Exterior

The coupe version of the S-Class sedan, the CL-Class sits very near the top of the Mercedes-Benz range, and would be a rare thing in anybody's lineup: a large coupe. And when I say large, I mean it: The CL is roughly 200 inches long. That's the same length as a GMC Acadia — a crossover that seats up to eight people in three rows (see them compared).

Still, the CL is one of the best-looking cars on the road. That's partly due to the fact that Mercedes gave it a stretched-out form; there's a low, sloping roof and no pillars between the front and rear side windows. The car is also fairly wide, and the overall impression is of a very low, wide car. Interestingly, it's not hard to get in and out of the front seats. I never felt like I was falling onto the ground, as I have in other coupes.

The CL was restyled for 2011, with a reworked front end, and LED running lights and taillights. The CL wasn't ugly before, but I think the changes were done well. (Compare a 2011 to a 2010 here.)

    See also:

    Opening and closing the side windows
    1 Front left 2 Front right 3 Rear right 4 Rear left The switches for all side windows are located on the driver's door. There is also a switch on each door for the corresponding side w ...

    Calling up a stored parking position setting
    •► Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock.•► Adjust the exterior mirror on the frontpassenger side with the corresponding button•► Engage reverse gear. The exter ...

    Securing the vehicle to prevent it fromrolling away
    WARNING   Only jack up the vehicle on level ground or on slight inclines/declines. The vehicle could otherwise fall off the jack and injure you or others. If your vehicle is equipped wi ...