I always thought that the CLS looked like a warped version of the A6, originally launched in 1997 as the first coupe shaped sedan. 10 years later, it still looks timeless and elegant.

I think it's more the case of the CLS not being the newest/hottest car in the MB line-up. 2005 was it's first full year so it likely attracted more people.

While it's not the case with the CLS, after the launch of a new car, sales seem artificially higher as some people will wait to get the new model and sales of the old model drop off. For a prime example of this, next year when sales of the E70 X5 are up around 30%, it will not be because it's selling far better than the E53 X5 rather it will be because the last year of E53 sales dropped off by nearly 30%.

With the CLS, some people likely waited because they knew it was coming and that artificially boosted initial sales along with the 'gotta have it' affect of being a completely new model from MB.

In the US we do not offer a CLS 350. So, the CLS starts at almost $70,000. A well equipped E350 sport comes in at $55,000. Further, the CLS does not offer a very functional back seat. Like other coupes, the CLS does not have the broad appeal of a sedan, so numbers dipped dramatically after the initial surge.

i have a lot of people ohh and ahh over the CLS, but buy the E.

Mayb because of the new 5.5L engine and new 63 Amgs , we will have 2 wait for later this year 2 see if sales improve..