2010 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class receives only a few minor updates for 2010. New, larger side mirrors dress up the exteriors of the luxury-oriented CL-Class sport coupes. In addition, Mercedes adds a number of new optional features for 2010, including a night vision camera, adaptive headlights, and the Attention Assist drowsiness alert system, which monitors a number of inputs and uses a chime and warning light to alert the driver should it detect signs of drowsiness.

The CL-Class received its last major update in 2007. For 2010, the long, low, and sleek CL-Class coupes retain their pillarless cabin design, which results in clean, uninterrupted side profiles with the windows open or closed. Other design features for the CL-Class coupes include flared wheel wells, a rakish hood, and a tapered roofline, all of which add to the coupes' sportiness.

Mercedes offers the CL-Class in CL550 4MATIC, CL600, and CL63 AMG trims for 2010. All seat four passengers, and all deliver high performance and luxurious interiors. A 382-hp, 5.5-liter V8 powers the CL550 4MATIC, which serves as the entry point for the CL-Class, despite its six-figure sticker price. The V8 generates 391 lb-ft of torque and drives the CL550 4MATIC from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds. The engine links to a dual-mode seven-speed automatic transmission with Touch Shift, which enables drivers to shift manually. In addition, drivers can select from Comfort and Sport shift and suspension modes. The Mercedes 4MATIC AWD system works in conjunction with the four-wheel Electronic Traction System, which brakes the wheels with the most traction individually when it detects slippage to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle.

The rear-wheel-drive CL600 retains its big twin-turbo V12, which pumps out 510 hp and an impressive 612 lb-ft of torque. The engine's two compact turbochargers are designed to minimize turbo lag and help push the CL600 from 0-60 in just 4.5 seconds. The engine connects to a five-speed automatic transmission specifically configured to channel the massive torque to the wheels. In addition, the drive-adaptive transmission monitors the driver's style and adjusts shift points accordingly.

At the top of the CL-Class lineup, the rear-wheel-drive CL63 AMG sports a hand-built, naturally aspirated 6.3-liter V8 engine, which delivers 518 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The CL63 AMG rides on an AMG sports suspension, and features a number of components designed by AMG, Mercedes' in-house tuner, including AMG sport seats, an AMG sports exhaust system, and a high-performance braking system, as well as AMG exterior styling.

Standard features throughout the CL-Class include leather seats, Burl Walnut interior trim, heated and cooled power-adjustable front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and automatic climate control. A 600-watt Harman Kardon AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD changer and Sirius satellite radio provides entertainment for passengers in all CL-Class coupes. In addition, all CL-Class coupes come standard with a voice-activated hard-drive navigation system, the Parktronic electronic parking aid, and a power tilt-and-slide sunroof. The CL600 also includes the Distronic Plus Intelligent Cruise Control system, which maintains a preset distance behind the vehicle ahead. The system can adjust the car's speed up to 125 mph or bring the coupe to a complete stop. It's available as an option on the other CL-Class trims.

Electronic stability control, speed-sensitive steering, and antilock brakes come standard throughout the line. The CL550 4MATIC and the CL600 ride on 18-inch wheels, while the CL63 AMG travels on 20-inch staggered wheels, which are wider in the back to improve traction and stability.

By R. Feeman