One of them is DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control, which monitors proximity to surrounding traffic and automatically applies the brakes as soon as your car starts to get too close to the vehicle in front. Out here, where speed limits are much higher than in Canada, this system is particularly useful.
Blind spot monitoring, brake assist and, of course, ESP with traction control all add to the peace of mind of passengers.
The biggest news for 2009 is the addition of the brand's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard equipment with every CL model. This highly acclaimed and effective system operates with precision and no hesitation. In fact, it recently helped the smaller C-Class win our AWD Sedan Comparison Test.
Same engine, same performance
As for the powertrain, there are no upgrades to report about. The Mercedes-Benz CL once again relies on a 382-hp, 5.5L V8 which, as you can guess, is quite powerful enough despite the heavy weight of the car. On the winding roads of Austria, just like on the famous autobahns, the CL550 moved forward with disconcerting ease, leaving many other drivers far behind.
While the suspension offers Comfort and Sport settings, engineers primarily tuned it with ride quality in mind. As a result, when I zigzagged through a series of sharp turns at high speed, I noticed more body roll and sway than with the new CLS. The drive sure is comfortable but less dynamic. That said, who would buy a CL-Class if they look for sporty handling?
Crazy!
Scorching sun and pristine roads: the Austrian countryside was the perfect setting for our road test. And believe me, the 2009 CL was up to the task, showcasing its grand touring skills by delivering both performance and refined luxury.
It also reminded me how impeccably comfortable and minutely executed this German is. I couldn't resist hitting the road and singing along Alanis Morrissette with her hit cover song Crazy. The riverbanks of the Danube will echo those sounds forever...
photo:Marc Bouchard
Blind spot monitoring, brake assist and, of course, ESP with traction control all add to the peace of mind of passengers.
The biggest news for 2009 is the addition of the brand's 4MATIC all-wheel drive system as standard equipment with every CL model. This highly acclaimed and effective system operates with precision and no hesitation. In fact, it recently helped the smaller C-Class win our AWD Sedan Comparison Test.
 |
| The Mercedes-Benz CL once again relies on a 382-hp, 5.5L V8. |
Same engine, same performance
As for the powertrain, there are no upgrades to report about. The Mercedes-Benz CL once again relies on a 382-hp, 5.5L V8 which, as you can guess, is quite powerful enough despite the heavy weight of the car. On the winding roads of Austria, just like on the famous autobahns, the CL550 moved forward with disconcerting ease, leaving many other drivers far behind.
While the suspension offers Comfort and Sport settings, engineers primarily tuned it with ride quality in mind. As a result, when I zigzagged through a series of sharp turns at high speed, I noticed more body roll and sway than with the new CLS. The drive sure is comfortable but less dynamic. That said, who would buy a CL-Class if they look for sporty handling?
Crazy!
Scorching sun and pristine roads: the Austrian countryside was the perfect setting for our road test. And believe me, the 2009 CL was up to the task, showcasing its grand touring skills by delivering both performance and refined luxury.
It also reminded me how impeccably comfortable and minutely executed this German is. I couldn't resist hitting the road and singing along Alanis Morrissette with her hit cover song Crazy. The riverbanks of the Danube will echo those sounds forever...
photo:Marc Bouchard
2009 Mercedes CL-Class CL550 4MATIC
2009 Mercedes CL-Class CL550 4MATIC
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