2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Road Test

Power delivery across the CL-Class lineup ranges from ample in the CL550 to outright ferocious in the CL65. Expect plenty of punch for highway passing and merging, and the CL65 has no evident turbo lag. Mercedes-Benz said the CL550 accelerated to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds, with the CL65 needing a mere 4.2 seconds. Both of those figures seem accurate. In the CL550 and CL65, the transmission is occasionally slow to downshift, but is otherwise smooth and responsive. Fuel economy is not a CL-Class virtue. A test CL550 coupe averaged just 14.8 mpg. All models require premium-grade fuel. Ride quality scores high. All CL-Class models have firm suspension tuning, but virtually all harshness is filtered out-even in the sport-tuned CL65. The CL550 suffers a trace of floatiness, when the driver-adjustable suspension is set in Comfort mode. Despite their size and heft, CLs are reassuringly stable when cornering, and when traveling at high speeds. The CL65 has the sharpest moves of the group. Standard Active Body Control further enhances agility. Powerful brakes provide short, drama-free emergency stops. Whether V8 or V12, Mercedes' engines produce classy, mechanical sounds during acceleration and are nearly silent while cruising. The CL's slippery shape means minimal wind noise. Tire roar is more evident on the CL65 than the CL550, due to the former model's high-performance treads. Most major controls are logically positioned and easy to reach. Mercedes' COMAND system integrates many audio, navigation, and other secondary controls into a single rotary-knob controlled interface. With patience, COMAND becomes second nature for audio functions, but greatly complicates others. Though understated, the CL's cabin is appointed with luxurious, top-notch materials. Assembly quality is simply flawless. Front space is generous on CL's broad, supportive seats. Multiple standard power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Heated and cooled seats, "massaging" air bladders, and automatic-inflating side bolsters have been standard or available, but not all of our test-drivers feel they enhance comfort. Rear seats are shaped only for two, and cramped for even average-size adults. Entry and exit are tight despite power-forward front seats. Although the trunk is not cavernous, it has a useful shape and is luxuriously finished. Interior storage includes deep door pockets, a multi-chambered center console, and a large glovebox.

Value for the Money
Any CL-Class is very pricey when new or even secondhand, but all of these coupes are brimming with power, technology, and luxury. For the well-heeled shopper with little use for a rear seat, these well-crafted two-doors are a wonderful indulgence.