2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class help you decide if a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is right for you.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Rear-seat room

Front-seat comfort	Price

Build quality

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CL550	CL65	Class Average
8	10	7.3

Power delivery across the CL-Class lineup ranges from ample in the CL550 to outright ferocious in the CL65. Highway passing and merging are strong, and the CL65 has no evident turbo lag. Mercedes-Benz says the CL550 does 0-60 mph in 5.3 seconds, with the CL65 needing just 4.2. Both those figures seem accurate to us. In the CL550 and CL65, the transmission is occasionally slow to downshift but is otherwise smooth and responsive.

Fuel Economy

CL550	CL65	Class Average
3	1	3.3

In Consumer Guide testing, a CL550 averaged 14.8 mpg. We've not had an opportunity to measure any other 2008 CL-Class. All models require premium-grade gas.

Ride Quality

CL550	CL65	Class Average
10	9	8.2

All CL-Class models have firm suspension tuning, but virtually all harshness is filtered out--even in the sport-tuned CL65. The CL550 has a trace of float with the driver-adjustable suspension set in comfort mode.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CL550	CL65	Class Average
8	9	6.9

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 bunch. Standard Active Body Control further enhances agility. Powerful brakes provide short, drama-free emergency stops.

Quietness

CL550	CL65	Class Average
9	9	8.4

V8 or V12, the 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 that model's high-performance treads.

Controls

CL550	CL65	Class Average
6	6	5.9

Most major controls are logically placed and easy to reach. Mercedes's 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.

Details

CL550	CL65	Class Average
10	10	8.4

Though understated, the CL's cabin is appointed with luxurious, top-notch materials. Assembly quality is flawless.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CL550	CL65	Class Average
10	10	8.8

Space is generous on CL's broad, supportive seats. Multiple standard power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position. Heated and ventilated seats, "massaging" air bladders, and automatic-inflating side bolsters are standard or available, but not all of our testers feel they enhance comfort.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CL550	CL65	Class Average
2	2	7.9

The rear seat is shaped only for two and cramped for even average-size adults. Entry and exit is tight despite power-forward front seats.

Cargo Room

CL550	CL65	Class Average
3	3	4.1

The trunk is not cavernous, but it has a useful shape and is luxuriously finished. Interior storage includes deep door pockets, multi-chambered center console, and a large glovebox.

Value within Class

CL550	CL65	Class Average
4	2	5.5

Any CL-Class is very pricey, but they're all brimming with power, technology, and luxury. For the well-heeled shopper with little use for a rear seat, these well-crafted coupes are a wonderful indulgence.

Total Score