| The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class consists of four models, each with its own engine and transmission.
CL-Class standard equipment is comprehensive.
The seats, doors and instrument panel are all leather covered, and burled walnut or black ash wood trim is used liberally.
The front seats are 14-way adjustable, heated and ventilated, and have three-setting memory capability that also sets the electrically telescoping-and-tilting steering wheel and side mirrors.
The audio system is a 600-watt harman/kardon Logic7 surround sound with 11 speakers and a 6CD in-dash changer, memory card slot and auxiliary inputs.
Sirius satellite radio is standard.
There's a power sunroof overhead and a power sunshade in the rear parcel shelf.
Doors have power assist closing mechanisms, and the trunk-lid is electrically powered.
Side glass is dual-pane and infrared-reflective The Mercedes COMAND system, a centralized computer interface with a dash-mounted flat panel screen, is standard.
It enables access to many of the car's accessories including navigation, phone, climate controls, and other customizable features (exterior courtesy lights, seat settings and voice command setup).
Curve-following bi-Xenon headlights and rear fog lights are standard too, as is Parktronic, a distance sensing parking aid hidden behind the bumpers.
The Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC ($113,150) has a 4.7-liter (4663-cc) twin-turbo V8 rated at 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, a 7-speed automatic transmission, air suspension and all-wheel drive.
The CL550 4MATIC Premium 2 Package ($3,490) includes keyless entry system, dynamic contour front seats fitted with pneumatic chambers that adjust cushion firmness and lumbar support, a night vision system with pedestrian detection, and a rear backup camera.
A Driver Assist package ($2,950) adds Distronic Plus active cruise control, active lane-keeping assist and active blind spot warning.
A Sport Package adds special aerodynamic pieces and larger 19-inch wheels ($5,900) or 20-inch wheels ($6,650).
Or choose 19-inch ($1,270) or 20-inch ($2,070) wheels by themselves.
Other options include a heated steering wheel ($490), Splitview ($700), Diamond White metallic paint ($795), and illuminated door sills ($700).
The Mercedes-Benz CL600 ($157,000) uses a 5.5-liter twin turbo V12 with 510 hp, 612 lb-ft of torque, and a 5-speed automatic transmission.
The CL600 includes virtually everything as standard equipment, including Active Body Control suspension and Distronic Plus.
Only the 20-inch wheels, Diamond White paint, illuminated door sills, Splitview and some dealer accessories are optional.
The Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG ($150,250) uses a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 rated at 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque along with a 7-speed multi-clutch transmission.
The CL63 AMG comes with distinct bodywork and higher-performance brakes, suspension, wheels and tires.
Options include the Driver Assist package ($2950), Premium 2 package ($2,200), Diamond White paint, Splitview, and an AMG Performance package ($7,300) that raises power and the top speed limiter from 155 to 186 mph.
Forged 20-inch wheels ($1,700), carbon fiber cabin trim ($3,500), AMG illuminated door sills ($1,000), and a heated wood and leather steering wheel are available.
The Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG ($209,300) features a twin-turbo V12 rated at 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque through an AMG Speedshift 5-speed automatic.
CL65 AMG models are fully equipped and use a unique diamond-quilt pattern on seats and door panels, and offer the heated steering wheel, carbon fiber trim and forged 20-inch wheels at no charge.
Only Splitview, AMG door sills ($1,000) and Diamond White paint are extra.
A Gas Guzzler Tax applies to the CL63 AMG ($1000) and CL65 AMG ($2600).
(All prices are Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Prices, which do not include destination charge and may change at any time without notice.) Designo features, lavish finishes and custom colors are available to personalize the cars to taste.
Safety features on all CL-Class models include a pair of two-stage front airbags, a driver's-side knee airbag, front side airbags, rear side airbags, and side-curtain airbags for front and rear passengers.
There are seatbelt pre-tensioners for the front passengers' belts.
Windows and sunroof close automatically if the car detects an impending collision.
Also standard: ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and automatic wet-weather drying, dynamic stability control, traction control, and Distronic cruise control.
Optional safety equipment includes Distronic Plus distance-sensing cruise control with Parking Guidance and Blind Spot Assist.
All-wheel drive comes on the CL550 4MATIC, which improves handling stability in slippery conditions. |