Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review

2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL550 4MATIC Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is that rare animal in the automotive kingdom, a large luxury coupe capable of accommodating two rear passengers in comfort while simultaneously shoving them into their seatbacks with abundant power. Other two-doors tend to offer either opulence or power, but the CL manages both and features a sumptuous leather-adorned interior to boot. Now in its fourth generation, the CL has undergone a few name changes over the years, but it has maintained its status as perhaps the quintessential large luxury coupe.

Whether it was called 560SEC or S500 coupe, the CL-Class has essentially been a two-door version of the Mercedes-Benz flagship sedan -- today's S-Class. Although the CL now ventures a little farther from the mothership in terms of styling, it has retained its close family ties. As in the past, the two vehicles share similar interior design, features and engine options. Since it's based on such a large sedan, the CL is more of an autobahn-storming, boulevard-cruising luxo coupe, rather than a road-carving GT like a BMW 6 Series or Jaguar XKR.

Current Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a luxury coupe that's crammed full of the latest and greatest safety, comfort and entertainment technologies the engineering wizards from Stuttgart have been able to craft. The CL ventures farther from the S-Class than past generations in terms of exterior styling, featuring curvier, more muscular lines than its subdued predecessor. This girth makes the CL much larger and hundreds of pounds heavier than its closest competitors.

There are four trim levels and engines: CL550 (382-horsepower V8), CL600 (510-hp V12), CL63 AMG (518-hp V8) and CL65 AMG (604-hp V12). A seven-speed automatic transmission is standard on the V8-powered models, while a more robust five-speed auto is standard on the torque-rich V12s. All-wheel drive is standard on the CL550, and the others are rear-drive only. Standard feature highlights include alloy wheels, multi-adjustable power front seats with heating, ventilation and memory, a hard-drive-based navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a surround-sound audio system with a hard drive capable of storing MP3 files. There's also a full array of Mercedes' latest high-tech safety features should all that high-speed fun come to an abrupt stop. Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, which automatically accelerates and brakes even in stop-and-go traffic, is standard on higher trims. The AMG models focus on performance with unique exterior enhancements, a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes and leather sport seats.

In reviews, our editors have been impressed by the CL's top-quality interior, competent handling and awesome performance from the top three trim levels. Even the base CL550 is hard to fault, but its more powerful siblings are a league apart. In particular, the CL65's 738 pound-feet of torque seems sufficient to alter the Earth's orbit. One complaint was that the CL's long doors make it difficult to exit in small parking spaces. But chances are you'll be parking this swanky $100,000-plus Mercedes coupe as far away from other vehicles as possible.

Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Models

The current fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class joined the Benz family as a 2007 model following the launch of its platform-mate, the redesigned S-Class. Initially there were just two models: the CL550, which was then rear-wheel drive, and the CL600. The CL63 and CL65 AMG models joined the lineup for 2008, and the CL550 switched to all-wheel drive for 2009. Also, all CL-Class models received shift paddles for 2009 in place of the previous buttons.

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was produced from 2000-'06. It was lighter, less expensive and much sleeker than its massive, brick-shaped predecessor. The CL500, powered by a 302-hp V8, was the only model offered initially, with the 362-hp, V12-powered CL600 and the 354-hp, V8-powered CL55 AMG arriving in 2001. As usual, Mercedes used the CL to showcase its latest technologies such as Active Body Control, Distronic adaptive cruise control and PreSafe (for 2003). Mercedes also used '03 to introduce the now-turbocharged CL600 and now-supercharged CL55 AMG, both pumping out 493 hp. The CL500 added a seven-speed automatic transmission in 2004, while an AMG Sport Package was added to the CL500 and CL600 as standard equipment for this generation's last year.

With many of these cars available as "certified pre-owned" (meaning a pristine, lower-mileage example with all maintenance up to date and an extended warranty), this generation represents the best choice for a consumer looking to get into a Benz CL-Class without spending a small fortune. At the time, our editors were impressed with its powerful engine choices, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling and comfortable long-distance cruising ability. We weren't fond of its complex COMAND navigation and audio system, and found the rear seat to be cramped.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class had a slight identity crisis, beginning its life as the 500SEC and 600SEC in 1993, changing into the S-Class Coupe in 1994 and finally settling on today's CL-Class moniker in 1998. Its sturdy, boxlike body changed very little during its run, giving it a strong resemblance to the S-Class/500SEL. It was offered with a 315-hp V8 and a new 389-hp V12 engine, neither of which changed during this generation's lifespan. As with today's generation, our editors couldn't find much to fault about this coupe's impressive combination of size, luxury and power. Its blocky styling is polarizing, however, and its huge price tag led us to suggest taking a look at cheaper alternatives.

The original flagship-sedan-based Mercedes-Benz luxury coupe was known as the SEC, which lived from 1981-'91. The 1986-'91 editions had a 238-hp, 5.6-liter V8, whereas the prior years were underpowered with a 3.8-liter, 155-hp V8. With its especially commodious rear seat, the 560SEC was actually considered a two-door sedan. This generation was also one of the first vehicles to offer airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and a self-leveling suspension.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.