The Mercedes CL550 stands as a paragon of exclusivity within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, particularly in the American market. Positioned with a base MSRP exceeding any non-AMG counterpart at the time, and boasting a rarity on US roads surpassed only by the iconic G-Class and the ultra-exclusive SLS AMG, the CL-Class occupies a distinct echelon above its S-Class sibling. It’s often quipped that Ford shifts more F-150s daily than the CL’s entire annual sales figures, a notion seemingly validated by their infrequent sightings. Born from the S-Class lineage in 1998, the CL was intentionally separated to cultivate an aura of unparalleled exclusivity. For those curious about the nomenclature, CL is rumored to signify Comfort Leicht – or Comfort Light. While the comfort aspect is undeniable (and expected at this price point), the “light” designation appears somewhat ironic given the CL’s substantial 4,700-pound curb weight. But does this weight truly detract from the experience? Let’s delve into the details.
The Allure of Exclusivity: Why the 2011 CL 550 Commands Attention
The exclusivity of the CL550 isn’t solely attributed to the general decline in popularity of personal luxury coupes in the US market; price plays a significant role. The “base” 2011 Mercedes CL550 started at a notable $113,150. This price tag inherently creates a barrier to entry, granting owners a level of distinction and uniqueness rarely found in the $80,000 luxury segment. Intriguingly, when luxury car enthusiasts were surveyed at a high-end car gathering, the CL’s understated elegance was a major draw. Unlike flashier vehicles like the Escalade or GL, the CL arrived with a more subdued presence, despite its menacing front grille. Its profile is sleek and refined, avoiding ostentatious “rolling bling.” This graceful and substantial presence is further enhanced by the frameless windows and the absence of B-pillars, contributing to its coupe aesthetic. For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz refined the exterior with updated front and rear fascias, incorporating the then-ubiquitous LED daytime running lights. However, the most significant changes for 2011 resided beneath the hood.
Power and Performance: The Heart of the 2011 CL 550 – A Twin-Turbo Revolution
Despite retaining the CL550 moniker, Mercedes-Benz replaced the venerable 5.5L V8 engine with an all-new 4.6L twin-turbo V8 for the 2011 model year. The question of why it wasn’t rebranded as the CL460 remains a point of speculation, possibly to appease buyers reluctant to “downgrade” from a higher numerical designation. Regardless of the nameplate, this downsized V8 engine delivers a compelling 429 horsepower and a robust 516 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant increase of 47 horsepower and a substantial 125 lb-ft of torque compared to the outgoing 5.5L V8, all while boasting a remarkably flat power curve. Even owners of the previous year’s CL63 AMG might find themselves considering a “trade-down” to the 2011 CL550. Independent testing clocked the 2011 CL550 achieving 0-60 mph in a mere 4.6 seconds, just a hair’s breadth (one-tenth of a second) behind a 2010 CL63. Adding to its performance prowess, the CL550’s standard 4Matic all-wheel-drive system ensures drama-free acceleration, achieving that 4.6-second sprint on various road surfaces, including wet pavement and even mid-corner. This level of sure-footedness is something the rear-wheel-drive CL63 simply cannot match.
Stepping Up the Ladder: Exploring the Broader 2011 CL-Class Range
For those seeking even greater performance and possessing deeper pockets, Mercedes-Benz offered a tiered engine lineup above the CL550, including two AMG variants. The CL63 AMG, positioned one rung above the CL550 with a starting price of $150,250, boasts a 536 horsepower supercharged V8, propelling it to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds. For V12 enthusiasts, the CL600, priced at $157,000, delivers 510 horsepower and a 0-60 mph time of 4.5 seconds. Topping the range is the CL65 AMG, the undisputed king of the CL-Class at $209,300. This behemoth packs a monstrous 621 horsepower, 739 lb-ft twin-turbo V12, achieving 60 mph in a blistering 4.2 seconds. Notably, the CL65 AMG represented the last two-door Mercedes-Benz to feature this legendary V12 engine.
The Sweet Spot: Why the 2011 CL 550 Hits the Mark
While the CL550 may be considered the “entry-level” CL, it arguably embodies the essence of a personal luxury coupe more effectively than its higher-performance siblings. The CL550’s air suspension provides an exceptionally smooth ride, effectively absorbing road imperfections. While it might exhibit slightly more body roll in corners compared to sportier models, the overall grip remains more than sufficient for spirited driving. The firmer suspensions found in other CL variants, while enhancing cornering prowess, can compromise the luxurious ride quality expected in a grand tourer, especially considering the CL’s substantial weight. Similarly, the 7-speed automatic transmission in the CL550 perfectly complements its luxury coupe persona, delivering seamless and responsive shifts. This contrasts with the older 5-speed automatic paired with the V12 engines or the more aggressive “Speedshift” transmission in the CL63, which might feel less refined in daily driving.
Luxury and Technology: Inside the 2011 CL 550 Cabin
Beyond mechanical distinctions, the CL550 shares a wealth of technological features with its pricier CL counterparts. Standard equipment includes navigation, meticulously stitched dashboard elements, keyless entry and ignition, iPod/USB interface, and a comprehensive suite of luxury amenities. While options like radar cruise control, split-view screen technology, massaging seats, and a heated steering wheel might be standard on higher trims, they remain available as options on the CL550. The only notable exceptions are the heavily bolstered AMG sport seats with quilted leather, exclusive to the AMG models. Addressing concerns about interior ambiance, similar to criticisms leveled against the S-Class, the CL550 pleasantly surprises. While sharing design cues with the S-Class, the CL550 elevates the interior with stitched leather and pleather surfaces. This added attention to detail significantly enhances the cabin’s perceived luxury, placing the CL550 in direct competition with interiors from brands like Maserati and Aston Martin.
Tech Features and User Experience: Navigating the 2011 CL 550’s Gadgets
The Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, while not as intuitively designed as BMW’s iDrive or offering the same level of voice control over music devices as Ford’s SYNC, still provides a robust suite of technological features. A standout option is the split-view screen, allowing the driver to view navigation while the passenger enjoys separate content like DVDs or radio. This system functions seamlessly, maintaining a crisp display and indistinguishable visual quality from the standard COMAND screen. The iPod interface integrated effectively with both iPods and iPhones, although the absence of track forward/backward buttons on the steering wheel is a minor ergonomic quirk, requiring users to navigate menus within the speedometer display. The navigation system’s voice command functionality is noteworthy for its natural voice recognition, accurately interpreting addresses with ease, surpassing the performance of many contemporary luxury car systems. Beyond standard features, the COMAND system offers extensive customization options, allowing adjustments to footwell temperature, air vent directionality, ambient LED lighting color, and trunk lid opening height.
Behind the Wheel: The 2011 CL 550 Driving Experience
For enthusiasts who appreciate large, comfortable vehicles with potent performance, the CL550 delivers admirably. Body roll remains well-controlled even on winding roads, and despite its considerable weight, the wide tires provide ample grip. When pushed in corners, the chassis exhibits predictable behavior and remains forgiving near its limits. However, the laws of physics are undeniable; the CL550’s substantial curb weight, even as the lightest CL variant, combined with somewhat numb steering, can make it feel less agile than its actual capabilities suggest. Yet, comparing it to competitors in its class, a large Bentley coupe wouldn’t be described as “nimble” either. Considering its price point, the CL550 competes with luxury coupes from Aston Martin, Maserati, and Bentley. A BMW 6 Series, while a worthy contender, occupies a slightly lower price bracket. Therefore, potential buyers in this segment might be seeking a vehicle that is more discreet and slightly more affordable than a Bentley Continental or Rolls-Royce, positioning the CL550 as a compelling value proposition.
Value in the Realm of Luxury: The 2011 CL 550’s Unexpected Appeal
While terms like “practical” and “value” may seem incongruous when discussing a vehicle priced around $126,000 as tested, the CL550 presents a unique case. Given the rarity and marginal performance gains of its higher-priced siblings (CL600, CL63, and CL65), the 2011 Mercedes CL550 emerges as potentially the most sensible “deal” within the sub-$200,000 luxury coupe segment. This unexpected value proposition makes the 2011 CL550 a compelling choice for discerning buyers seeking a blend of luxury, performance, and understated exclusivity without venturing into the stratospheric price ranges of ultra-high-end coupes.
Performance Statistics (As Tested):
- 0-30 mph: 1.91 Seconds
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 Seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.9 seconds @ 106 mph
