2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

Two new CL-Class trims debut for 2008. The CL63 AMG and the CL65 AMG both feature performance enhancements and design tweaks courtesy of AMG, Mercedes' in-house high-performance tuner. They join the CL-Class's existing CL550 and CL600 trims, creating a formidable lineup of high-performance, luxury-oriented two-door sport coupes.

Following a major redesign of the CL-Class in 2007, the CL550 and CL600 coupes change little for 2008. They retain their distinctive low, wide stances and smooth, streamlined lines. The CL-Class's pillarless cabin carries over as well, resulting in clean, uninterrupted side profiles with the windows open or closed. Other CL-Class design features, displayed on all four trims, include flared wheel wells, a rakish hood, and a tapered roofline, which adds to the coupes' sportiness. All four trims are rear-wheel-drive vehicles, and all seat four passengers.

At the entry-level position, the CL550 roars out of the gate, charging from 0 to 60 in 5.5 seconds, thanks to its 5.5-liter V8 that produces 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque. Stepping up a notch, the CL600 retains its hefty twin-turbo V12 engine, which generates 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque and pushes the CL600 from 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds. The engines in both coupes link to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

Moving into the stratosphere of performance, the new CL63 AMG boasts a beefy 6.2-liter V8 pumping out 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. At the top of the CL-Class's lineup sits the CL65 AMG, which leaps from 0 to 60 in just 4.2 seconds thanks to its twin-turbo V12, which produces a whopping 604 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque.

Standard features for the CL-Class include leather upholstery, interior wood trim, 14-way power-adjustable heated front seats, a wood-and-leather multifunction steering wheel, a power glass sunroof, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with 6-CD changer. Mercedes-Benz's COMAND Cockpit Management and Data system, integrated with a navigation system and a 20-gigabyte hard drive, also comes standard. Outside, standard features include bi-xenon high-intensity headlights, halogen foglights, heated power mirrors, and rain-sensing headlights.

The CL63 and CL65 add such features as an AMG sports suspension, AMG-designed sport seats, an AMG sports exhaust system, and AMG-calibrated Active Body Control, as well as AMG exterior styling. The CL65 also includes F1-inspired manual shifters for its five-speed automatic transmission.

By R. Feeman