The Merc CL class is basically a coupe version of the S class. It costs a similar amount (despite being smaller and having 2 less doors) and features a similar amount of gadgets and luxuries.
The car I will be reviewing is a brand new CL 600 with most options ticked, and cost just over £113,000 when it was bought new a few months ago. It's finished in 'flint grey metallic', and looks very imposing.
For a start, lets get down to the engine. It's a 5.5l (despite the 600 name) naturally aspirated V12 producing some 517 hp, which is plenty for most people. This isn't like one of the AMG units though, and when you put your foot down instead of hearing an ear-bursting snarl, all you get is a slight growl as the V12 really gets to work. The car gathers speed insistently, and, though I haven't been up to its electronically limited 155 mph, I can say that it keeps on pushing well past 100...
The interior, while not up to the standards of Audi, is a very nice place to be. It's finished in perforated leather, which allows cool air to circulate (so no more sweaty backsides on hot days). They're comfortable and generously proportioned. You control the seat's movement from the door, and I think that this makes it overly complicated.
The rear of the car is enough to fit me quite happily (and I'm over 6 feet tall), and generally for a coupe the space is excellent.
I think that on the styling front, Merc has done an excellent job. It looks imposing, but not too flash or vulgar, and is generally just a pretty good car. There are a few discreet V12 badgets on teh flanks of the car, just to whisper at the power in the engine...
Driving the car is similar to an S class. The wheel is very light (you can turn it easily with one finger) - this isn't too much of a sporty car. However, on a country lane it can be hustled along at a fair pace, and when you push it it shows a composure that you wouldn't expect of a car like this.
Boot space is generous, and it can easily swallow two suitcases.
Overall, the CL600 is a good car. It's luxurious, beautiful and nice to drive. It's a viable alternative to the possible S-class owner who wants to drive his car, but I think that it is overpriced. I don't quite understand how Merc can justify this being MORE than an S class...
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Mercedes A-Class - Hatchback - Front (FWD) - 6 Speed - (Man) / Autotronic - (Auto) - 1992 cc - Max Speed: 116 mph - 109 bhp - Diesel - Available Trims: Elegance SE, Classic SE, Classic, Avantgarde SE, Long
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