Mercedes-Benz CL

An S-Class by Any Other Name
Geneva - Taking a tack similar to its national rival BMW, which just released the coupe derivative of its 3 Series platform, Mercedes pulled the wraps off the two-door, CL version of the redesigned S-Class sedan. Unlike the comparably affordable BMW, however, the Mercedes-Benz CL 500 and CL 600 will range in price from $90,000 to $135,000.

To be sure, the CL coupe distinguishes itself with an individual style not usually evidenced between coupes and sedans of the same platform. The quad-headlight front fascia is closer in design to the CLK coupe than to the comparably sedate S-Class sedan, and the upper structure of the CL is uniquely coupe, from the bowed profile to the deleted B-pillar to the sporty rear taillights.

What you wouldn't expect is less for your money, but the new CL is in fact shorter in length, height, and wheelbase than the car it replaces. It's also lighter by over 100 pounds, thanks to the extensive use of materials such as aluminum, magnesium and even plastics. Despite the exterior shrinkage, interior room has actually grown, and the standard equipment list -- much of which is carried over from the previous model -- is still a mile long.

Innovative bells and whistles abound in the CL, not the least of which is the new "Active Body Control," an active suspension system that uses high-pressure hydraulics to eliminate body roll, squat and dive during cornering, acceleration and braking.

A DISRONIC radar-equipped cruise control is optional. According to a Mercedes-Benz press release about the CL, "This cruise control keeps the S-Class constantly at the set safe distance from the vehicle in front by means of radar sensor." Huh? S-Class? And here we thought that this was an all-new vehicle. But aside from style and function, the CL's mechanical parts are carried over from the new S-Class.

A choice of walnut or chestnut wood trim can be found on the doors, shift lever, steering wheel and center console. The CL is further draped in leather from headliner to armrest (cushy Nappa leather in the case of the CL 600).

A new V12 resides under the hood of the CL 600, making 367 horsepower and 391 foot-pounds of torque. The CL 500 gets a 306-horsepower V8 that generates 340 ft-lbs of torque. The V12 employs a cylinder cutout system, so under light duty such as the highway, only six cylinders will fire, thus improving fuel economy. A cutout system is optional on the CL 500.

Mercedes expects to sell 9,000 CLs per year, 3,000 of which will go to the U.S. Compared to last year, the company believes that demand for the exclusive coupe will double, and that the worldwide market for luxury coupes will grow by some 30 percent. Wow, does this mean that the Asian economy is due for a rebound? Either that, or people are tired of paying this kind of dough and only getting a Ferrari.