2009 Mercedes-Benz C-Class: With a substantial makeover for 2008, there are only detail changes for 2009. As before, the C-Class continues to come in Sport and Luxury configurations, and you have your choice of 228-horsepower 3.0-liter V6 or a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6. As promised, the C300 Luxury gets a more compliant calibration for its suspension for 2009, while the C350 gets a power-adjustable steering column and driver-side seat memory as standard equipment. Every C-Class gets new-style pelvic-protection airbags for the front-seat passengers. The computerized hard drive that runs the navigation system gets 40-gigabyte capacity for more audio file storage as well. Meanwhile, the C63 AMG was introduced this summer, and its 451-hp 6.2-liter AMG V8 (the C-Class can't get enough air under its hood to help the engine crack the 500-hp barrier) makes this car a thrill ride not to be missed.
2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: The CL is something like a cross between a Bentley Continental GT and a Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, a luxurious device for cross-country travel that's very, very, very fast. Perhaps because of its cross-country abilities, the 382-hp CL550 V8 now comes only with 4Matic all-wheel drive for traction and stability in all-weather driving. Some additional feature content is part of the program as well, like the use of shift paddles on the steering wheel for the seven-speed automatic instead of buttons, plus parking guidance and a blind-spot warning device. The car rides on new 18-inch wheels so everyone will know this is the 2009 model. Meanwhile, the 510-hp CL60 and 604-hp CL65 AMG with their V12 engines remain unchanged, and there's the 518-hp CL63 AMG if you're looking for a hot-rod V8.
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class: The CLK is more notable this year for what's missing, as the short production run of the CLK63 AMG Black Series has concluded. Instead we have a new luxury-style Grand Edition of the 268-hp CLK350 coupe and convertible (just 500 cars in each configuration), which carry AMG-style bodywork plus 18-inch wheels and tires. The coupe comes in silver and the convertible comes in white. The 382-hp CLK550 is unchanged.
2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class: After three years in which this Mercedes sedan with a low, coupe-style roof has set a trend that Aston Martin, Lamborghini, Porsche and even Volkswagen have followed, the CLS has been freshened with a new-look two-bar grille, outside mirrors, taillights, a rear bumper and even trapezoidal tips for the exhaust system. Passengers are more likely to appreciate a new multimedia interface with a standard hard-drive-based navigation system, a six-disc CD changer and Bluetooth connectivity. The driver will hold a sportier three-spoke steering wheel that now incorporates shift paddles for the seven-speed automatic transmission. As before, you have your choice of the 382-hp CL550 or 507-hp CLS63 AMG.
2009 Mercedes-Benz E-Class: Diesel comes to the E-Class in all 50 states this year with the E320 Bluetec version of both the sedan and wagon. Every E-Class gets the new head unit for the entertainment system with its six-disc CD changer, plus Bluetooth connectivity and available satellite radio. Mercedes' 4Matic all-wheel drive is standard for all sedans. The content of the various E-Class models continues unchanged. These models are distinguished by the 210-hp diesel V6, 268-hp V6, 382-hp V8 and 507-hp AMG V8.
2009 Mercedes-Benz G-Class: The Gelandewagen nameplate celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, and the G-Class shows once again that this straightforward utility vehicle is too tough to die, with a new grille, plus passenger indulgences that include heated and cooled front seats. The 382-hp G550 takes the place of the former G500, and the G55's supercharged AMG V8 now develops 500 hp.
2009 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class: The GL sport-utility was substantially revised for 2008, so it receives only detail improvements for 2009 that include the new corporate media system with surround sound and iPod compatibility, plus an available rear-seat entertainment system with two 8-inch viewing screens. The 335-hp GL450 and 382-hp GL550 continue as before, while the GL320 Bluetec with its 210-hp turbodiesel is available in all 50 states.
2009 Mercedes-Benz M-Class: A larger grille and new headlights distinguish the 2009 M-Class, and the skid plate is rust-resistant stainless steel. The driver benefits in the new model year from a reshaped seat and a four-spoke steering wheel that incorporates shift paddles. The 268-hp ML350, 382-hp ML550 and 503-hp ML63 AMG continue as before and the civilian gas-powered models get new 19-inch wheels, while the AMG version rides on 20s.
2009 Mercedes-Benz R-Class: If you're interested in family transportation, the R320 Bluetec can be had with its 210-hp V6 turbodiesel in all 50 states this October. If you'd rather travel executive class, then you'll want the 268-hp R350 with its standard 4Matic all-wheel drive. The sunroof is now standard, and you can buy a Class II towing package as an option. The new Mercedes entertainment system also comes to the R-Class with its iPod connectivity and surround-sound audio. A rear-seat entertainment system with twin 8-inch viewing screens is available as an option.
2009 Mercedes-Benz S-Class: Only detail changes for the Mercedes premium sedan, which has once again emerged as a favorite in its market segment. Perhaps to celebrate, the 382-hp S550 in both rear- and all-wheel-drive versions receives the Premium 1 option package and the leather-wrapped wood-trimmed steering wheel as standard equipment, not to mention a new 18-inch wheel design. Shift paddles come to the steering wheel for every S-Class, which includes both the S550 and the 510-hp S600. The S600 also gets new 19-inch wheels. Meanwhile, the 518-hp S63 AMG and 604-hp S65 AMG continue unchanged.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class: Introduced this summer, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL has been restyled with a more aggressive look that includes a single-bar grille, angular headlights and a bulging hood. They're complemented by a rear aero diffuser and trapezoidal exhaust tips. There's a more sporting look in the SL's interior as well, notably a three-spoke steering wheel fitted with shift paddles. The 382-hp SL550 V8 and 510-hp SL600 V12 continue as before, but the big news is the SL63 AMG. Its 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 is now matched to a redesigned seven-speed transmission with a wet-type clutch to replace the torque converter, so it delivers crisper throttle response. Meanwhile, those who are crazy for pure speed might prefer the 604-hp SL65 AMG with its turbocharged V12. A panorama roof is now standard equipment, and there's the new Mercedes entertainment interface in case you need more entertaining.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Introduced last spring, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK has been restyled in the SL idiom with a more aggressive, sporting look both outside and in. The 228-hp SLK300 replaces the former SLK280 and rides on new 17-inch wheels, while the SLK350 has a sporting, 300-hp tune for its 3.5-liter V6 (you can tell from the red stripe on the engine cover), as well as the 17-inch wheels. The 355-hp SLK55 AMG continues unchanged, however.
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren: This is the slow-selling super sports car that no one really wanted. McLaren wanted to build a midengine car instead; Mercedes wanted to engineer its own front-engine car. And no one wanted to buy the $1 million car in any case. After being transformed into various special editions in an effort to stimulate sales, the SLR McLaren is finally reaching the end of its life. Buy one before it's gone.
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