2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550

In Europe they call them grand tourers. In America they go by the label of personal luxury car. I’m talking about big, powerful two-door coupes that, while they had back seats, really concentrated on coddling the driver and a front seat partner. While rare, these cars still exist, and this new Mercedes-Benz CL550 is one of the finest examples.

And this concept is still very appealing.  The 2007 Mercedes Benz CL-Class clearly harkens back to the luxury coupes of past decades. But its surface blends cues from legendary Benz coupes with almost futuristic styling.

Long, sweeping lines find their starting marks at a slippery front-end. The wider three-slat grille is flanked by flared Bi-Xenon corner following headlamps.

The CL-Class’ flagship profile is enhanced by steroidal wheel arches, while the lack of a B-pillar grants an almost panoramic view.  The seamless roof line leads back to a wraparound rear glass. 

The dual-exhaust nicely punctuates the CL’s sporting character as do the 18-inch finely detailed alloy wheels, all elements of a prestige car that clearly is the part.

And the new generation CL is also loaded with as much cutting-edge engineering as it is with the classic style.  That engineering starts at comprehensive safety, with a strong energy-absorbing body structure and nine standard airbags including rear side protection and driver-side knee-bag.  Add to that an updated Pre-Safe system which takes pro-active measures in an imminent crash, like taking up seat belt slack, and is now linked to the Distronic Plus Adaptive Cruise Control, using radar to police the distance to car ahead.

For safer driving after dusk, optional Night View Assist uses infrared projectors and camera to display an enhanced black & white image of the road.

No surprise the sublime CL is based on the S-Class sedan. This sleek two-door coupe has an overall length of 199.4 inches, about a three-inch gain over its predecessor.

Inside our test CL550 is a handsome, understated cabin laden in leather and wood trim. A long, deep hood protects comprehensive gauges and displays from glare. Elegant touches include a classic analog clock and warm ambient lighting.

Fourteen-way power heated front seats with optional ventilation are furthered by the available Dynamic Seats to bolster drivers who drive like they feel. Navigation is standard, and a rearview camera can be added.

Enjoy a 600-watt, 11-speaker Harmon Kardon surround sound system, and hands-free phone link with Voice Control, as well as dual-zone climate control with the latest COMAND system joystick controller to run just about everything.

The rear seats are well-bolstered and accommodate two mature adults for that couples weekend where 12.9 cubic feet of opulent trunk, with self latching lid, will come in handy.

But this rear-drive grand tourer must live up to its genre by more than appearances. Power for our 4500-pound CL550 erupts from a 5.5-liter double-overhead cam V8 with variable valve timing, outputting 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque.

The CL600 wears a 5.5-liter bi-turbo V12 producing 510 horsepower.  But, there’s more – the 2008 AMG CL 63 kicks V8 horsepower to 518, while the AMG CL 65 speaks 604 horses from the V12.

Our 550 mates to a seven-speed automatic with manual shift as well as Sport and Comfort modes.  The CL600 hooks up to a five-speed auto.

At the track, our CL 550 sprinted from 0 to 60 in 6 seconds flat and shot through the quarter-mile in 14.1 seconds at 101 miles-per-hour. All worthy numbers.

Our V8 is strong off the blocks and builds power in a rush.  Yet, shifts are buttery smooth and lend well to a premium performance feel.

Superb handling is aided by enhanced electronic stability and traction control and an ABC active suspension. Virtually eliminating body roll, ABC has a sport mode for even greater stability.

But even with all these driver aids, the steering is feedback resistant.  And spiking the CL550’s throttle can provoke the rear to twitch.  But, it’s quickly reined in by the stability control.

Brakes are Mercedes-Benz standard issue. Four-wheel discs with ABS and Brake Assist.  Stops from 60 averaged 123 feet. Fine for any car, especially one this heavy.

We can’t even find too much fault with Government Fuel Economy ratings at 15 city/22 highway.  We managed 19 miles-per-gallon on premium fuel.

But then we doubt anyone who can afford $100,675 for the CL550 worries about that. Or the $1,300 Gas Guzzler Tax.  For the record, the CL600 starts at $144,975.

Now, for those of you who chafe when we laud praises on such an expensive trinket like the CL-Class, we understand. To you these cars are absurd. But to us, they are machines worth working a lifetime for, and we’re glad they’re not extinct.  If we cannot have our dreams, and cars like the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, we might stay awake forever.