• 2009 Mercedes Benz CL-Class

• Used Mercedes Benz CL-Class
• Repairs Mercedes Benz CL-Class

These scores and this review are from when the car was new.

Scorecard

Overall:	2009 Mercedes Benz CL-Class U.S. News Best Cars 8.7
Critics' Rating:	9.3
Performance:	8.8
Interior:	8.6
Safety:	N/A
Reliability:

How we calculate scores

Research analyzed for this review

Pros & Cons

• Powerful 510-horsepower V12 engine
• Outstanding handling dynamics
• Classy exterior design
• Excellent interior fit and finish

• Cramped rear seat lacks legroom
• COMAND multi-media interface difficult to use

Research Other Years

• 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
• 2010 Mercedes Benz CL-Class
• 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes Benz CL delivers a powerful and comfortable ride clothed in elegant sheetmetal and complemented by luxurious interior accommodations.

Overall, auto writers are pleased with the 2009 Mercedes Benz CL's powerful, yet comfortable, performance and classy exterior and interior cues. In fact, Edmunds writes, "Fast, classy and comfortable for four, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class sets the standard in the grand touring coupe class." Even so, reviewers complain that its backseat is cramped and COMAND system is confusing to operate. Most, however, agree that these are minor issues that shouldn't dissuade buyers.

For 2009, Mercedes equips the CL550 with its 4Matic all-wheel drive system. The CL600, however, operates on a rear-wheel drivetrain.

If you're in the market for a classy super luxury sports car, consider the Jaguar XK. However, keep in mind that its backseat is also quite cramped. If you want something more aggressive than elegant, check out the Dodge Viper. It doesn't have a backseat, but then again the CL and XK's rear rows are useless. 

The CL is available in two trims: CL550 and CL600. High performance CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG models are also available.

• "Sumptuously furnished, beautiful to behold, and packed with enough technology to make a Radio Shack employee blush, the CL is a perfectly understated vehicle for showcasing your success." -- Car and Driver
• "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 coupes are a wonderful indulgence." -- Consumer Guide
• "Along with the cachet that comes with driving this $100,00-plus automobile is the acknowledgement that its fluid, flowing lines are accompanied by superb V8 performance and one of the most dazzling arrays of hi-tech equipment ever packed into a single vehicle." -- Kelley Blue Book