2007-2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Mercedes redesigned its flagship rear-wheel-drive coupe for 2007, giving it fresh looks, more power, and added safety features. The 2007 CL-Class was about 3 inches longer in wheelbase and overall length than the 2000-2006 generation. This coupe shared its basic design with the Mercedes S-Class full-size sedan. Two models were offered. The CL550 had a 382-horsepower V8 and seven-speed automatic transmission; it replaced the 302-hp CL500. As before, the CL600 had a turbocharged V12 and five-speed automatic, but now issued 510 horsepower versus 493. Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags were standard. Newly standard was Mercedes' Pre-Safe system that tightened seatbelts and applied additional braking force if sensors detected an impending collision. All CLs had Mercedes' COMAND system, which incorporated a video screen and console-mounted "joystick" knob to control audio, navigation, phone, and other functions; it also accepted voice commands. Newly standard on all CLs were rear obstacle detection and wireless cell phone link. Standard on the CL600 and optional for the CL550 was Mercedes' infrared Night View Assist, which projected onto an instrument panel screen a black-and-white image of objects beyond headlight range. ivals included the BMW 6-Series and Jaguar XK-Series.