2006 Cadillac STS-v vs. 2006 Mercedes CLS55 AMG Upgrades & Performance Comparison

For buyers of either car, the quality of the leather and the nav systems will go far in determining which automaker gets the monthly payment. By this standard, the Mercedes CLS55 would nab the old "King of the Hill" title. V-Series upgrades make the Cadillac a contender in this field, but they're like a baked-on layer of quality material, while the Benz's level of quality is deep fried to the bone.

To the issue of which owns the autobahn, American or otherwise, the STS-v does such an honest job that one no longer needs to ask whether Cadillac deserves to play in this universe. The STS-v appears the better buy, but with a major caveat. Cadillac is new to this price territory: Can it play at $75K plus, and is it likely to hold its value as well as BMW and Mercedes-Benz models do? If not, then its up-front price advantage will dwindle.

Which is king of the autobahn? The CLS55's outstanding performance, superb high-speed stability, and impressive cabin make the difference, even for a few dollars more. That Cadillac's entry is a credible large luxury/ performance sport sedan makes it a winner in its own right. Well done, but the Mercedes still gets the crown.