2005 Mercedes-Benz CL500 Reviews

The luxurious sledge hammer that is the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class has arrived.  The CL is (along with its S-Class sedan sibling) the technological pacesetter of the Mercedes-Benz range and is on sale this month boasting boosted outputs and lower fuel economy.The company says the CL-Class attracts the most amount of loyalty from its customers and it's easy to see why, as there is little in the way of direct competition.VALUEIt's difficult to call a mortgage sized pricetag under a value heading - the CL500 starts from $337,000, the CL600 V12 will be priced from $425,600.The high-performance AMG CL63 will be priced from $423,300 and the CL 65 AMG will start from $519,250, but there's no much lacking from the features list - active front seats, surround system, active suspension - but it's still a mind-boggling price range.TECHNOLOGY/SAFETYThe CL has introduced many of the brand's newest technology and the incoming model is no exception.  The CL500 brings with it active lane assist and active blind spot assist systems, which are part of the stability control program.The active lane assist keeps the driver's direction in check, monitoring - via a windscreen mounted camera - the road markings and delivering a vibration warning through the wheel and an image on the screen as it gently brakes a rear wheel to tuck the nose back into the proper line.The same sub-section of the stability control system is also involved in the brake torque vectoring system, which aims to control understeer by braking a single rear wheel.The active blind spot system lights up a red triangle in the mirror when there's another vehicle present, but the new bit uses the lane assist system's features to detect an impending lane change (using the indicator activation) and warn the driver against it, using the brake to further deter the lane change.The already-clever active suspension system has been further enhanced with a crosswind stabilisation system, which uses the suspension to change the body's position to compensate for crosswinds.The direct-steer variable gear ratio system alters the ratio with regard to the steering angle, aiding low-speed wheel work in carparks but keeping the steering direct at speed.The new star of the range is the twin-turbo 4.7-litre V8, which produces 320kW (up 12 per cent) and 530Nm, the latter a 32 per cent improvement and available from 1800rpm through to 3500rpm.It now boasts direct injection and piezo injectors capable of multiple fuel injections, all of which helps it lay claim to more torque than the current 6.2-litre naturally-aspirated AMG V8 but fuel consumption figures of 11.1 litres per 100km, a 20 per cent gain.  The CL500 cracks the sprint to 100km/h in 4.9 seconds - a half a second improvement over the outgoing car.The AMG model gets the multi-clutch seven-speed from the E63 and a capacity increase to 5.5-litres - retaining the new induction and combustion systems - resulting in a four per cent increase in power to 400kW of power and a 27 per cent improvement in torque to 800Nm from 2000 to 4500rpm.The AMG model can now match the C63's sprint to 100km/h of 4.5 seconds, but the more surprising figure is 10.6DESIGNThe beefy coupe has been given a makeover that takes little away from what was already a muscular, powerful coupe.  The snout has been given the sculpting treatment with a revamped bonnet, tweaked grilles (with an AMG-specific one-bar grille) and updated headlights, which are bi-xenon.The front and rear bumpers have been given a new look, with LED front running lights and extra air intakes, with the rear brake lights are now solid red.  The interior package remains opulent, extremely comfortable but largely unchanged.DRIVEBrutal and rakish, the CL has massive road presence and the drivetrains to match, even more so than before.  The two new models on offer that we drove briefly were the CL63 AMG and the CL500, with different incarnations of the new V8.The twin-turbo V8 engine in the CL500 is immediately impressive, with a quiet, refined part-throttle manner that dribbles torque through the seven-speed auto for unfussed - but far from tardy progress.It suits the style of the car to travel in such a manner, but punch the right pedal and two tonnes of German super-coupe surges forward with a melodious tone.The new steering set-up is welcome when turning five metres of Mercedes at low speed, without causing grief at higher speeds.  The AMG CL grumbles, burbles and screams (when required), but it lacks the hard-case crackle of the naturally-aspirated 6.2-litre V8 of the outgoing car.It's impressively ahead of that engine in all aspects and CL buyers might not want the petrolhead-magnet that is the AMG V8's aural appeal.Both cars coped reasonably well with the rutted and broken surfaces, although some buyers (of the CL500 at least) are likely to opt for the smaller wheel tyre package for the extra bit of ride comfort.Four adults and baggage are well accommodated in the cabin - as a 191cm driver I could sit behind someone of my size without being too cramped, but four average adults would have no issues.The lane-assist system is reasonably subtle in the use of the brake to pull the nose into line - the Benz people say they would rather use the braking instead of interfering in the vehicle's steering, preferring to leave the driver in charge of the wheel.Verdict: As a technological tour-de-force, the new CL has shown off some new worthwhile systems but its new blown V8 offers genuine force and impressive fuel use. It's a dream drive but with (for most) a nightmare price.Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassPrice: from $337,000.Engines: 4.7 or 5.5-litre twin-turbo V8; 5.5-litre or six-litre twin-turbo V12.Power: 320kW, 400kW; 380kW, 463kW.Torque: 700Nm, 800Nm; 830Nm, 1000Nm.Transmission: five (V12s) or seven-speed auto, seven-speed MCT, rear-wheel drive.Fuel consumption (l/100km): 11.1, 10.6; 14.3, 14.5.

Whoever said money can't buy happiness?What about leather luxury, V8 and V12 engines, and endless hours of fun and class. Apparently the originator of that saying never sat behind the wheel of a luxury coupe, because for a little more than $300,000 it seems money can buy you more than happiness. The new Mercedes coupe, for example, gets you pride, membership to a rather exclusive club and a feeling of all-round enjoyment.The latest addition to the Mercedes line-up Down Under is the elegant and stylish CL Coupe. But for those in the market for this happiness, the chance won't be around for much longer.Only 100 models will be available this year and since its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show last month, Mercedes has already taken orders for 77.At the bottom of the range is the CL500, which Mercedes anticipates will be the line's biggest seller.At $308,000 for the 5.5-litre V8, the entry level doesn't quite have the sportiness some may desire. Producing 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque, it's an extremely smooth ride as you glide over the roads. And while it's a very effortless drive, the engine is a little too quiet. It just doesn't announce its presence. You expect a V8 to sound meaty, a sweet growling note to the ear.But in line with its conservative nature, the CL500 lacks that bragging and instead is a more subtle performer.That said, this quiet achiever still races from 0-100km/h in just 5.4sec.Step into the CL63 AMG and you can find that sound you're looking for, although this time it comes from a 6.2-litre V8 engine, delivering 385kW and 630Nm of torque. The AMG is mated to an AMG seven-speed auto. The CL600 has five speeds and the CL500 has a seven-speed transmission.At $383,000, the AMG is the second model in the line-up and is a thrill to drive. Push the accelerator and you instantly feel the power, with an improved 4.6sec for the 0-100km/h dash.It also has high-performance brakes, which are powerful with only slight pedal pressure.The third and final model is the most expensive, the 5.5-litre, V12 bi-turbo engine for $389,000. With an increase to 380kW at 5000rpm and 830Nm from a low 1900rpm-3500rpm, it's torture confining this car to traffic and Australian speed limits. It also reaches 100km/h in 4.6sec.While the launch drive saw these cars get rather dirty in differing conditions including dirt, gravel and twisty roads, the majority of these luxury riders probably won't make it past the local golf club.But the good news is if for some reason one goes astray and gets lost, the CL can handle the challenge.On winding roads the CL sticks to the corners like glue. It's a real joy to drive.The steering feels a little too light at times, the AMG is slightly better.In terms of design, the CL looks classy and stylish. The contoured lines of the body give a gleaming and chic look. There are some great wheel designs that are either standard or optional on the top models which add to their stunning look.And for a four-seat coupe, the CL is relatively roomy in the rear with a decent amount of head space. Leg room also isn't too bad, although too long a trip could result in some cramping.Airconditioning controls are also located for rear seat passengers and the back windows can be put down. In the front, you slide into the multi-contour leather seats, which get better as the price increases.With the Active Body Control turned on, the suspension system eliminates the pitch and roll of the body when moving off, cornering and braking.Technology is rife in the CL, mirroring many features that can be found in the luxury S-Class. Presafe is standard, the system that recognises a potential accident in its early stages and takes precautionary measures, as well as Night View Assist.The Parking Guidance System is a no-cost option, which measures the length of a parking space and shows if there is enough room for you to make the manoeuvre. But taking this option means you sacrifice a reversing camera.Other features include Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, the enhanced cruise control which brakes the car in stop and go traffic.All three models feature a keyless-go start, ESP, a sunroof, an electric parking brake and a voice control system for the radio, navigation and telephone.A massaging function is standard in the 600 and 63 AMG and the 600 also gets suede roof lining.The standard features leave little to be optioned on, although there is always the novelty fridge for the boot.The three models in the CL class are great cars, as you would expect at that price. And the new exclusive CL club will have many old members.According to Mercedes, there's a strong customer loyalty in this segment, with more than three quarters of the initial inquiries coming from existing CL customers.The CL also tends to be the lowest-mileage Benz, which is a pity, because with so much enjoyment behind the wheel, it's a shame to keep it locked up.

The latest edition to the Mercedes line-up Down Under is the elegant and stylish CL Coupe. But for those in the market for this happiness, the chance won't be around for much longer.Only 100 models will be available this year and since its Australian debut at the Melbourne motor show this month, Mercedes has already taken orders for 77 models.At the bottom of the range is the CL500, which Mercedes anticipates will be the line's big volume seller.At $308,000 for the 5.5-litre, V8 engine, the entry level doesn't quite have the sportiness some may desire. Producing 285kW of power and 530Nm of torque, it's an extremely smooth ride as you glide over the roads. And while it's a very effortless drive, the engine is a little too quiet. It just doesn't announce its presence. You expect a V8 to sound meaty, a sweet growling note to the ear.But with its conservative nature, the CL500 seems to lack that bragging right and instead is a more subtle performer. That said, this quiet achiever still races from zero to 100km/h in just 5.4 seconds.Step into the CL63 AMG and you can find that sound you're looking for, although this time it comes from a 6.2-litre, V8 engine, delivering 385kW and 630Nm or torque. The AMG is mated to an AMG seven-speed auto, while the CL600 has a five-speed and the CL500 also has a seven speed transmission.At $383,000, the AMG is the second model in the line-up and is a thrill to drive. Squeeze the throttle and you instantly feel the take, with an improved 4.6 seconds for the zero to 100km per hour dash.It also has high performance brakes, which grab tight with some slight pressure.The third and final model is the most expensive, the 5.5-litre, V12 bi-turbo engine for $389,000. With an increase to 380kW at 5000rpm and 830Nm from a low 1900rpm to 3500rpm, it's torture confining this car to traffic and Australian speed limits. It also reaches 100km per hour in 4.6 seconds.While the launch drive saw these cars get rather dirty in differing conditions including dirt, gravel and twisty roads, the majority of these luxury riders probably won't make it past the local golf club.But the good news is if for some reason one goes astray and gets lost, the CL can handle the challenge.On the winding roads the CL sticks to the corners like glue. It's a real joy to drive.The steering feels a little too light at times, the AMG is slightly better.In terms of design, the CL looks classy and stylish. The front radiator grille with the large Merc star shines on the road, while the contoured lines of the body give a gleaming and chic look. There are some great wheel designs that can be optioned on or come standard on the top models, and this adds to its stunning look.And for a four-seat coupe, the CL is relatively roomy in the rear with a decent amount of head space. Leg room also isn't too bad, although too long of a trip could result in some cramping action.Air conditioning controls are also located for rear seat passengers and the back windows can be put down. In the front, you slide into the multi-contour leather seats, which get better as the price increases.With the Active Body Control turned on, the suspension system eliminates the pitch and roll of the body when moving off, cornering and braking.And technology is rife in the CL, mirroring many features that can be found in the luxury S-Class. Presafe is standard, the system that recognises a potential accident in its early stages and takes precautionary measures, as well as Night View Assist.The Parking Guidance System is a no cost option, which measures the length of a parking space and shows if there is enough room for you to make the manoeuvre. But taking this option means you sacrifice a reversing camera.Other features include Brake Assist Plus, Distronic Plus, the enhanced cruise control which brakes the car in stop and go traffic.All three models feature a keyless-go start, ESP, a sunroof, an electric parking brake and a voice control system for the radio, navigation and telephone.A massaging function is standard in the 600 and 63 AMG and the 600 also gets suede roof lining. The standard features leave little to be optioned on, although there is always the novelty fridge for the boot.The three models in the CL class are great cars, but what more could you expect at that price. And the new exclusive CL club will have many old members.According to Mercedes, there's a strong customer loyalty in this segment, with more than three quarters of the initial inquiries coming from existing CL customers.The CL also tends to be the lowest-mileage Benz, which is a pity, because with so much enjoyment behind the wheel, it's a shame to keep it locked up.