The first generation CLS550 remains one of my favorite body shapes. Produced from 2004 through 2010 but not at all dated to me. And CarMax only carries European cars up to 10 years old, so just one more year to snag one of these unicorns and capitalize on MaxCare. Built on the E-class platform but far more style, and not as gigantic as the S-class. Decent power with the 5.5 liter 382hp V-8 and 7-speed automatic. Adjustable suspension.
Air conditioned seats and (finally) Bluetooth – for calls only, as Mercedes has that funky interface in the glovebox for music. Real cup holders, not the single mechanical robotic piece of crap I had in Guenther, my S55 that had me spilling open coffee cups into the passenger footwell while cruising on the highway, leaving a huge brown stain on the carpet like a murder scene. Not that I’m bitter.
Here’s a decent review from New Car Test back in the day. The 2009 Mercedes CLS550 sold for more than $70,000 new, and only 2,527 units were sold in 2009. Thinking $21,998 isn’t too bad for a 10 year old German car eligible for MaxCare – the great bumper to bumper warranty good for another 100,000 miles of risk free driving. And this car has really low mileage for a 2009. Find this two owner car in Los Angeles here. If the link is dead it’s sold, on hold, or being transferred.
*Quick Hit means I have to post something short and sweet because A) the car may be gone soon B) I don’t have the time to write a lengthy piece and C) I don’t think you all want to read long essays all the time.