You can even orient the COMAND screen toward the driver or the front passenger, depending on your needs. Navigation, audio, climate, seating and even lumbar support settings can be adjusted through this interface.
"Driver, take me home!"
Oh, please! Do you really want to sit back and let the driver have all the fun? Absolutely not. With a premium grand touring coupe like the CL550, you would rather grip the steering wheel, lower your right foot and hear the beast scream its heart out. This sort of excitement is the one you hope would last forever.
Of course, that's what happens when you have 382 incredibly smooth horsepower at your disposal. Hammer the throttle and the car will surge forward in a flash. The 5.5L V8 propels this 2,035-kg machine as if it were a powerful compact. At higher speeds, the suspension will automatically collapse, improving aerodynamics and tightening road grip.
And then there's the superb 7-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes. Uniquely docile and refined, it downshifts so effortlessly and seamlessly that you barely notice it.
Being a Mercedes-Benz means offering a host of sophisticated safety features. For one, Active Body Control (ABC) electronically controls body roll and any other alteration of the chassis and suspension. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Pre-Safe system are also part of the safety equation, as it should.
The Mercedes-Benz CL550 is a true sports coupe in the purest German tradition: comfortable, pleasant, stylish and luxurious. At $131,000, the price is perhaps the only thing that cools off my enthusiasm about this car.
Stylish lines
Ultra-luxurious interior
Sophisticated safety features
Complex accessories
Pricey options
None
photo:Marc Bouchard
"Driver, take me home!"
Oh, please! Do you really want to sit back and let the driver have all the fun? Absolutely not. With a premium grand touring coupe like the CL550, you would rather grip the steering wheel, lower your right foot and hear the beast scream its heart out. This sort of excitement is the one you hope would last forever.
 |
| The V8 delivers exhilarating performance and a sweet velvety sound. |
Of course, that's what happens when you have 382 incredibly smooth horsepower at your disposal. Hammer the throttle and the car will surge forward in a flash. The 5.5L V8 propels this 2,035-kg machine as if it were a powerful compact. At higher speeds, the suspension will automatically collapse, improving aerodynamics and tightening road grip.
And then there's the superb 7-speed automatic transmission from Mercedes. Uniquely docile and refined, it downshifts so effortlessly and seamlessly that you barely notice it.
Being a Mercedes-Benz means offering a host of sophisticated safety features. For one, Active Body Control (ABC) electronically controls body roll and any other alteration of the chassis and suspension. The Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Pre-Safe system are also part of the safety equation, as it should.
The Mercedes-Benz CL550 is a true sports coupe in the purest German tradition: comfortable, pleasant, stylish and luxurious. At $131,000, the price is perhaps the only thing that cools off my enthusiasm about this car.
 |
Ultra-luxurious interior
Sophisticated safety features
 |
Complex accessories
Pricey options
 |
None
photo:Marc Bouchard
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