Mercedes Benz CL 550/600/63 AMG 2007
January 1, 2007
Whenever a new S-class sedan appears on the scene, as one did in early 2006, you know that a new CL coupe is not far behind. Essentially a two-door version of the big Mercedes sedan, the CL takes all the performance, prestige, and creature comforts of the S-class and distills them into a more intimate, less common package. As before, the CL’s styling is characterized by its arched roofline and the full sweep of side glass lent by the absence of a B-pillar. The new S-class’s prominent wheel arch contours also remain. Right now you can choose only between the base CL550 and the CL600, which plays in a similar league with the Bentley Continental GT. But an even more powerful V-12 model—the CL65 AMG—is likely to debut soon with 604 hp and 738 ft lbs of torque under its hood, so you may wish to wait.
PRICE: $98,000 (CL550, estimated); $135,000 (CL600, estimated)
ENGINE: 5.5-liter V-8 (CL550); 5.5-liter twin-turbocharged V-12
(CL600)
TRANSMISSION: 7-speed automatic (CL550); 5-speed automatic (CL600)
POWER: 382 hp at 6,000 rpm (CL550); 510 hp at 5,000 rpm (CL600)
TORQUE: 391 ft lbs at 2,800 rpm (CL550); 612 ft lbs at 1,800 rpm
(CL600)
CURB WEIGHT: 4,360 pounds (CL550); 4,890 pounds (CL600)
0-60 MPH: 5.4 seconds (CL550); 4.5 seconds (CL600)
TOP SPEED: 130 mph (limited)
PROS: Fast, comfortable and exclusive
CONS: Heavy as coupes go
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