There is certainly no shortage of fine European-built sport coupes to choose from, but for 2007, Mercedes-Benz offers what might be considered the Crme d' Le Crme of this particular high end automotive genre.
Even sitting still the CL600 exudes an air of speed and performance. Sweeping rearward the pronounced body crease makes the car appear even lower than its overall height of 56 inches. The swept-back line of the front grille is repeated in the steeply raked roof pillars, and the abruptly cut-off rear-end brings to mind the Kamm aerodynamic-style that graced European racing coupes of the 1960s. Aggressively styled 18-inch alloy wheels shod with ultra-low profile high-performance tires virtually fill the fully radiused wheel wells.
Residing under the hood is a 5.5 liter SOHC, bi-turbo V-12 that produces 510 horsepower, while delivering an EPA fuel estimate of 13 City/19 Highway. The CL's 612 pounds feet of torque are routed to the rear wheels via a 5-speed, automatic transmission. And is enough power to propel the 4900 pound coupe from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds.
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist technology are standard as are traction, and stability control.
The CL600 features leather and wood appointed upholstery throughout with heated and cooled, 14-way power-adjustable, programmable seats up front and folding armrests both front and rear. Driver and front passenger are protected by dual-stage front and side-impact airbags with side curtain airbags provided for all passengers.
A remote, COMAND controller provides operation of all the vehicles systems, such as state of the art audio, climate, navigation and telephone communications. With additional controls mounted on the fully-adjustable leather and wood-trimmed steering wheel.
With an MSRP of $144,975, the Mercedes-Benz CL600 can be counted on to provide spirited-sophisticated motoring in the grand European tradition for a limited, but lucky few.