2006 Mercedes-Benz CLS

Mercedes-Benz used to be among the most rational of automakers. For example, the first iteration of the W124 E-Class had different-size rearview mirrors on either side of the car because the engineers figured that's what you needed. Those guys would have a hard time figuring out an E-Class with a slammed roofline and only enough seats for four passengers. But these days, Mercedes-Benz is marketing driven, not engineering led.

The CLS is all about the styling. Drop a swoopy body shell on an E-Class chassis, and, voila! watch the fashionistas stampede Mercedes showrooms waving their checkbooks. In the tradition of highly styled cars, you'll either love or hate the way it looks. But it does command attention from those not fortunate enough to have $73K (gulp! as-tested) to drop on a fairly impractical car. A 2+2 interior complements the zoomy coachwork, with a center console bin and rolltop desk-like cupholder cover for backseat passengers, who may, if they're the least bit tall, have hit their heads getting in.

As you'd expect, the CLS feels like an E-Class with tight bodywork and tighter interior room. Sold only with Mercedes's 302-horsepower V-8 or the mighty, blown 5.4-liter AMG engine here, the CLS is more autobahnsturmer than autocross-nimble. It felt big, plowing around our short handling course. The CLS 500 prefers to charge hard and fast down big Interstate highways. But it also surprised us on our twisty mountain circuit, where its seven-speed automatic always seemed in the right gear, and the Airmatic suspension's "sport" setting minimized body roll. Downside is the steering, which feels numb and lifeless. And for daily driving, the triple-mode Airmatic is too fussy. Why can't Mercedes figure out the right suspension setup the way BMW consistently does?