For many purists, single-malt scotch is the only kind of scotch -- no discussions allowed. Of course, to ignore the wonderful assortment of blended scotches is to ignore another art form, albeit a blend of others.
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 reminds me of an outstanding blended scotch with all the pedigree of the finest single-malts but just as fine in its own right.
The CL550 has Mercedes-Benz sedan luxury accouterments but with one twist -- it's a coupe. Unlike a great scotch, no acquired taste is necessary to love the CL550; one run with this baby will keep you coming back for more.
Driving the Mercedes-Benz CL550, you often find yourself noticing a very intriguing feature, admiring the engineering it took to make it, and then asking if it was really necessary. The answer is always: Of course not.
But then you find yourself reflecting again, enjoying it all over. There are many of these features in the CL550, none really essential, but wholly enjoyable.
And that's why there is Mercedes-Benz.
From the signature three-point star on the grille you get the message: This is a Mercedes-Benz. But your eyes are deceiving you, right?
No. This CL550 starts making a statement with the low leading edge of the front bumper; sleek headlights flow back into the flared front fenders. There's nothing subtle about the feeling of speed here, but it is the subtle expression of refinement that prevails overall.
The CL550's exterior is all about sweeping contours and the most dramatic one is the one that flows over the cabin roof to the rear deck.
My tester was a deep metallic blue hue that, with chrome trim outlining the side windows, enhanced the visual outline of the CL550.
One of the really memorable aspects of the coupe, and there were several, was the wonderful aesthetics created when the windows are in the down position. When the front and rear windows retract the B-pillar lowers too. This open "hardtop" look is jaw dropping.
It is no surprise that the CL550 has a long list of impressive standard features. From the 14-way power adjustable driver and front-passenger seats (heated with active cooling ventilation) and Keyless Go proximity keyless starting system to a nifty rear window power sunshade and front/rear parking assist, the CL550 certainly meets all expectation for a Mercedes-Benz product.
Inside the roomy (for a coupe) cabin you will find yourself swaddled in premium hand-stitched leather and an impressive array of electronic marvels. Everything on the instrument panel is easy to see.
The speedometer doesn't have a real needle but a projection of one on a video screen. The virtual speedometer is part of a package that includes a high-tech night vision system designed to help in low visibility situations.
The leather seating is uncompromisingly exotic and my test CL550 had the pneumatic side bolster inflater option that automatically inflated the outer side bolster in any turn.
This is especially noticeable in the cloverleaf ramping as the faster you go the more it inflated to keep you vertical.
The controlling system for auxiliary functions is easily handled through a centrally located knob on the center console (along with buttons on the dash).
Over time I probably would get accustomed to using this without any distraction from the road, but in my week-long test it never became fully intuitive for me.
There are enough speakers and digital filters onboard to make the lousiest song form the '70s sound new again. And while the overwhelming technology built in might make you feel like you could embark on time travel, you will have to settle for Sirius Satellite radio to take you there.
The back seat accommodates two passengers (hey, it really is a coupe). There is some real effort needed to get in and out of the back seat of the CL550, but like most everything with this car, it is worth the effort.
The front seats power forward to open up the space to slip into the rear seats, but it is still narrow and the low-slung back seating positions make is hard to get out.
The CL550 is different from the former Mercedes-Benz pack in many ways, the most obvious might be the exterior styling, but under the hood you have the horsepower to make that aggressive exterior live up to all the promises. Offering up a 5.5-liter double overhead cam V-8 that is not bashful about waking up the 382 horsepower (391 pound-feet of torque at 2800 rpm), the CL550 is mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission that delivers great acceleration around town or on the highway.
The automatic transmission performed admirably with butter-smooth shifts. Manual gear selection is a possibility and it can be fun using the steering wheel-mounted paddles.
Mercedes claims a 0-to-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds. I'll take that -- and then maybe a little more (there is a V-12 version, too). The 4Matic all-wheel drive keeps this lovely lady planted on the pavement in all conditions.
Active Body Control suspension, a computer-controlled hydraulically actuated system that controls pitch and lean, is standard on the CL550. No matter how hard the car is cornering, it remains level. Pair that with the inflating bolsters and you can handle anything.
Overall, the CL550 can really handle just about anything you may wish to dish out -- and look stunning doing it. Base priced at $105,100, there is a price for all the style and sexy features.
If you can afford it, I loved every minute I had with it.
Gallery: 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Luxury Coupe
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