2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Base

New for 2007, the Mercedes-Benz CLS550 four-door coupe (which was the automaker's description) was powered by a new 5.5-liter, 32-valve V8 engine that produced 382 horsepower. The engine was linked to a seven-speed automatic transmission equipped with a driver-adaptive system that automatically adjusted shift points based on a driver's style, as well as a Touch Shift feature that allowed the driver to upshift or downshift manually by nudging the shift lever left or right.

Standard features for the CLS550 included an Electronic Stability Program that monitored steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving. Also part of the package were all-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes, a Brake Assist system for emergency situations, and an Adaptive Damping System, which enabled drivers to select sport or comfort driving modes. The system would then automatically adjust the ride and handling accordingly.

Exterior features included a silver grille with four chrome ribs, dual chrome exhaust pipes, a power tilt and sliding tinted glass sunroof, power heated exterior mirrors, light-sensing headlights, and touch turn signals that flashed three times at a single touch for signaling.

Inside, standard features were extensive, and included 10-way power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, premium leather upholstery, hand-polished Laurel wood trim, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and shift knob, a four-zone climate control system, electronic cruise control, power windows, and a 12-speaker Harmon/Kardon surround-sound stereo system with a CD player.

Drivers found the CLS550's styling to be unique and appealing. They also liked the car's ride and handling, as well as its quality craftsmanship and power. But some drivers thought the back seat was uncomfortable, and others noted that visibility out the back was below par.