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.)

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    The Inside
    The GL's cabin is finished in nice materials — that's the price of entry in this class — but the interior design isn't especially memorable. Fit and finish are also good. Ranking as one of the m ...

    Active multicontour seats with massage function from the S-Class
    The active multicontour seat package (optional) includes newly developed multicontour seats with comfort head restraints and a two-stage massage function in the backrest that has proven highly suc ...

    Pause function
    In audio CD/DVD and MP3 mode To pause playback: briefly press the button on the multifunction steering wheel. To continue playback: briefly press the button on the multifunction steeri ...