2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic: All you need to know

First look

The recently launched Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic is a car that most coupe lovers would fall for. It is classy, stylish and powerful – a combination that always makes for a winning vehicle and that is what the Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic is, in every sense of the term. But, even this beauty is not without its own share of shortfalls. I will come to that a little later. At first look, the CL550 4Matic appears as quite a big coupe thanks to its somewhat gigantic frame. Only the Rolls Royce Phantom is bigger than the CL550. The design and the size of vehicle is something that it is very hard to ignore, even if you want to. The overall design of CL550 is both elegant and aggressive. From every angle the car is a sheer delight to watch.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

The machine

The CL550 is powered by a new twin-turbo, 4.7 liter direct-injection V8 engine. The engine is capable of giving an output of 429 HP at 5,250 rpm and a maximum torque of 516 lb-ft at 3,500 rpm. This new V8 engine is more powerful than the old 6.2 liter AMG engine. Compared to the older engine, the V8 cranks out 51 lb-ft of more torque and thus the CL550 comes with a better acceleration rate compared to most other coupes.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

What’s good?

The best thing about driving the CL550 would definitely be its pick-up. The car can dash from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, which is quite impressive for a coupe of this size. A powerful engine, wonderful handling and a high top speed – all of these combines to make the CL550 a drivers' delight. The design of the vehicle is simply stunning in one word. Design of the vehicle can simply be described in two words - elegance and class. Apart from that, the CL550 handles exceedingly well at high speeds. So, if you are the kind who likes to go for long drive every now and then, the CL550 would then be the right choice for you. The CL550 has this unique capability of lowering itself on the highways that improves its aerodynamic efficiency as well as its handling. The interior of the car has been designed in a way that gives the maximum driving as well as seating comfort. The classy and elegance look of the exterior has been replicated on the inside as well. The seats and the lower part of the dashboard are covered in fine quality leather. Most of the dashboard has a black plastic finish which goes quite well with the leather. The seats are adjustable in every possible direction.

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2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4 Matic rivals

Alternatives of 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

What’s not so good?

But as I have mentioned earlier, even this baby is not without its own pitfalls. The acceleration of the vehicle is quite sluggish, especially at low speeds. Since it runs on gas, be prepared to shed some extra dollars. The sport mode button of the suspension is placed at an awkward position and it can be quite inconvenient to reach the button, especially when one is driving. The split view option of the video reduces the LCD quality of the screen.

Picture Gallery

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

Even with all-season tires, this car is great in the snow.

Accessories

The CL550 comes with many modern day high-tech accessories. You will get things like blind spot warning system, night-vision with pedestrian detection system, voice activation system for audio, lane departure warning, high-tech navigation and communication systems, self-closing doors, an automatic opening and closing trunk and many more.

Price and availability

The starting price of the CL550 is said to be around $113,150. The price will, of course, increase with the number of accessories you want to have in your car.

Industry buzz

This car was sure to create ripples across the web and it did, indeed. So, we are just putting small excerpts from various blogs to let you know the opinion across the web.

Insideline says

The 2011 CL550, then, is big, beautiful, quiet, fast and as pretentious as it is impractical. And it's not a car for everyone.

The biggest change for the 2011 CL550 is the implementation of the automaker's new 4.6-liter twin-turbocharged V8.

Even with all-season tires, this car is great in the snow.

The Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic is undoubtedly a champion in the luxury coupe segment. It offers everything that a modern coupe should have and more. Stylish look, comfortable ride, excellent handling quality, great acceleration and a powerful engine - all combines to make the Merc CL550 a true winner. Even the seats of this car are smart and they massage the tired legs of its occupants. The price at which all this luxury is available seems quite reasonable, given the performance and accessories one will get with the car.