EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CL55 AMG
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
One of the finest coupes on the road today, the CL is an artful blend of performance, technology and classic luxury that rarely fails to impress.
Pros
Refined beyond belief, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling, impressive performance.
Cons
Complex navigation and audio systems, cramped rear seat.
What''s New for 2004
The navigation system is now DVD-based and the "Keyless Go" system is now integrated into the key fob.
Overview
Introduction:
AMG. Those three letters are as revered by auto enthusiasts as ERA or RBI are by baseball fanatics. But what do they stand for and what are they doing affixed to various Mercedes-Benz vehicles? The first two letters stand for the names of the founders: Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and the last letter signifies where the company was born: Grossaspach, Germany, back in 1967. What Mr. A and Mr. M did was modify Mercedes-Benz automobiles for better performance, be it for road use or racing, in which they were heavily involved. As the years went on, AMG became known as a premier tuner of Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and eventually offered interior and exterior modifications, such as custom instruments, steering wheels and seats as well as ground effects, spoilers and wheels. The company did such a great job that Mercedes-Benz brought it in-house in 1990 and as a result AMG now has its own high-performance skunk works, similar to rival BMW''s "M" division. There is now an AMG version of nearly every Benz model, from the C-Class'' C32 to the CL-Class'' CL55, and they all feature powerful engines, agile suspensions and subtle accents inside and out to set them apart from their more common brethren. As indicated by the two numerals (versus the more common three digits) after the model letters, the CL55 is a CL-Class coupe that has been given the AMG treatment. What that means is a horsepower rating approaching 500 steeds (493, to be exact) and torque measuring an asphalt-wrinkling 516 pound-feet. An active suspension system, called Active Body Control (ABC), helps this big coupe handle like a much smaller sports car. Via electronic and hydraulic wizardry, the system helps to minimize or eliminate unsettling movements, such as body roll while cornering and squat and dive under acceleration and braking. Another high-tech feature is the Pre-Safe system, which can anticipate an imminent accident and automatically tighten the seatbelts and position the power seats to afford the best protection for the occupants. Beautiful to look at, ride in and drive, the CL55 embodies the spirit of a world-class Grand Touring coupe. Its rivals are few, and after one drive in this coupe, you''re not likely to even bother looking much further anyway.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The CL55 is a high-performance version of the standard CL and comes in only one trim level. Of course there are all the luxury amenities you would expect in a flagship coupe, including a DVD-based navigation system, 14-way power-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a Bose sound system (with a trunk-mounted CD changer) and generous amounts of leather and wood trim. Sporty accents, such as double-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and aggressive rocker panel flares, hint at this car''s personality. Options include "active, ventilated" seats that feature built-in fans to keep one''s backside cool on sultry days and a power lumbar support that inflates and deflates twice a minute, providing a slow massage to keep fatigue at bay on a long trip. Also available is a keyless entry and start system, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors and special designo packages for a more customized interior look.
Powertrains and Performance:
The CL55''s supercharged 5.5-liter V8 puts out astounding levels of power -- 493 horses along with 516 pound-feet of torque. These big numbers mean that this refined yet muscle-bound coupe will hit 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, a figure typically associated with exotic sports cars bearing Italian names. The only transmission available is a five-speed automatic, but it does allow for manual shifting if you feel the need to choose gears yourself.
Safety:
Standard safety equipment includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes; electronic traction and stability control; front, seat-mounted side and side curtain airbags; and emergency braking assist. Seatbelt pre-tensioners and belt-force limiters are used at all four passenger positions. The CL also has the BabySmart feature that deactivates the passenger-side front airbag if a BabySmart-compliant child safety seat is placed on the front passenger seat.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
Virtually every luxury and convenience item, including a navigation system and power door-closing assist, is standard on the CL55. Specific wood trim is fitted as well, with dark interiors having burled walnut while lighter cabins are graced with chestnut timber. Most of the switchgear is the same as that in the S-Class, as is the illuminated gauge cluster, shift lever and COMAND control system. However, the quality of materials is even better in the CL, with a leather-trimmed dash, less plastic and even more beautiful wood highlights. Particularly impressive are the CL''s unique stainless steel doorsills and outer-edge door trim.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
Step on the throttle and the big Benz gathers itself up on a wave of torque, seemingly accelerating just as fast from 30 to 90 as it does from zero to 60. In spite of a weight of over two tons, the CL55 handles the curves like a much smaller, lighter car, a sensation brought about chiefly by the Active Body Control (ABC) system that quells body roll as well as squat and dive while the car is being driven aggressively. In normal driving, the suspension soaks up the bumps as well as any luxury car, but when it''s time to make tracks on a twisty road, the CL tightens up, rising to the challenge.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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