2008 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. The CL offers svelte driving dynamics and a near endless list of luxury and safety equipment. This is a car for people who are smitten by its special nature. It's a beautiful coupe for two.

Rich Ceppos filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Ann Arbor, Michigan. John F. Katz reported on the AMG models from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

(Source: New Cars Test Drive)

Model Line Overview

Model Lineup:	Mercedes-Benz CL550 ($103,100); CL600 ($146,900); CL63 AMG ($137,000); CL65 AMG ($197,000)
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, Blind Spot Assist, back-up monitor with parking guidance, night vision system
Basic Warranty:	4 years/50,000 miles
Assembled In:	Sindelfingen, Germany

Specifications As Tested

Model Tested (MSRP):	Mercedes Benz CL550 ($103,100)
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; 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 ($5290) includes active ventilated front seats with dynamic adjustment, keyless start system, backup camera, night vision system; Distronic plus cruise control with Blind Spot Assist and Parking Guidance ($2010); heated steering wheel ($460)
Destination Charge:	775
Gas Guzzler Tax:	1000
Price As Tested (MSRP):	112635
Layout:	rear-wheel drive
Horsepower (hp @ rpm):	382 @ 6000
Torque (lb.-ft. @ rpm):	391 @ 2800-4000
Transmission:	7-speed automatic
EPA fuel economy, city/hwy:	15/22
Wheelbase:	116.3
Length/width/height:	199.4/73.7/55.7
Track, f/r:	63.0/63.3
Turning circle:	38.1
Seating capacity:	4
Head/hip/leg room, f:	36.9/62.0/42.2
Head/hip/leg room, m:
Head/hip/leg room, r:	36.4/56.0/32.2
Cargo volume:	12.9
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, five-link, gas-pressure shocks, coil springs, stabilizer bar, active electro-hydraulic damping and roll control
Ground clearance:	5.1
Curb weight:	4486
Tires:	P255/45HR18
Brakes, f/r:	vented disc/solid disc with ABS, electronic brake proportioning, electronic brake assist, automatic disc drying
Fuel capacity:	23.8