Vehicle Overview Redesigned for 2007, the CL-Class is a two-door equivalent to the German automaker’s high-end S-Class sedan. The high-dollar coupe gains two new AMG versions for 2008: a 518-horsepower CL63 AMG and a 604-hp CL65 AMG. The CL-Class competes with the Bentley Continental GT.
Exterior Bulges around the wheels, a sculpted ridge along the lower sill and a subtle bodyside crease distinguish the current CL from its predecessor. There’s also an optional AMG Sport Package for the CL550 that adds new front and rear aprons, side skirts and 19-inch AMG wheels.
All CL-Class coupes have Active Body Control, which is an active suspension system that continuously adjusts firmness to eliminate body roll and pitch during cornering, acceleration and braking. Xenon high-intensity-discharge headlights include washers. A power moonroof is standard.
Interior CL-Class coupes accommodate up to four occupants and have bucketlike rear seats. The CL600 and CL65 AMG have unique leather upholstery. Burl walnut wood trim is standard.
Other standard features include heated front seats, a Harman Kardon audio system and a power-closing trunklid. Ventilated front seats are optional on the CL550 and standard on the CL600.
The CL-Class features Mercedes-Benz’s Comand control system that operates the navigation system and stereo, among other things. It’s one of the better-executed systems available, with an interface that’s easier to use than BMW’s iDrive or Audi’s Multi Media Interface. Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, which adjusts speed automatically to maintain a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead, is optional.
Under the Hood A 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 goes into the CL550. The CL600 employs a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V-12 that generates 510 hp and 612 pounds-feet of torque. The high-performance CL63 AMG features a 6.2-liter V-8 that makes 518 hp and 465 pounds-feet of torque. Topping the range is the CL65 AMG with its twin-turbo 6.0-liter V-12 that churns out 604 hp and 738 pounds-feet of torque. The CL550 and CL63 AMG have a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. The CL600 and CL65 AMG use a five-speed automatic transmission that also permits manually selected gear changes.
Safety Side-impact airbags for the front and rear seats, side curtain airbags, and Mercedes’ Pre-Safe collision-preparation system are standard. Antilock brakes and an electronic stability system are also standard.
