2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review (continued)
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Summary

The Mercedes-Benz CL coupe is a melding of sensuous design and cosseting luxury that few other vehicles in the world can match. But its strength is its weakness: The sacrifices necessary to achieve uncompromised design create a major deficit in passenger-carrying capability. Two doors and tight rear-seat confines mean that buyers should think twice before committing to this beautiful cruiser; they could soon feel buyer's remorse at spending this much money on a car with limited day-to-day usefulness. The rest is pure wonderfulness, from the CL's svelte driving dynamics to its near endless list of luxury and safety equipment. This is a car for people who are smitten by its special nature and not intimidated by its obvious drawbacks. We simply suggest taking a good hard look before you leap.

Rich Ceppos filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Ann Arbor, Michigan.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mercedes-Benz CL550 ($99,900); CL600 ($144,200)
Engines:	5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8
Transmissions:	7-speed automatic
Saftey Equipment (standard):	dual frontal two-stage airbags; driver's side knee airbag; front and rear side-impact airbags; curtain airbags; Pre-Safe system (front seatbelt pre-tensionsers, passenger seat positioner, side window and sunroof closer); electronic stability control; ABS; automatic brake drying; electronic brake proportioning; Brake Assist; Electronic Stability Program; ASR traction control; tire pressure monitoring system
Saftey Equipment (optional):	Distronic Plus distance monitoring cruise control, night vision system, back-up monitor
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Sindelfingen, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mercedes Benz CL550 ($99,900)
Standard Equipment:	dual zone air conditioning, leather-covered seats, door panels and instrument panel, heated front seats with memory feature, power tilt/telescope steering column, power windows, power locks, power mirrors cruise control, COMAND central control, trip computer, GPS navigation, Harman/Kardon 11-speaker AM/FM/satellite audio system with 6CD in-dash changer and memory-card slot, glass sunroof, electric powered trunk lid, electric door-closing assist, park distance sensors, power rear window sunshade, Distronic cruise control
Options As Tested (MSRP):	Premium Package II ($5650) includes active ventilated front seats, dynamic adjusting front seats, keyless start system, backup camera, night vision system; Distronic plus cruise control ($2850); heated steering wheel ($450)
Destination Charge:	775
Gas Guzzler Tax:	1300
Price As Tested (MSRP):	110150
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	382 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	391 @ 2800
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	15/22
Wheelbase:	116.3
Length/width/height:	199.4/73.7/55.8
Track, f/r:	63.0/63.3
Turning circle:	38.1
Seating capacity:	4
Head/hip/leg room, f:	36.9/62.0/na
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	36.4/56.0/na
Cargo volume:
Payload:
Towing capacity:
Suspension, f:	independent, double wishbone, gas-pressure shocks, coil springs, stabilizer bar, active electro-hydraulic damping and roll control
Suspension, r:	independent four-link, gas-pressure shocks, coil springs, stabilizer bar, active electro-hydraulic damping and roll control
Ground clearance:	4.6
Curb weight:	4360
Tires:	P255/45ZR18 / P275/45ZR18
Brakes, f/r:	vented cross-drilled disc/vented disc with ABS, electronic brake proportioning, electronic brake assist, automatic disc drying
Fuel capacity:	23.8