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2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Full Review
Date Published: 5/02/08
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review:
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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Full Review
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2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class lineup gains a pair of new models tuned by the company's high-performance AMG division. Dubbed CL63 and CL65, these sporty coupes join existing CL550 and CL600 models. The CL550 and CL63 use V8 engines of 5.5 and 6.2 liters, respectively. CL600 and CL65 versions have V12 engines of 5.5 and 6.0 liters, respectively. All CLs have an automatic transmission: 7 speeds on the CL550 and CL63, 5 speeds on the CL600 and CL65. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is essentially a 2-door coupe version of the 4-door S-Class sedan. Standard safety equipment includes ABS, traction control, antiskid system, front and rear side airbags, and curtain side airbags. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class has standard rear obstacle detection, a navigation system, and a wireless cell phone link.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have six-figure price tags.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
Our Best Buys are the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and Lexus LS. Our Recommended picks are the Audi A8 and Cadillac DTS.
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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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Though understated, the CL's cabin is appointed with luxurious, top-notch materials. Assembly quality is flawless.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
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 two doors are a wonderful indulgence.
| 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 two doors are a wonderful indulgence.
Total Score
| CL550 | CL65 | Class Average |
| 73 | 71 | 74.7 |
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
| Low Score | 67 | |
| Average Score | 74 | |
| High Score | 87 |
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2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 04/30/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| CL550 2-door coupe | $103,600 | $96,348 | $825 |
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| CL63 2-door coupe | $137,500 | $127,875 | $825 |
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| CL65 2-door coupe | $197,500 | $183,675 | $825 |
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| CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition | $295,000 | $274,350 | $825 |
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| CL600 2-door coupe | $147,400 | $137,082 | $825 |
Price note: CL550 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. CL600, CL65 add $3000 Gas-Guzzler Tax. CL63 Gas-Guzzler Tax not available at time of publication.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
CL550
Powertrain
5.5-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, curtain side airbags, driver knee airbag, antiskid system, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, Pre-Safe precrash safety system, rear-obstacle-detection system, tire-pressure monitor, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, Tele Aid assistance system, navigation system w/voice recognition, power tilt/telescopic wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio and climate controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, heated 14-way power front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, power-folding rear headrests, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/turn signals and driver-side automatic day/night, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, trunk closing assist, power sunroof, harman/kardon AM/FM/weatherband w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, hard drive, satellite radio, wireless cell phone link, tachometer, trip computer, automatic day/night rearview mirror, outside-temperature indicator, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washers, rear defogger, power rear sunshade, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, bi-xenon headlights w/washers, front and rear fog lights, active- and driver-adjustable self-leveling suspension, 255/45ZR18 front tires, 275/45ZR18 rear tires, alloy wheels.
CL63 adds to CL550:
Powertrain
6.2-liter V8 engine.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/ventilated 14-way power multicontour front seats w/body-securing side bolsters, keyless access and starting.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Sport suspension, 255/35ZR20 front tires, 275/35ZR20 rear tires.
CL65 adds to CL63:
Powertrain
6.0-liter turbocharged V12 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Night vision.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear dual-zone automatic climate controls, power rear seats w/lumbar adjustment, rear illuminated visor mirrors, rearview camera, power side sunshades.
CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition adds to CL65:
Safety
Night vision.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated/cooled front seats, carbon-fiber interior trim, alcantara headliner, rearview camera.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Unique interior and exterior trim.
CL600 adds to CL550:
Powertrain
5.5-liter turbocharged V12 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Blind spot alert, night view.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, heated/ventilated 14-way power multicontour front seats w/body-securing side bolsters, alcantara headliner, keyless access and starting, rearview camera.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
P1 Premium Pkg.
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CL550
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$1,960
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$1,823
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Ventilated front seats, keyless access and starting.
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P2 Premium Pkg.
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CL63
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$2,090
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$1,944
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Night view, rearview camera.
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AMG Sport Pkg.
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CL550
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$5,630
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$5,236
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Body cladding, 255/40R19 front tires, 275/40R19 rear tires, unique alloy wheels. NA w/chrome alloy wheels.
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AMG Performance Pkg.
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CL63
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$7,000
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$6,510
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186-mph top speed limiter, carbon-fiber interior trim, unique alloy wheels.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Heated steering wheel
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CL550
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$460
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$428
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CL63, CL65
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$
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$
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Adaptive cruise control
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CL550, CL63
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$2,010
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$1,869
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Includes blind spot alert.
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iPod adapter
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CL550, CL600, CL63, CL65
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$425
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$395
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Special wood interior trim
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CL550, CL600, CL63, CL65
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$0
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$0
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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255/40R19 front and 275/40R19 rear tires
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CL550, CL600
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$1,210
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$1,125
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Chrome alloy wheels
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CL550
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$1,010
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$939
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2-door coupe |
| Wheelbase, in. | 116.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 199.4 |
| Overall Width, in. | 73.7 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 4360 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 12.9 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 23.8 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 36.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.4 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.2 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V8 | dohc V8 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | Turbocharged sohc V12 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 5.5 /333 | 6.2 /379 | 5.5 /336 | 6.0 /365 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 382 @ 6000 | 518 @ 6800 | 510 @ 5000 | 604 @ 4800 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 391 @ 2800 | 465 @ 5200 | 612 @ 1800 | 738 @ 2000 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard | Standard |
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EPA City / highway mpg
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| 5-speed automatic | --/-- | --/-- | 13/19 | 11/17 |
| 7-speed automatic | 15/22 | 11/18 | --/-- | --/-- |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2-door coupe |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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