2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4-Matic New Orleans LA
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New Orleans, LA
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New Orleans, LA
2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4-Matic
November 3, 2009 By Brian Alexander, Content Editor
2009 Mercedes-Benz
CL-Class
DriverSide Overview
Historically in America, large coupes haven’t enjoyed the same allure associated with them as they have in Europe. Americans tend to gravitate towards large, plush sedans or performance-biased imports within the high-end segment, but with the reintroduction of the BMW 6-Series , the reworked Jaguar XK and XF and the continued success of Aston Martin, there has been somewhat of a large coupe (or grand touring car, as they are also known) revival in recent years. Good thing too, because no luxury car buyer should go without at least testing overly-luxurious, all-weather capabilities of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4-Matic , a car crammed with enough technology to impress a stealth fighter pilot. Purists might be scared away by its chunky dimensions – and rightfully so – but somehow Mercedes has circumvented the laws of physics and created a GT that delivers an engaging drive when pushed hard. Without a doubt, when it comes to making rapid progress in pure, decadent comfort, it doesn’t get much better than from within the cavernous interior of this most massive of coupes. Mash the gas and say, "ahhhh."
What's to Like
The CL is a machine of elegance and everything, from the fantastic multi-function LCD instrument panel to the climate control buttons, has an aura of quality and sophistication about it. 4-Matic all-wheel drive makes the CL a competent year-rounder regardless of where you live, while V-8 power moves it with surprising ease.
What's Not to Like
For the same price you could have a C63 AMG for the summer, a Subaru WRX STI for the winter and still have some pocket change left over for an African safari, Antarctic cruise or whatever it is rich people do for fun. We don’t know exactly, but it’s expensive.
The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Upon first sight, the CL brings a few words to mind – massive, heavy, wide, unwieldy and cumbersome to name a few. Yet somehow, the CL doesn’t drive as such. The steering is light and direct, though feedback is understandably slightly vague given the amount of electronic assistance between the driver and the wheels. Weighing in at 4,639 lbs, the CL550 uses its modest-for-the-size 382 hp to manage a startlingly quick sprint to 60 mph in just 5.3 seconds. On narrow roads, the CL still feels wide, but handles nimbly, its mass only manifesting itself through faster corners where it may require a secondary steering input to keep the car on line. The 4-Matic system moves power between all four wheels as needed, helping to keep the big CL in proper shape, especially on slippery, low-grip surfaces.
Engine and Drivetrain
The CL550 is powered by Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-liter V-8, which develops 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque from at a relatively low 2800 rpm. The V-8 is vocal under power, especia...