coupe cars with b-pillar are just plain ugly. The cls isn’t a coupe though so my comment was irrelevant. I’m not pointing fingers or calling people tools, it’s takes on to know one is advise I got long time ago 👍🏼
I always love seeing these old cars in showroom condition
Especially these early 2000 cars.
@@ridhwanramzi4773 especially when they was brand new. Hell of a times was
It's an odd but beautiful sight
„Old“
Come on they aren’t old
I've always wanted one of these
Get one, they're a bargain at the moment
@chris jones Mercedes tend to be very good at supplying parts for their past models. Usually...
My mum and dad got one a few years ago, it is nice to drive if they want to sell it I will hit you up 😇🤣
@@LewissChapman haha thanks but wouldn't be able to afford to run it let alone insure it or even buy it in the first place 🤣
@@RobRandomVids try that in the US. It's a very different story, unfortunately. Dealerships are awful and parts are ridiculously expensive. Especially Mercedes.
Still looks good in 2021, better than a lot of modern rubbish in fact
Agreed, especially when I compare it to the current CLS that looks like an E-class after the crash test.
Yep!
CLS is modern rubbish too lol
E55 AMG looked better imo
Better than THEIR modern rubbish. *
0:05 Clarkson looks like a tired father on a Sunday evening
lmfao I thought he was asleep
What happened there?
Using a device, probably his phone
@@congojungle Back then, there were no smartphones.
@@MrVieDetailing There wasn't, yes, but colored screened phones with internet were available. That said, it means nothing, a simple nokia back then had everyone hooked.
Owned this car and it was solid. 2006 CLS500. A car that’s an absolute tank. Crazy heavy
Bullet proof m113 engine and gearbox! Almost impossible to destroy them.
@Andy Raposo Rubio It's not an CLS. But yeah, the cl is not reliable
@Andy Raposo Rubio Yes, when you have enough money it's an stunning car. Congratulations 👍🏼
@@dennis-br6vr the 5g found in CLK's and AMG's is bulletproof. The CLS500 has slightly less bulletproof 7g which in my case malfunctions, most likely due to electronic conductor plate playing up. However, this can be fixed for fair price and used gearboxes don't cost a fortune just pain to find someone to do it right. The plate needs to be removed from gearbox and send off for repair and used gearbox needs to be mated to the computer using dealer diagnostic tool.
My mom drives the 2016, absolute fucking tank.
What a superb design. It looks so good even today. First generation CLS is one of the most beautiful cars I have ever seen in my life. It is also my favourite car, all these years later.
Absolutely. Had one for two years. Unfortunately it was a nightmare to run, and the previous owners did not help. Assuming the car was in mint condition, it would be everything I wanted from a car. Shame you don't get something like this, or in fact the 2nd gen CLS, anymore. The E class coupé somehow is not the same.
I've been OBSESSED with this car since it came out. Work of art.
The first gen cls is beautiful, would rather have one than a 5 series
Duh, it's more expensive.
@@thunderedt their about the same price now
its the choice between plague and cholera, they are both nice, but they have their issues and are expensive to maintain, i i have to choose one i would go with the bmw e60
Still sticking with the e60
This doesn’t compete whit 5 series but whit 6 series gran coupe
Was Clarkson sleeping when they walk away from the stage?
He dead
Likely they'd been talking about 911s or motorbikes
Wow, look at those factory new wheels. I have a 2006 CLS 500. Totally in love. These are a styling icon. They are definitely a future classic.
Hey I have exactly the same model / year as you 👍
@Andy Raposo Rubio People can do whatever they like, it's their cars, not yours.
Why don't you people accept what other people do? The world doesn't only involve car enthusiasts like you. It's their cars, people can put whatever wheel they like,
Also how would you feel if someone said the same thing about you? You know everyone have their own tastes and opinions.
@Andy Raposo Rubio I would put W221 S-klasse wheels under it, yet s good set of Vossen rims wouldn't look bad.
First gen CLS.
The one car to buy now to seem rich when youre not.
Still hella nice tho.
@@YBehri a panamera is still like a like a 30k for a decent condition one tho
A cls starts at like 4k, is usually in a horrible condition but looks good.
More like first gen cayenne, those are horrible too
@@YBehri honestly, if i had the money to fix one, i absolutely would.
Older luxury cars are dope if they work, problem is the horrible state theyre in nowadays.
I'm not rich but I'm not poor as well I own a tesla and this CLS beast stage 2 like a project car. I can overtake easily 85% of UK brand new plate cars whit it. Insurance & road tax for this car cost more than the finance per month of a shitty Golf MK8 with a 1.4 engine and warranty included. So who's poor here?
@wd5vd you cared enough to comment on a 3 year old comment on a 20 year old video 🤷♂️
We had a CLS 55 AMG, it was a cracking car, incredibly quick
I had 50g of crack once, actually crack, and made me incredibly quick
@@tlf361 maybe try put crack in this car double the speed
The original was one of the best cars to look at from the rear 3 quarter view
Great observation. It still is.
1st gen still the best looking
This is one of best looking Mercedes cars ever made. I especially love the rear end on it, these lights so nicely fitted with boot lid line... So much style, shame that newer ones weren't as eye catching as first one (still nice, but not as nice as first generation)
The generation after this is much more beautiful, then they screwed it with the newest one
One of the best looking MB ever!
Underrated car. First generation aged very well
This thing always grabs my looks. I have seen them in streets many times and at first I thought it was looking like anteater, but it's growing on me a lot and it looks good now. Still, it's very distinct looking Merc and it really stands out.
the sleek side profile of this car was always what made me love it
Love how Clarkson playing dead on that chair while other two just move on like nothing happened b😂😂😂😂
I first saw one in black at a Quiznos in 2005/2006. Most beautiful thing I’d ever seen up to that point.
The first time I saw one of these in a parking lot, I stopped dead in my tracks. It was a black CLS 550 (US version) and it looked like an S-class for a younger demographic. I ended up buying a well optioned 350 (gasoline) and now many years later she is still in my garage. Doesn't have a scratch and now although no longer my daily driver I still have all the service done scheduled at MB and can't bear the idea of parting with her.
The CLS is gorgeous, but I just prefer the EU version. I don't like the US version, while the appearance is the same as EU version, but I don't like the amber side reflector tacked on the front bumper, just like all other Mercedes models from this era.
@@automation7295 In fact I live in Italy!
@@dm5374 so the US version CLS 550 you saw was when you visited USA?
@@automation7295 That's correct, yes.
@@automation7295 benzes from the us in general are built worse
As a 6-8 year old my dad always took me to some car dealership on Saturdays because I just loved looking at cars and sitting in them. Still remember when he took me to the huge Mercedes dealership in Frankfurt, Germany and I saw the CLS for the first time. I was absolutely fascinated by it because my parents always said that Mercedes were "old people's cars" but this just looked like it came from the future.
Just sold mine after 10 years of ownership. Bought it after seeing it on TV and a few in real life. Now its my sold dream car.
Why did you sell it?
@@xxFobioxx i own 2 companies and in my country you can either pay tax at the end of the year or buy something for your company. I had everything for my company so I bought myself a volvo s90 and a porsche cayenne so the cls was just parked and driven for 2000km in the last year.
@@josipmilkovic9970 sad to hear man. I want to buy a 500 or a 55 I love my current '87 merc but I need something more quick.
@@xxFobioxx i was looking for a SEC od a R129 but with no success. Maybe I'll be lucky enough to find a nice one. Wish you luck too.
One of the best Mercedes ever build glad I have one
Have the 2010 facelift. Up to this day the best looking Cls gen. and prob. the most beautiful/timeless merc.
The front didn’t really stand the test of time imo
@@SosaKinkos Thats true, absolutely agree. The lights e.g are not very timesless ... but they are unique ... a word the newer models don't know about.
Just picked up an 08' CLS 63 AMG and man I love it. So much power and simple yet elegant body lines.
@@blue-lu3iz these cars sadly depreciate like crazy. Mine was $110k new in 2008 and I bought it used in great condition for $20k in 2022.
@@blue-lu3iz I see what you mean and I agree. Especially since this was the last gen with a naturally aspirated V8.
I had the cls63 was magic
What do you do to afford one?
Beast
Thanks for uploading these clips!
I loved driving the CLS55... in Midnight Club 3
The 5 speed automatics from Merc in early 2000s already had two reverse gears, it’s for comfort purposes as well as driving uphill backwards in bad weather conditions
Awesome design and style after many years
This car’s design was a DECADE ahead of its time. Probably the only Mercedes I really like from that Era as a kid. Still, it’s Timeless
Classic from day one imo
I've had mine as my first car for almost two years now, absolute tank and I love it to bits but an expensive mess when things go wrong! Never knew about the two reverse speeds tho so that'd be cool to test out someday
My dad drives one of those 3.5 V6 and is fantastic!
I had a LCI 2014 CLS Premium Plus, and I still miss it to this day it's like there's just something about them that's different to the 6 Series or the A7. I drive an 2018 M3 now but I still think about a CLS, I miss the comfort and the elegance alot. Great cars
First car I ever drove was a Cls 350 full option back when I was 14 years old. It was a 2007 model and absolutely gorgeous! It is still one of my dream cars
I still remember when that car was introduced to the market. My ABSOLUTE favorite car. Unfortunately back then it was a bit out of my price league
Can pick them up for £4000 in UK now. I bought a few cars I wanted then and buy now
Just a minefield if you hit a bad one as usual Merc costs and labour, never had any major problems. Really nice interior in these,
A lot are on 18 inch run flats and they are like £200+ a Tyre, would say best buy on these is the 320 CDI diesel one. Just check all the electrics work as I had to get a rear electric window fixed and had problems as the glass drops down when you open the door in these, for that sleeker look. So a window regulator replacement ended up being £200, would be about £50 in a Corsa
Nice drive, pretty fast, easy to drive even though it’s a long car ,and the V6 sounds great. Just bills big if any issues
The CLS is a sculpture, not just a car.
Love those old top gear Videos.
Still looks pretty nice to be fair, especially from the side profile.
Side is best look for these and how long it is. Front looks like any Merc and rear looks like a Jaguar or something. Any series one CLS I have driven has been a real pleasure,
Only two seats really at rear with seatbelts though
What BMW would this compare to like a 5 series or big enough for a 7 series? As I found this car a better drive than 5 series of same era
Got one weeks ago and just can't get enough of it.
Those doors really are cool
im turning 17 soon, i started working for keltbray and im saving up £5,000 for one of these, not the cls63 but cls350 or 550
Actually i need a five seater so imma try to to get a s320
I own one of these. And still the best looking Mercedes til this point
After soo many years this car still looks very new and beautiful to me
Still enjoying every ride after 10 years of ownership of the 2005 model cls350 in red
Skoda Fabia in the background at the start. Good times..
Frameless doors 😩
It is the car with the most impressive design for me in the 00s era
That Mercedes is so cool. If they were doing the cool wall, I think they'd have to make a new section for that. It just goes to show that 4 door saloon cars can be very good looking and very, very cool.
This car is crazy good looking even by today's standards. Not a single bad angle. Really an outstanding design.
Perhaps you need reverse 2nd gear when you confuse the back with front?
Esse programa tinha um formato tão legal 😍
Still looks beautiful
I still have my cls550. Front lights are bit outdated , but rear end is most beautyful
Please up loads Clarkson review of the CLS 55
There won’t be another car show like what these guys gave us for a long time
I'm proude because i drive one of this in fantastic condition.
It's one of the sexiest cars ever built !
Great to See May, Hammond and Clarkson.....the best
A Learjet without wings
Not bad.
I did like my 1996 e230 sedan, before the rear seal on the gearbox let go
One of the best looking cars, I couldn’t afford one so I got a VW CC in the same color.
How can we pretend not to see James May’s cool head movement towards Richard Hammond?
It gets me whenever i pay attention
What a fabulous car
Back when the CLS was only available in a V8 naturally aspirated or supercharged in the US market
Glad I own one of these I would never sell it. In my opinion after 10 years it will be a nice head turner.
Still one the best looking mercedes
This thing is so beautiful god damnn
CLS was something to behold. But damn, that red on it looks bad.
WE HAD A 3.5 V6 ONE ENGINE BRILLIANT BUT THE auto gearbox went on it at 80,000 miles rear headroom is tight though for anyone over 5 foot 8
V6 sounds nice in in these just as standard, is S mode it sounds sweet
I like it
The most beautiful looking nercedes sedan ever!
Pretty much all Mercs are cool, particularly in comparison to it's contemporaries such as lexus and bmw.
Their transverse engine cars are anything but cool with the exception of the a45
@@paulmaartin The Smart Roadster (W452) was plenty cool. Even Patron saints of Top Gear yesteryear reckoned it was as well.
@@Arayig1982 yea I forgot about that car with a terrible transmission
Weird as it looks, its an awesome machine
Imagine getting an ad about a Mercedes CLE before this video😂 That’s what happened to me!
The original Mercedes CLS + Audi A7 are the two most beautiful passenger cars of the 21st century, change my mind
the beginning of the end for Merc design
Miss these days..
Then why are you still living then?
@@automation7295 do you have issues of some sort?
@@phil955i No.
Can u show the full review or the full epizode ?
Dont know how I ended here in 2021, but this CLS is still in great shape... I meant its shaped excellent ;)
Claaass.
good news Dacia CLS here!
it’s aged beautifully
2nd generation was my favorite.
Is there a full video???
First gen cls has the best style
I think the second is the best.
@@derlangsame4471 Second generation with facelift is very nice indeed.
@@legioner9 I still can't like the rear light clusters on those, maybe they'll grow on me eventually. The front end just looked generic Mercedes, hard to differentiate with the other models in the range. The interior took a bit of a dive, less classy in my opinion. I can see what they were trying to do with the rear waist line though, trying to make it look more muscular.
@@phil955i Yes, the second CLS design had to grow on me too, and also true, it was harder to differentiate from the other models. The first generation CLS was an instant like on my part at least. I always liked the first generation CLS - it is my favourite sedan of all times.
The simple sweeping style of the first gen was definitely more unique but the front looks quite dated now. The 2nd gen looks substantially more modern but also more generic imo.
the 2 reverse speeds makes sense since Mercedes also owns Freightliner and Western Star lmfao
Best car🎉
So beautiful
My dad had one of this... it's a fkin rocket!
How they stood up
I've owned two......wonderful cars
my dream car😛
Got a CL600 V-12, although I like the cls it has a major flaw and that’s the fact it has a b-pillar. Also underneath it all in the crappy E-class chassis. Doesn’t mean I don’t want one, love the actual AMG versions of it. But if you drove a CL600 like I do (in summertime) you’re going to hate that b-pillar it’s unfly and uncomfortable.
That doesn't make it a flaw. I could easily just as well say the CL has a flaw in that it has no B pillar and so the window sealing won't be as good or the roof strength is compromised. Don't be a tool.
From Wikipedia; "The production version of the C219 CLS-Class was based on the W211 E-Class platform,[13] and shares major components including the engines, transmissions and an identical wheelbase of 2,854 mm (112 in). The car is 95 mm (4 in) longer, 51 mm (2 in) wider, and 27 mm (1 in) lower in comparison, and features, according to Mercedes, a 30% stiffer suspension setup and faster steering.[14]".
The CLS was based on the E-Class chassis, not the C
@@phil955i True, I’ll change it right away, was autocorrect that got me.
@@gottliebdee263 It’s commonly known that coupe cars with b-pillar are just plain ugly. The cls isn’t a coupe though so my comment was irrelevant. I’m not pointing fingers or calling people tools, it’s takes on to know one is advise I got long time ago 👍🏼
What's the fuel like? The MPG?
Now you can pick one up for £4000 in the UK
Yeah tired diesel ones. The AMG ones are on the increase again now, £10k +
I still live mine😁✌
what episode the talk about this Mercedes CLS ?? thanks
which episode is this from?