The Mercedes Cl550 stands as a paragon of exclusivity within the Mercedes-Benz lineup, particularly for discerning drivers in the US market. Positioned with a higher base MSRP than any non-AMG model, it occupies a rarified space on American roads, surpassed in rarity only by the iconic G-Class and the ultra-exclusive SLS AMG. While the S-Class, its sedan sibling, enjoys broader recognition, the CL-Class operates in a distinctly more secluded echelon of luxury and performance. It’s often quipped that Ford sells more F-150 trucks in a single day than the CL’s entire annual sales figure, a testament to its niche appeal and limited availability. Born from the S-Class lineage in 1998, the CL was intentionally spun off to cultivate an aura of heightened exclusivity and prestige. The nomenclature itself, “CL,” is rumored to denote “Comfort Leicht” (Comfort Light), hinting at the vehicle’s design philosophy. While “comfort” is undeniably inherent—a prerequisite at this price point—the “light” aspect is clearly relative, as the CL tips the scales at a substantial 4,700lbs. But does this weight truly detract from the experience? Let’s delve into the details and uncover what makes the Mercedes CL550 a unique proposition in the luxury coupe segment.
The Allure of Exclusivity and Understated Elegance
What precisely fuels the CL550’s exclusivity? Beyond the general trend of personal luxury coupes experiencing limited sales in the US market, the primary driver is undoubtedly price. With a starting point exceeding $113,000, the “base” CL550 commands a premium that inherently curates its clientele. For buyers in the premium luxury segment, distinction is a powerful motivator. This price bracket unlocks a level of uniqueness and bespoke ownership that simply isn’t attainable at the $80,000 price point. Intriguingly, when luxury car shoppers were surveyed at high-end automotive gatherings, a recurring theme emerged: the CL’s ability to blend in was a significant draw. Unlike more ostentatious luxury vehicles, the CL550 doesn’t scream for attention. While its front grille possesses a certain menacing presence, the overall silhouette is sleek, refined, and subtly assertive rather than overtly flamboyant. The CL avoids the “rolling bling” aesthetic often associated with vehicles like Escalades or GL-Class SUVs, a characteristic that many discerning buyers find refreshing. Instead of ostentation, the CL550 projects an aura of understated grace and substantial presence. Its side profile is particularly striking, defined by frameless windows and the absence of B-pillars, creating a seamless and elegant visual flow. For the 2011 model year, Mercedes-Benz subtly refined the CL’s exterior, incorporating updated front and rear fascias and integrating the now ubiquitous LED daytime running lights, further enhancing its modern appeal. However, the most significant transformations for this model year lie beneath the sculpted sheet metal.
Power and Performance: The Twin-Turbo V8 Revolution
Although the model designation remained unchanged, the 2011 Mercedes CL550 underwent a significant powertrain evolution. Mercedes-Benz replaced the previously employed 5.5L V8 engine with an all-new, more advanced 4.6L twin-turbo V8. This shift might lead some to question why the model wasn’t rebranded as the CL460. The rationale behind retaining the CL550 nameplate remains somewhat elusive, but it’s speculated that it was intended to reassure existing CL550 owners and avoid any perceived downgrade associated with a lower numerical designation. Such nuances often resonate with a specific segment of luxury car buyers.
Demonstrating that technological advancement can indeed supersede displacement, this new, smaller V8 engine delivers a formidable 429 horsepower and a substantial 516 lb-ft of torque. This represents a significant increase of 47 horsepower and a remarkable 125 lb-ft of torque compared to its naturally aspirated predecessor. Furthermore, this power is delivered with an exceptionally flat torque curve, ensuring responsive performance across the rev range. For those who previously owned the prior year’s CL63 AMG, the 2011 CL550 presents a compelling proposition, even potentially as a “trade-down.” Independent testing revealed a 0-60 mph acceleration time of just 4.6 seconds for the CL550, a mere tenth of a second slower than a 2010 CL63. Adding to its performance prowess, the CL550 comes standard with Mercedes-Benz’s renowned 4Matic all-wheel-drive system. This translates to effortless and drama-free launches, achieving the aforementioned 4.6-second 0-60 mph sprint with unwavering composure, regardless of road conditions – be it wet pavement, uneven surfaces, or even while navigating corners. This level of all-weather, all-surface performance is something its rear-wheel-drive CL63 sibling simply cannot match.
Stepping Up the Performance Ladder: Exploring the CL Range
For those with a desire for even greater performance and a more expansive budget, Mercedes-Benz offers a tiered hierarchy of CL models above the CL550, encompassing no less than two AMG variants. The CL63 AMG represents the next step up from the CL550, priced at $150,250. It boasts a 536-horsepower, supercharged V8 engine, propelling it to 60 mph in a blistering 4.4 seconds. For enthusiasts who prefer the smoothness and power delivery of a twelve-cylinder engine, the CL600 is available, featuring a 510-horsepower V12 that achieves 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds, with a price tag of $157,000. At the pinnacle of the CL range sits the commanding CL65 AMG, the undisputed performance king. Priced at $209,300, it houses a monstrous 621-horsepower, 739 lb-ft twin-turbo V12 engine, enabling a staggering 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.2 seconds. Notably, the CL65 AMG stands as the last remaining two-door Mercedes-Benz model to feature this awe-inspiring V12 powerplant.
The Sweet Spot: Why the CL550 Excels as a Luxury Coupe
While often considered the “entry-level” CL, the CL550 arguably embodies the quintessential personal luxury coupe more effectively than its higher-performance siblings, which sometimes overshoot the mark. The CL550’s air suspension system delivers an exceptionally smooth and refined ride quality. While it might not entirely eliminate body roll during spirited cornering, the level of grip remains more than sufficient for confident handling. The firmer, more sport-tuned suspensions found in the AMG and V12-powered CL models may enhance corner-carving capabilities, but their inherent stiffness can feel somewhat incongruous with both the substantial curb weight of the V12 models and the CL’s overarching luxury-oriented character. Similarly, the 7-speed automatic transmission in the CL550 perfectly complements its role as a grand touring luxury coupe. Gear shifts are executed with both speed and seamless smoothness, a stark contrast to the older 5-speed automatic paired with the V12 engines or the somewhat jerky “Speedshift” transmission found in the CL63 AMG.
Technology and Interior Refinement: A Luxurious Sanctuary
Beyond the mechanical distinctions, the technological features and interior appointments of the CL550 largely mirror those of its more upscale CL counterparts. The CL550 comes generously equipped with standard features including navigation, meticulously stitched dashboard accents, keyless entry and ignition, iPod/USB interface, and a comprehensive array of luxury amenities. While options like radar-based cruise control, a split-view infotainment screen, massaging seats, and a heated steering wheel may be standard in the higher CL models, they are readily available as options for the CL550, allowing buyers to tailor the car to their preferences. The primary exception is the deeply bolstered AMG sport seats with quilted leather upholstery, which remain exclusive to the AMG models. Drawing a comparison to a previous review of the Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid, where concerns were raised about the S-Class interior not feeling sufficiently special compared to the Lexus LS600h, the CL550 pleasantly surprises. While sharing the same fundamental design language as the S-Class, the CL’s interior elevates the experience through the extensive use of stitched leather and premium pleather trim. This enhanced attention to detail significantly elevates the cabin ambiance, positioning the CL in close contention with the interiors of prestigious marques like Maserati and Aston Martin.
Delving into the technological aspects, the Mercedes-Benz COMAND system, while not quite as intuitively structured as BMW’s iDrive, and lacking the advanced voice control capabilities for music devices found in Ford’s SYNC system, still offers a robust suite of features for tech-savvy users. The optional split-view screen is a standout feature, allowing the driver to view navigation information while the passenger can simultaneously engage with other functions, such as watching DVDs or controlling the audio system. This system performs remarkably well, maintaining a crisp and clear display and seamlessly integrating into the standard COMAND interface. The iPod interface functions flawlessly 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 to change tracks. The navigation system’s voice command functionality is commendably natural and accurately interprets spoken addresses, surpassing the performance of many other luxury car systems. Beyond the typical infotainment features, the COMAND system provides extensive customization options, allowing adjustment of settings such as footwell temperature, air vent directionality, ambient LED lighting color, and trunk lid opening height.
Driving Dynamics: Effortless Power and Refined Handling
What is the driving experience of the CL550 truly like? For those who appreciate large, comfortably sprung vehicles that deliver effortless power, the CL550 excels. Body roll is effectively managed, even when navigating winding mountain roads, and despite its considerable weight, the wide tires provide ample grip. When pushed to its handling limits, the chassis remains predictable and forgiving. However, the laws of physics are undeniable; the CL550’s substantial curb weight and somewhat numb steering contribute to a sensation of it feeling less nimble than its actual capabilities might suggest.
Nevertheless, describing a large Bentley coupe as “nimble” would also be a mischaracterization. Considering its price point, the CL550 competes within a realm occupied by vehicles from Aston Martin, Maserati, and Bentley. A BMW 6 Series, while also a luxury coupe, resides in a more accessible price bracket. Therefore, prospective CL550 buyers are logically cross-shopping vehicles that are slightly more understated and represent a step below the ultra-luxury segment of Continental GTs and Rolls-Royce coupes. In this context, the CL550 can even be perceived as offering compelling value. While terms like “practical” and “value” may seem incongruous when discussing a vehicle with a tested price of $126,000, the fact remains that its higher-performance CL siblings (CL600, CL63, and CL65) are significantly rarer and only incrementally quicker. This positions the CL550 as potentially the most compelling “deal” within the sub-$200,000 luxury coupe segment. This unexpected value proposition solidifies the Mercedes CL550 as a standout choice in its class.
Mercedes-Benz provided the vehicle for this review, including insurance and a full tank of fuel.
Performance Statistics (as tested):
- 0-30 mph: 1.91 seconds
- 0-60 mph: 4.6 seconds
- 1/4 Mile: 12.9 seconds @ 106 mph
