Mercedes-Benz CL550

Mercedes-Benz' high-end, limited-production luxury coupes, which essentially are sport versions of the German automaker's S-Class vehicles, were redesigned for 2007. Not only are the new CL's longer, wider, sleeker, more powerful, and more luxurious than the previous year's vehicles, but they are also available in two new models, including the 2007 CL550 Coupe.
Design-wise, the new CL550 retains the previous models' pillarless design, but now has a wider, more aggressive stance, flared wheel wells, a new grille and front end with a front air dam, a more aerodynamic tail, and super-sharp 18-inch nine-spoke alloy wheels.
Power is provided by a 5.5-liter, 32-valve V8 engine that produces 382 horsepower. It was linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission with electronically controlled shifting and a driver-adaptive system that adjusts shift points depending on the driver's style. The transmission also includes a Comfort mode, which can be selected by the driver, and adjusts upshifts at a lower rpm for better control in difficult driving conditions.
Traditionally, the CL-Class vehicles have received all the latest Mercedes technologies, and the CL550 is no exception. An Electronic Stability Program monitors steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving, while an Active Body Control (ABC) stability system helps reduce body roll to ensure a comfortable yet sporty ride. Anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist are also part of the package.
Also new is a PRE-SAFE system, which works with the Brake Assist and Electronic Stability Program to sense impending accidents and makes adjustments to seating and closes the sunroof and windows to ensure optimal safety for the driver and passengers.
Interior features are numerous, and include 14-way power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, three-level heated front seats, premium leather upholstery and trim, hand-polished Burl Walnut dash and trim, a leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted shift buttons and audio controls, a power rear-window sunshade, a programmable easy-exit feature that adjusts seats and raises the steering column, and an electronic trunk closer.
Other standard features include a power tilt and sliding sunroof, rain-sensing intermittent wipers, dual heated power mirrors, a Variable Doorstop feature that holds the driver's door open at virtually any point, bi-xenon high-intensity headlights, front fog lamps, and Touch Turn Signals that flash three times with one touch for lane shifting and signaling.