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Mercedes Benz CL - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Mercedes Benz CL ranks 3 out of 8 Super Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 41 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes Benz CL, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

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

CL Performance - 8.7 (Very Good)

Test drivers find that the '09 CL is powerful and handles exceptionally well. "Even at high speeds the car glides as smoothly as a Venetian gondola, the transmission traveling seamlessly through its seven gears," writes Kelley Blue Book. "The active body control suspension is especially effective, hydraulically adjusting all four wheels depending upon driving situations." New for the CL550 is a 4Matic all-wheel drive system. continue

CL Exterior - 8.6 (Very Good)

Critics admire the CL's attractive, high-class exterior design. Cars.com writes,"One of the CL550's best attributes is its pillarless-coupe profile, which emphasizes its flowing roofline." continue

CL Interior - 8.5 (Very Good)

Auto writers praise the CL for its lavish cabin. "The CL boasts the same elegant, luxurious interior design as the S-Class sedan," writes Edmunds. "Supple leathers, gleaming polished wood and metallic trim are of the highest quality, and fit and finish is superb" Still, reviewers take issue with its rear seats and COMAND multi-media system. continue

CL Safety - NA

Though the '09 CL hasn't been crash tested, it comes equipped with loads of advanced safety technology -- including a PRE-SAFE system. continue

CL Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)

The 2009 Mercedes Benz CL reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercedes Benz covers the 2009 CL with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue