By Cars.com Staff
Cars.com National June 2, 2010Vehicle Overview
The CL-Class is the two-door equivalent of the German automaker's high-end S-Class sedan. The CL-Class competes with the Bentley Continental GT and BMW M6. It gains more power and styling changes for 2011.
New for 2011
Fresh exterior styling and new, more powerful engines are the major changes. The CL550 4Matic and CL600 get Direct Steering, which has a variable-ratio steering rack that provides quicker, more direct response in tight corners. In addition, "mbrace," a new telematics system, provides additional services such as being able to connect with a vehicle through an iPhone or BlackBerry to remotely lock or unlock doors.
Exterior
Styling changes for the 2011 CL include a new hood, fenders, grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED turn signals and daytime running lights. The rear has new LED taillights, backup lights relocated to the trunk lid and exhaust pipes integrated into the bumper. The body measures a whopping 199.4 inches in length, making it as long as some full-size SUVs. Exterior features include:
- Dual stainless steel exhaust with chrome tailpipe finish
- Standard power moonroof
- Bi-xenon headlights include washers
- AMG Sport Package with front/rear aprons, side skirts and 20-inch wheels
Interior
CL-Class coupes accommodate up to four occupants and have bucket-like rear seats. Interior features include:
- Standard "mbrace" telematics system
- Heated front seats
- Power-closing trunklid
- Comand control system
- Burl walnut wood trim
- Backseat DVD entertainment system available
Under the Hood
Typical of Mercedes-Benz, the CL-Class maintains a rich powertrain selection for 2011. Mechanical features include
- CL550 has a 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V-8 with 391 pounds-feet of torque
- CL550 4Matic has a new 429-hp, twin-turbo 4.6-liter V-8 with 516 pounds-feet of torque
- CL600 has a 510-hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-12 with 612 pounds-feet of torque
- CL63 AMG has a new 536-hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-8 with 590 pounds-feet of torque and start-stop technology
- CL65 AMG has a 621-hp, twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12
- Five- or seven-speed automatic transmission
- 4Matic all-wheel drive available
- Self-leveling suspension system standard
- Parking Guidance, which assists in parallel-parking maneuvers, is optional with adaptive cruise control
Safety
Safety features include:
- Side-impact airbags for both rows of seats
- Side curtain airbags
- Antilock brakes
- Electronic stability system
- Automated collision-mitigation braking system prepares car for impending impact
- Optional adaptive cruise control adjusts speed automatically to maintain a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead
- Optional blind-spot warning system available with adaptive cruise control
- Standard Attention Assist system notifies drivers when they need a break, based on behavioral changes
- Night View Assist includes pedestrian detection
Additional Reviews
Cars.com Expert Reviews
| Bill Jackson | Cars.com National | June 8, 2011 |
| Cars.com Staff | Cars.com National | June 2, 2010 |
Affiliate Reviews
| Warren Brown | washingtonpost.com | December 17, 2010 |
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