ML320cdi or CLS320cdi

[gary350]

I am test driving both the ML and CLS 320 cdi next thursday, with my first grandchild coming in june the wife says I have to have a bigger car. The S class will not fit in the garage (too wide). My problems with both the cars are
:- ML is not so good on the mpg, its a 4x4 which is getting some tough critiscm and possible huge road tax bills in the future and new cleaner diesels are coming next year, this also applies to the CLS.
:- CLS is a 4 seater only and is illegal to carry 5 (only 2 seat belts in the rear), its more expensive than the ML, I also have a bit of trouble getting around the rear end design.
There are not many other cars out there that I really like better than my SLK350 and its only got 2700 miles on the clock with better residuals than both ML and CLS, what do I do twist or stick. Oh and before you ask I am not too keen on the E although the new new one (not face lift) according to the many photoshop pics looks great and is about 30 months away..

gary

 

[Blobcat]

Why not try the 'R' 320 cdi then?
At ~£50,000 for a new ML / CLS the top rate of VED at £210 is a drop in the ocean.
Cleaner diesels IMHO mean only poorer fuel economy

 

[gary350]

The dealer tried to steer me towards the R in the showroom but with only 1 grandkid on the way the R is too big and I am not a people mover.and not too keen on the shape. The future of road tax may not stop at the current new figures some say that the the bigger cars (mainly 4x4) could face 4 figure yearly bills as the greenies come to the fore, and oil becomes liguid gold. God help the motorist if the US or their middle eastern friends invade Iran, buy a horse or a skate board looks a good option.

 

[bigtwin]

Saw my first "live" R on the road today, in pale blue metalic.

OK, I know it's all subjective, but really, for all the world this looked like a cross between a Tupperware box, a Lexus and a Toyota kiddie-mobile.

Deeply hedious. Perhaps it looks better in other colours.

 

[Blobcat]

CLK Convertible then, 5 seats and open top.

 

[jberks]

Oh and before you ask I am not too keen on the E although the new new one (not face lift) according to the many photoshop pics looks great and is about 30 months away..

Oh Dear. I love the current E and find the CLS ugly (back end looks like the Pink Panthers car). I haven't seen pics of the next E so I assume I am going to hate it.
Actually its a good thing really, should get a great discount on an end of line W211 320cdi in a couple of years!

Anyway, if you like the slk, the ML will just feel top heavy and unwealdy I suspect. I think you have your answer - order the CLS.

 

[Speedmaster]

I would def go for the CLS - stunning looking car. A few friends have them and are very happy with them.

What sort of spec would you go for?

 

[Blobcat]

I do like the look of the CLS however if you can get a new E320cdi for £33K or a new CLS320cdi for £49K both with similar specs. I know where my money would go. £16K price difference for a different body shell.

 

[gary350]

I would def go for the CLS - stunning looking car. A few friends have them and are very happy with them.

What sort of spec would you go for?

Not to sure but essentials are silver/black interior and command and nice wheels, I think I could pull a deal the dealer has a few lying around unsold.

Blobcat the CLK conv is out its a ragtop (rumours are that the next CLK conv is a tin top) and the E although just face lifted has only a couple of years lift and the photoshop pics going around show the most beautiful car I have seen, it is based on the CLS so is the new C. The dealer had a few new Es but beside the new S and CLS the E looked dated maybe giving it a high spec might gee it up a bit.

gary

 

[Speedmaster]

I would def get the Nappa Club design leather if getting a CLS, it can look a bit Rover 75 without it and not a dear extra

 

[Garrycox]

Here's my completely biased view as an ML owner of four months. With the exception of some minor teething problems I am very happy with the ML. So far as MPG is concerned (I have the 320 diesel), I am getting 26 mpg out of each tank (according to the computer). Yesterday I did 210 miles of mostly motorway / dual carriageway and it returned 29.5mpg.

I also looked at the CLS (i'm still unsure on the styling) but wanted the 4x4 as I live in a rural location at the top of a hill and my old e-class couldn't get me home when it snowed!

Good luck with your decision.

 

[psmart]

Forget the ML, there's too many of them out there.. too common ... but if you buy a 2nd hand ML, that would be great, as there would be one less %$&%!%§ lady out there ferrying her kids to school

 

[gary350]

Here's my completely biased view as an ML owner of four months. With the exception of some minor teething problems I am very happy with the ML. So far as MPG is concerned (I have the 320 diesel), I am getting 26 mpg out of each tank (according to the computer). Yesterday I did 210 miles of mostly motorway / dual carriageway and it returned 29.5mpg.

I also looked at the CLS (i'm still unsure on the styling) but wanted the 4x4 as I live in a rural location at the top of a hill and my old e-class couldn't get me home when it snowed!

Good luck with your decision.

There is a quite a difference in MPG between the 2 vehicles although they both have the same engine, my annual mileage is so small it should not make a difference but it does and the current trend in soaring petrol prices is not a comfort.
I also have doubts on the CLS styling the inside is nice and I have driven a 350 which I found to be very good almost S Class in its feel, but the deciding factor could be which one fits into my garage the best, as although I have a big garage the 2 single doors are not that wide the attached pic shows that. My test drive of the 2 is supposed to be thursday but as usual have not heard from the dealer to confirm. Having trouble with the pic.

nice to talk to you

gary

 

[psmart]

...might sound daft, but wouldnt it be easier and cheaper to knock the central pillar out, reinforce the roof lintles and install a double garage door?That way you could choose the car your really like, ie. sounds like a S would fit your bill reading between the lines?

Also, my Garage in Leeds, I cant get the ML into it, albeit we've had a Jaguar XJ6, Cosworth Sierra, Renault Laguna estate, C-Class in it! Best thing, take your test drives, and make sure you detour back to your house, trying to park them.

 

[gary350]

The centre pillar holds up the top of the house so is a no no.

Yes the S is my first choice but will not fit in the garage, the old one would not fit and the new S is wider.

One more go at posting a pic.

gary

 

[Blobcat]

If you dirve fast enough your bound to get it in (or at least most of it)
BTW are you sure your in South Wales your picture looks way too bright and sunny

 

[gary350]

Can you see the pic blobcat I cant.

gary

 

[Blobcat]

Yes I can see the picture, opens up to about 420 by 300. Still cannot believe its S.Wales.

 

[gary350]

Can you see the big spotlights I have portaying the sunlight and I have also photoshopped the wet away.

gary

 

[Garrycox]

There is a quite a difference in MPG between the 2 vehicles although they both have the same engine, my annual mileage is so small it should not make a difference but it does and the current trend in soaring petrol prices is not a comfort.
I also have doubts on the CLS styling the inside is nice and I have driven a 350 which I found to be very good almost S Class in its feel, but the deciding factor could be which one fits into my garage the best, as although I have a big garage the 2 single doors are not that wide the attached pic shows that. My test drive of the 2 is supposed to be thursday but as usual have not heard from the dealer to confirm. Having trouble with the pic.

nice to talk to you

gary

Yes I can see your problem. I also have a double garage with two single doors. The ML fits in fine as long as I reverse in and fold the mirrors.