Power, precision and style are CL-Class hallmarks The stunning shape of the innovative new CL-Class models are bound to attract admiring attention. The engine also packs a mighty punch. Just one glance at the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is enough to get any motorist's pulse racing a little faster - it has the sleek appearance of an automotive thoroughbred, a vehicle that, even when parked, oozes power, precision and style. The distinctive coupé design is the first thing that catches the eye. Any car with a sporty, sloping roof tends to attract attention - it instantly conjures up images of open roads, speed and fun - and when it comes with the famous three-pointed star Mercedes-Benz badge there is a guarantee that it is a very special kind of car. It is difficult to know just where to start when listing the special features of the sleekly-designed CL-Class - there are just so many of them - but the engines, with their breathtaking performances, seems as good a place as any. The V8 engine with 7G-Tronic has been designed to pump out 25 per cent more power. What does that mean in real terms? Well, it allows the CL 500 model to rocket away from the lights and reach 100 km/h in just 5.5 seconds, leaving many sports cars in its wake. Without getting too technical, the extra power has come from optimising the air supply, an engineering move that has also managed to reduce emissions. More power and less environmental awareness - a car that is totally in tune with the 21st century. Extra power That extra power means extremely responsive performance, and nifty acceleration at all speeds; it also ensures a lot of fun for the driver and a smoother ride for passengers, as gear changes are barely perceptible. The seven gear ratios also reduce the average engine speed, which in turn means a reduction in fuel consumption and engine noise. Want even more muscle under the bonnet? It can be done. The new V12 biturbo in the CL 600 model is incredibly athletic, capable of moving the car from 0-100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds, about the time it takes to let out a gasp of admiration. Various technical refinements allow this incredibly muscular performance, including a saving of weight by making the cylinder heads from pressure-diecast magnesium. Of course all that power does necessarily guarantee a comfortable ride, unless the suspension is equally advanced. Mercedes-Benz engineers have come up with another piece of brilliance to ensure the car glides smoothly over all kinds of terrain. The Active Body Control (ABC) system adjusts dynamically to the road conditions, ensuring superb road holding. Pitching and rolling movements are reduced, especially when cornering, thanks to high pressure hydraulics, sophisticated sensors and powerful microprocessors. As the car goes faster - over 60 km/h - the ride-height lowers, which reduces drag, helps cut fuel consumption and creates a dynamic driving experience. Luxurious travel Enough of the technical stuff. What about the interior? Well, mere mention of the words Mercedes-Benz conjure up images of luxurious travel, and with the CL-Class, that commitment to comfort has been taken a stage further. Stepping into the CL series interior is like entering the surrounds of a particularly exclusive members' club, one with leather armchairs, elegant furniture and classy decoré. CL-Class models have fine wood trim elements that are available in three different grain patterns and soft leather seats that come in five stylish colour combinations; the cognac-brown/black colour combination is available only on CL- class models. Opt for the CL 500 model and the interior comes with leather appointments that extend to the doors, dashboard and centre console. Hand-picked poplar wood is used for parts of the extensive wood trim such as the wood-leather steering wheel. Comfortable touches In the CL 600 model, standard equipment includes the Comand APS hard-disc-based navigation system and a sophisticated surround-sound music system. Other comfortable touches on the CL 600 are dynamic multi-contour seats for driver and front passenger, that provide optimum lateral support ... the seats can even massage your back! Outside, the model sports 18-inch V-120-design light alloy wheels. The sportiness and comfort is what you would expect of a Mercedes-Benz Coupé. But what about space? Coupés are not renowned for having acres of room inside; the very idea of the design is to be ultra-sleek, with the roof sloping dramatically back. Once again, the ingenuity of Mercedes-Benz engineers comes to the fore - the CL- Class models are more than capable of taking two people in the rear, with plenty of legroom and headroom. A new Mercedes-Benz system makes it easier to move the front seats, so it is not necessary to be a contortionist to slide in. Rear-seat passengers also have their own controls for adjusting the temperature and air-flow to suit their preferences. Last, but by no means least, is the safety aspect of the CL-Class. The German manufacturer is known for its standard-setting safety features: Mercedes-Benz models are the standard by which all others are judged. The philosophy behind it is simple - Mercedes-Benz constantly strives to put as many features on board as possible that are likely to stop accidents happening. But in the unfortunate event that the driver is involved in a collision, the vehicles are designed so the impact on the driver and passengers is minimised. Safety features There are way too many features to list here - in fact there are so many elements that Mercedes has a category, ProSafe, with its own four different sub-categories - but among the newer introductions is a new night-assist system that uses radar sensors for optimum monitoring of the area around the vehicle. And what a vehicle it is. The coupé is a triumph of design, with its sloping roof, long bonnet, muscular contours, impressive radiator grille, high-tech lights and elegant rear end. Another extra that comes with the CL-Class is admiring spectators: expect a crowd of car-loving onlookers to gather and gaze admiringly whenever it is parked in a public place. When the CL-Class models were first unveiled at a European motor show, hardened journalists were so impressed by their first glance of the eagerly-anticipated car that they burst into spontaneous applause. It is a vehicle that elicits that kind of reaction - and puts a beaming smile on the face of everyone who appreciates automotive excellence. click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge click to enlarge