What they said when the Mercedes CL-Class was new... (2007)
IT would appear that if Mercedes-Benz had its way, that time-honoured cliche, 'What do you buy for the person who has everything?' could actually come down to just one thing ... a Mercedes.
In most cases, the German carmaker's luxury products do include virtually everything you could ever need in the standard manifest, For most of us there is just one stumbling block - price.
But money would seem to be no object for fans of the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class which, with 47,000 sold worlwide, has already proved that affordability is not a problem.
This seventh generation of Mercedes' illustrious line of large coupes which date back to the W188 of the Fifties, is due to go on sale on March 1 and is said to boast an unprecedented level of specification.
At the heart of its sophisticated gadgetry is a COMAND controller sited on the centre console which simplifies driver-vehicle interaction by providing rapid access to the likes of satellite navigation, radio, DVD and MP3 players.
Standard kit levels also include luxury climate control, leather seating with electric adjust, electric windows all round, powered door mirrors and sunroof plus sound system with six-disc CD all of which are couched in stunningly elegant coupe styling.
In addition, the Intelligent Light System comes as standard, with headlights which follow the road and illuminate the area to the side of the vehicle at junctions.
An optional extra is the Advanced Parking Guidance system which uses sensors to measure the length of a parking space as you drive past. The dash display indicates if there is sufficient space in which to park and once reverse is engaged, the display then provides a representation of the parking manoeuvre.
Three models will be offered from March 1, the 5.5 litre CL 500, the CL 600 powered by a reworked 517bhp bi-turbo V12 petrol engine and the range-topping CL 63 AMG, driven by the world-beating naturally aspirated 525bhp petrol-powered V8.
All come with new standards of luxury, substantially enhanced specification plus more dynamic ability and, while each engine delivers even more usable power, despite the seven per cent increase in price, the whole package is said to offer considerably better value for money than its predecessor.
Boasting a front end which introduces that 70s/80s retro look and a ready-to-pounce, cat-like silhouette, this latest three-door CL-Class Coupe is also slightly larger overall than the quite roomy outgoing model.
This translates into even more space and comfort for occupants and their stuff, particularly in the front where the new electric parking brake has freed up even more room.
A comfortable driving position behind that legendary three-pointed star is easily arrived at via the seat and steering wheel electrics.
In addition, high quality materials have been tastefully introduced within a cabin where almost everything is cosseting to the touch while an already generous boot has been extended by some 40-litres.
At the car's UK launch I was able to drive the entry level CL 500, which is powered by a new 5.5-litre V8 petrol engine.
Paired with the smooth-shifting 7G-Tronic seven-speed auto transmission, it produces awesome performance figures, covering the 0-62mph dash in 5.5 seconds and going on to a max speed of 155mph.
ABS braking with Brake Assist (BAS) provides the necessary levels of arresting power to call a halt to the proceedings.
In addition, Mercedes' newly-developed world first in active safety technology, the PRE-SAFE Brake System that can trigger automatic partial braking before full brake force intervention by the driver, is an available option for £1,253.
For a big car, the CL 500 handles superbly well. Thanks to Active Body Control (ABC), the handling dynamics are even further improved, with drastically reduced levels of roll in spirited cornering.
Driver safety is enhanced by the standard-fit Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), a superbly comfortable ride is further complemented by a decided lack of noise, resulting in very refined M-way cruising.
On the road prices start at £79,550 for the CL 500, rise through £103,450 for the CL 63 AMG and top out at £106,995 for the CL 600.
While membership of this very exclusive Mercedes-Benz club is obviously not going to be cheap, the German car maker confidently points out that its all-new CL Class Coupe is well set to earn even greater popularity than its predecessor.
Words: Malcolm Robertshaw
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