2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Miami FL

November 3, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2009 Mercedes-Benz
CLS-Class
DriverSide Overview
The four-door coupe is quite a conundrum. Sure, it’s mostly a term made up by clever marketing reps looking to create a smart automotive segment, but looking at the CLS, one can’t help but agree that it actually does look like a four-door coupe. It’s been three years since the launch of the CLS and the competition is finally starting to catch on, with models due from Volkswagen, Porsche and others due out in the near future. As part of an attempt to more closely interrelate the coupe family within Mercedes-Benz – not to mention fire a warning shot to towards the upcoming opposition – the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 receives a few minor exterior tweaks, including a slightly reworked front grill, 32 percent larger rearview mirrors and LED taillights, proving that Mercedes is comfortable not overly altering an already excellent formula.








What's to Like
While it might not be as revolutionary as it was a few years ago, the CLS’s unconventional form is still a head-turner. Good V-8 power means the CLS has dynamics to match its sweet looks. The interior is up to typically high Mercedes-Benz standards.

What's Not to Like
Trying to explain to everyone that you own a four-door coupe. Expensive options make it easy to get outside the base price range quickly. Some might prefer the adequately powered but less fuel hungry 3.5-liter V-6 engine offered in Europe.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
Not too much of the driving experience has changed in the CLS over the outgoing model, but don’t get us wrong, that’s not a bad thing. The three-spoke steering wheel certainly gives base model CLS a sportier feel before you even fire it up, and once you do, the soundtrack of the 5.5-liter V-8 won’t disappoint. The CLS550 rockets from 0-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, though it is capable of shaving 0.2 seconds off that time in manual mode. The CLS handles predictably through turns and can be progressively pushed to the limit, at which point the Electronic Stability Program will intervene and keep the car on course, though it does give you plenty of room to play before taking over and can be deactivated at the driver’s discretion.

Engine and Drivetrain
The CLS550 is powered by a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V-8 that develops 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque, figures which translate to effortless acceleration. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels via a 7G-Tronic seven-speed transmission that makes for low rpm highway cruising.

Interesting Vehicle Features and Options
The CLS’s steering wheel features a revised and very logical control scheme for the COMAND system, which is accessed via the centrally located 6.5-inch color display. For the frequent freeway driver, Mercedes’ optional Distronic adaptive cruise control system ca...

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