2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 A Behr air-to-water charge cooler is nestled in the aluminum block’s vee, chilling intake air with help from a dedicated coolant circuit. A lower-friction chain drive system for the camshafts reduces parasitic losses and frees up power.
The good: Air suspension and standard all-wheel drive keep the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 composed, while massage seats pamper occupants.
The bottom line: Although expensive, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 comes loaded with cutting-edge tech while delivering an incredibly comfortable ride, but the car needs better tuning for low-speed driving
On a new fuel efficiency kick, Mercedes-Benz replaced that big V-8 with one slightly smaller, bolstering its efficiency with forced air and direct injection. During our time in the CL550, we averaged 18 mpg, and observed the trip computer showing numbers above 22 mpg on freeway cruises. Obviously "Mercedes-Benz "was more interested in power than fuel economy increases.
According to Mercedes-Benz, with this new engine the CL550 hits 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. The Marcedes CL550 is strangely sluggish. Along with this new engine comes a button that toggles the car between Economy and Sport modes. The seven-speed automatic delivers smooth shifts, enhancing the luxury experience.
One little complaint about the "CL550's" suspension is that Mercedes-Benz puts the button to switch it to Sport mode next to the LCD, a difficult place to reach when the car is under way and illogically far away from the Economy/Sport mode button for the power train.
And like the button says, this suspension offers a Sport mode. When engaged, the car does not suddenly become a superstiff low-to-the-ground sports car. The ride stiffens up a little, and the car handles cornering with more ease.
Nicely updated for the "2011 model "year, Mercedes-Benz has addressed the primary quibble I had with the CL-Class, while introducing other improvements to make the car an irresistible package. The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is now quite possibly the most beautiful new car on the road . Yeah, Ferraris, Lamborghinis and those other swoopy-ass exotic sports cars turn heads, but they do so because of their sheer audacity. The CL-Class turns heads because of its quiet air of power and style. A seven-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift mode via steering wheel paddles conducts power to all four wheels.
Every comfort, convenience and safety feature currently available is included in the car. Outrageously prodigious at elevated speeds, the CL550 actually lowers itself on the highway to improve its aerodynamics and handling. Turn the steering wheel full lock in either direction and the front wheels articulate practically perpendicularly to the car.
Long story short, the Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic is nothing less than a world-class, state of the art luxurious high performance sports coupe.
6/22/11
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550
