Just Took Delivery of My 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550 "Launch Edition"!

Just Took Delivery of My 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL550
I am now a Mercedes-Benz CL550 "Launch Edition" owner! This is my first one too.

I fell in love with the CL Coupe the moment Mercedes released the official pictures. What a gem. After seeing the car in person, I was hooked. Everything about her radiates class, elegance, quality and tradition (pillarless design for example). To make a long story short, five weeks ago I placed an order for the car. She arrived today. Originally, I wanted an Alabaster White CL with an AMG body kit, but seeing the CL close-up made me dump that idea. Instead, I bought those new 19" AMG rims, which add a nice touch to the car. They also come with high-performance tires according to Mercedes.

I was also told that an Alabaster White CL with AMG body kit would take longer to be delivered, but the "Launch Edition" was "readily" on hand. Since the standard CL is one hell of a stunner, I dumped the idea of a white CL with AMG body kit and ordered the "Launch Edition" model. 700 of these are supposedly destined for North America.


Here are a few initial impressions:

Engine: They certainly weren't kidding when they said the new Mercedes V8 is silent, smooth and refined. The motor is very quiet, extremely smooth and feels torquey. I didn't punch it yet as I want the engine to be properly broken in. I can't wait to try out the 382-horsepower and 391 lb/ft of torque.

Interior: Very high-quality. Hands down the best Mercedes interior ever. The wood, leather, plastics and chrome all feel premium and expensive. My wife, who isn't much into cars, has been blown away by the design and material quality. The seats are plush and comfortable but also offer good side support, reinforcing the sporty notions the CL550 has. You're well isolated from exterior road noise as well. Incidentally, the leather seats are part of the Mocha Designo option. Love it.

Transmission: The 7-speed A/T is very smooth. You don't feel it at all. I've tried and tried, but I just can't feel it shift - or hear it. So far, I'm impressed. I've previously owned manual transmission equipped cars, so this fantastic A/T is a welcome change.

Suspension: Well, the car comes stock with an improved version of ABC, that says a lot. Road noises and bumps are almost never heard or felt. It's a comfortable car - a very comfortable car. At times, you feel like you're gliding over roads, even if they're bumpy. ABC is wonderful! I've not played around with the suspension settings yet, but will do so once I finish the owners manual!

General Driving Feel: I feel this CL is a wonderful fusion between sport and luxury. It's a fantastic luxury GT car and the handling is pretty good. The steering is light but very sensitive to my input making it a wonderful handler - this coming from a former BMW owner! The car feels big and spacious, yet drives like a car that is significantly smaller. Once the engine is properly broken in, I will really get to enjoy her.


Basically, I am very impressed with the car and have nothing but praise for it. I was impressed during the testdrive, and I am even more impressed as an owner now. Great car. Mercedes really upped the bar again, so I feel, with this new CL. For my first Mercedes-Benz, I gotta say, I'm loving it already. I have a feeling it'll be a loyal companion and that I'll be keeping her for quite some time.


The BMW 530i? I still have the 2001 E39 530i. I just couldn't sell her after all these years. She's been fairly good to me and driving her was always such a pleasure. I've got space in my driveway, hence she's a keeper.

Price? Don't ask. Let's just say, this car is my new indulgence. Many of you might know me from my anti-gas-guzzler posts: and now I drive a CL550! Well, we only live once after all. Besides, the gas mileage is supposed to be heavily improved over the last CL generation. ;)

Hope you like the pictures! I took them on a warm day when the lighting conditions were better and I brightened them a little bit using photoshop. That's not my house or residential area by the way! :p

If you have any questions, just ask. Just don't ask about the price. I don't want to talk about money for awhile! :p


-CL550 (the user formerly known as "BMW530i")


More pictures (sorry for the blurry interior picture).

http://img482.imageshack.us/img482/3270/jcohencl55001tw0.jpg

http://img329.imageshack.us/img329/3141/jcohencl55002nh8.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/494/jcohencl55003kr2.jpg

http://img530.imageshack.us/img530/1983/jcohencl55004ic8.jpg

answeranswer - 12/7/2006 11:30:21 AM
+3 Boost
Nice car!

Much better than white in my opinion.


MercBasherMercBasher - 12/7/2006 7:07:24 PM
+4 Boost
I was at the Mercedes dealership today and saw the new CL. In person [as opposed to in photos] it is more impressive in terms of size and much, much less impressive in terms of looks. Now looks are subjective - but I think this vehicle will be seen as a whale within a year or two. It is not lithe, athletic looking or beautiful - its just big. It would have been perfect as a Cadillac or Lincoln.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/7/2006 9:56:16 PM
-4 Boost
That's why your name is MercBasher.


jpmracingf1jpmracingf1 - 12/8/2006 2:07:34 PM
+3 Boost
That's why your name is S4Cabrio, the self-acclaimed car-enthusiast.

I thought his MercBasher's opinion was fair and objective. Sorry it doesn't agree with yours.

Then again, what does anyone else know...you're the only car-enthusiast on this site.


Auto_FanAuto_Fan - 12/7/2006 11:56:58 AM
+2 Boost
I wouldn't blame you for giving up the anti-gas guzzler attitude when you decided buying this car, it is really hard to resist such beauty.
Congrats for this awesome car and thank you for sharing us your experience.


07mcs07mcs - 12/7/2006 12:00:37 PM
+1 Boost
Nice car, Nice color. Regarding that Automatic, I have an E500 with the 7 speed and it is very smooth indeed. I tried using the manual mode and there were too many gears for me. Now I just leave it on the sport mode and step on the gas. If I wanted a manual I wouldn't use a Manumatic.


kart1kart1 - 12/7/2006 12:23:48 PM
+1 Boost
Nice Car. Good looking.


JUGNUJUGNU - 12/7/2006 12:24:13 PM
+1 Boost
Beautiful

JUGNU


BillBill - 12/7/2006 12:41:50 PM
+4 Boost
Congrats on the new rides, BMW530i (I can still call you that, right?).

As a W221 S550 owner myself, I must say that I am very happy with my choice despite the good options (competitors) in this class. You're correct, MB is making a good comeback with their latest line of cars.

I also agree with your comments on the V8 that powers your CL and my S-Class. Since my engine is already broken in, I can tell you what to expect: nothing but fun!

Once again, best wishes and congratulations. A nice Christmas present you bought yourself and your family!




Sauceboy01Sauceboy01 - 12/7/2006 12:46:40 PM
0 Boost
i'm not sure about that nose... i'd have to see it in person.


Autoegr525Autoegr525 - 12/7/2006 12:52:06 PM
+1 Boost
Gorgeous, you're lucky. I agree that the interior is the best out there. The new Cl is the hottest shit out right now.


EL34EL34 - 12/7/2006 1:13:34 PM
+2 Boost
CL550, beautiful car you have there.

BTW, what color is your pillarless new "Launch Edition" Mercedes?


EL34EL34 - 12/7/2006 2:32:51 PM
+1 Boost
Will, so in other words you only like the color and not the car because you would rather drive an LS460?

Lexus does'nt have a car that can come close to this Benz, IMHO.


omarranaomarrana - 12/7/2006 1:35:20 PM
+1 Boost
congrats on the car man... def good idea going with the black


AUTO_UNIONAUTO_UNION - 12/7/2006 1:40:04 PM
+1 Boost
good choice!


golfer38golfer38 - 12/7/2006 2:09:08 PM
+1 Boost
Congratulations. I was never blown away by the design when I saw it in print. However, I saw one in person the other day, with the same package, and pictures do not do it justice. It looks way better in person.


4x4ever4x4ever - 12/8/2006 12:44:52 AM
+3 Boost
I absolutely think Mercedes' cars typcially have as much class as the loud, obnoxious, overweight, gold-chain wearing Italian Guido's you see in movies, and I especially thought this car looked like the last Ford Taurus model in the front in the photos I had seen, but I saw the car in person and changed my mine. I congratulate you on your purchase of this beautiful new car and anyone else who has that kind of money to spend on a car. Luckily, if you can afford to spend over $100k on the purchase of your car, all of the maintenance and repair costs you will endure over the years of ownership will not be a burden on you. Since this vehicle in person is so beautiful, I imagine that if everyone on this site had the disposable income to purchase a black hole, they would also spring for a CL!


DallasMR2DallasMR2 - 12/7/2006 2:31:11 PM
+1 Boost
Absolutely Stunning! LOVE the interior detailing.

i'm definately jealous!


EL34EL34 - 12/7/2006 2:36:18 PM
-1 Boost
Damn, I just looked at the photos and that car has stunning lines.

Congrats CL550.


StepYaGameUpStepYaGameUp - 12/7/2006 2:50:51 PM
0 Boost
definately hottest new car out there...sexxxyyyyy


mostafamostafa - 12/7/2006 3:37:30 PM
+1 Boost
congrats! i'm currently thinking about purchasing a mercedes benz as my next car.

i still love my bmw's, but it would be nice to have some variety.

after the next benz, it's back to my bimmers, though!


07mcs07mcs - 12/7/2006 4:52:23 PM
+2 Boost
Do what I do, I compare BMW, MB, Audi and Lexus. And whichever car seems to offer what you are looking for in a certain category, but that car. I have owned the and Own BMW, MB and Lexus.

Audi seems to have good cars, so might consider them for my next purchase. Which happens to be SUV.


BM3WBM3W - 12/7/2006 3:53:09 PM
0 Boost
Very nice car!


iown1iown1 - 12/7/2006 3:55:46 PM
+1 Boost
This is on my short list for a replacement in about 6 months. A few quick questions

Can you upgrade to the Passion leather in the CL550? Or Alcantra headliner?

How is the rear seating? I don't use the back seats in my car very much now, but it would be nice to have useable rear seats.

What do you think of the Command system? I think the MMI is easy to use. When I test drove the S class the Command system felt fine for the short time that I used it.

I'm 95% sure about this car. The other 5% is split btwn. the CL600, Maserati Quattroporte and the S8.




NARunnerNARunner - 12/7/2006 4:23:41 PM
+6 Boost
You base your car purchases on how others will view you? That is sad...


iown1iown1 - 12/7/2006 6:01:23 PM
+5 Boost
I don't understand your post. Are you suggesting that when I buy a $100,000+ car one of my primary concerns should be what strangers think about it?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/7/2006 4:52:10 PM
-2 Boost
Wow! I must admit, I'm jealous!

When I saw the new CL550 for the first time, I was just like, "Wow..."

This colors are beautiful, inside and out. The rims really are a nice touch, as if it isn't awesome enough with the standard wheels. I don't usually compliment black/beige cars!

The interior is nothing short of stunning.

The engine is one of the best V8s I've driven- I have a family friend with an S550, and I concur.

This car is hard to resist. I may have to compromise with a coupe after all... I don't as much want an all-out sports car, as a fast, sporty luxury car- CL fits the bill quite nicely. The fact that it's drop-dead gorgeous just adds to the mystique.

CL550/BMW530i, one random question. Did you have to start a new account to create your new name, or did you somehow get a new name with the same account? Because I wasn't able to do the latter.

I think this should be customary on AutoSpies- write an article when you get a high-end new car! This should include most cars that are $70,000+. I can't wait to do mine when the A8 comes.


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 12/7/2006 5:16:55 PM
+6 Boost
"I think this should be customary on AutoSpies- write an article when you get a high-end new car! This should include most cars that are $70,000+. I can't wait to do mine when the A8 comes."

Why not any car? Does it say ANYWHERE on this site that it is only for luxury cars? no. So your saying if a person bought a brand new Yaris, which was a big dent in their wallet, they don't deserve to write anything about it?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/7/2006 8:15:22 PM
-5 Boost
It takes quite a leap of faith to be a car enthusiast if you have a Yaris.

Then again, not many people are really car enthusiasts on this site.


4x4ever4x4ever - 12/8/2006 1:40:02 AM
+8 Boost
"It takes quite a leap of faith to be a car enthusiast if you have a Yaris.

Then again, not many people are really car enthusiasts on this site."

Personally, I am offended by this comment. I have never owned a small car such as a Yaris, but I bet you there are enthusiasts for this car since it has proven to be one of the highest quality cars the world over!

What still amazes me to this day are the comments regarding the correlation with quality and "true car enthusiasts" being questioned. Do you think Mercedes and BMW made names for themselves with shoddy quality track records? The reason they were prestigious cars in their day was because they had a sterling reputation for quality and silky smooth performance. If you take away quality and are only left with performance, what good is a 7 speed transmission or 300+ horses if your car spends more time in the shop than on the road? I think the definition of a car enthusiast is the same as any other type of enthusiast: one who is ardently absorbed in an interest or pursuit. I think that when you appreciate all that a car has to offer, even the little Yaris, only then can you be considered a car enthusiast. I think that until you stop being so pretentious about 80's German engineering success will you ever be considered a true enthusiast - someone who appreciates the beauty and simplicity of the Audi family design AND the exceptional quality and value of the Toyota Yaris!


jpmracingf1jpmracingf1 - 12/8/2006 2:11:35 PM
+5 Boost
Don't sweat it 4x4. S4Cab is the ONLY car-enthusiast on this site. Oh yea, he owns an S4 CAB! THE quintessential enthusiast car.

Enthusiast indeed! I should tell my friend with a Pontiac G6 cab, that he now qualifies to join the Enthusiast club!


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 12/7/2006 5:18:27 PM
-1 Boost
Stunning car, BMW530i. I like it better than the new S! It looks so good in those pictures, I seriously thought it was computer-generated!

Why the name change?


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/7/2006 6:15:30 PM
-4 Boost
Of course you should like it better than the S- the CL has always just been the sexier version of the sedan! I always have.


iown1iown1 - 12/7/2006 5:57:22 PM
+1 Boost
Just looked at the pics. Wow! I forgot how beautiful it is. I saw two in Monte Carlo back in Sept. Even though these pics are the best I've seen, they still don't do the car justice. In person, it's magnificant. An instant classic!


chewychewy - 12/7/2006 7:49:05 PM
+1 Boost
The interior is excellent. It also looks very elegant but from some angles not that great. And I have seen in in real life. Overall it is a great coupe.


2JZSoarer2JZSoarer - 12/7/2006 9:03:25 PM
-1 Boost
This new CL does not look as classy as the older CL!!
How much did you get ripped off for???


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 12/7/2006 10:37:39 PM
+1 Boost
he politely asked for people not to ask about the price. It's not exactly any of your business anyways.,...


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/7/2006 11:49:27 PM
-4 Boost
And, that was a dumb comment.

He, along with almost everyone else (except a few jealous Lexus fans), think the car is beautiful. I am among them.


EL34EL34 - 12/8/2006 2:30:54 PM
0 Boost
I disagree 2JZSoarer, the new CL is all new and better than ever.


iown1iown1 - 12/8/2006 12:51:05 AM
+4 Boost
Wow. It just goes to show how subjective taste is. I thought the out going model was completely devoid of taste, bad , good or otherwise.


chewychewy - 12/8/2006 1:17:49 AM
+2 Boost
The MB USA website has all of the pricing information, you don't have to be a genious to figure out the price, or at least have a rough estimate.


GennissenGennissen - 12/8/2006 2:21:48 AM
+1 Boost
Congrats buddy. that is an excellent BUY.


mstangpny07mstangpny07 - 12/8/2006 8:25:57 AM
+2 Boost
No problem. You're still BMW530i to us. (Just remember to keep the bmw logo so we'll recongize you!)

Happy driving.


WillisWillis - 12/9/2006 6:47:39 AM
0 Boost
Did he reply?

Anyway, wonderful car! Not really my cup of tea, design-wise, but I believe every word you said about the quality and that wonderful V8. Enjoy it!


jpmracingf1jpmracingf1 - 12/8/2006 1:33:33 PM
0 Boost
Looks like a Tiburon with a MB grill.


EL34EL34 - 12/8/2006 2:34:48 PM
0 Boost
junior n00b, go see the CL in person and park that Hunday next to the Benz and then compare.


Loki123Loki123 - 12/8/2006 3:48:51 PM
0 Boost
Nice car Mr. Cohen.


TybeeZ4TybeeZ4 - 12/8/2006 8:21:56 PM
0 Boost
The CL is truly a nice car. As to the grill, look to the CLS. The CLS 500 I bought last year is the style setter for this car as well as other MBs. And if anyone doesn't think the CLS is an important car design, just look at the upcoming Porsche super sedan; the Audi version; the proposed BMW version, etc.
Even the interior of the CLS is the best to date from MB and the CL didn't get the nice piece of wood across the dash. The transmission is flawless. I just wish I had the 550 engine to make it perfect. Guess I'll just have to accept 5.4 sec. to 60!
But, the CL is beautiful nonetheless. If it had four doors,it would be a CLS!


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 12/9/2006 12:15:04 AM
0 Boost
The CLS, S and CL all have beautiful interiors, and the CLS was definitely a style-setter for Mercedes.

The S-Class kind of finalized the design theme, and the CL has evolved it a bit more. I say, great job! Not radically different (à la BMW), but different enough so that it looks more than just "re-skinned". I've never been this excited about the big Mercedes models. They truly live up to what they're supposed to be- two of the best cars in the world.


XYZZXYZZ - 12/9/2006 4:39:02 AM
-1 Boost
congrats!

i've ALWAYS thought 2-door MBs looked better than the 4 doors, and FAR more exclusive. (how many mbs out there are NOT sedans?


sxrxrnrsxrxrnr - 1/6/2007 12:51:20 PM
+1 Boost
I too recently took delivery of a Launch Cl 550. 2nd choice car would have been Audi S8 but hate some of the ergonomics of Audi(my wife owns one). No accessory position on ignition, so you turn off engine when arriving at destination and you lose radio(yes I know you can turn it back on with ignition off, but 8 second delay is a pain in the arse), hate their incessant seat belt warning buzzer, even when transmission in park and engine is running if you or passenger remove your belts). Numerous really stupid things such as this.

As for the CL. I have owned a 560 SEC for 21 years and this is the FIRST Mercedes that I have considered as a worthy upgrade since then. Love the design, the selection of interior materials and design is back to days of old, the ride is quite superior to the new LS Lexus(they are the only auto that I know that can make so called real interior wood trim look like plastic).

Some minor/major nits. After a week of trying to get sat radio to work(they only offer Sirius which is an annoyance as our other autos have XM) and numerous calls to MBUSA and being told that I am not following manual instructions properly(I am a home theatre enthusist and computer tech guy) I finally had the car examined by my dealer. MB "forgot" to install the sat radio module. Also annoyed that they also forgot(now am told that is not a standard option) the AUX jack in glove box to to plug in your Ipod. Instead you must spend some 700.00 or more to have their so called Ipod Integration Kit installed.
Outside rear view mirror are far to small to be of safety or much value, but I guess they look ok. Also a terrible oversight is that you cannot disarm "automatic" mirror dimming set off by headlights of cars behind you. Mirrors then get so dark that all you can see behind you is like pea holes in a snowbank from their headlights. This is auto design 101 to be able to disable this disarming.

Light colored nu buck seats will be a real pain in the arse to keep looking clean over the next few years.

Personally believe that "trip" computer design is very primitive compared to say our Jaguar XJR. No instant fuel economy read out, trip computer does not remain where you left it when engine is restarted and generally is pretty junky. Our Jag is 8 years old and trip computer is far superior.

Would prefer 18 inch wheels. 19's are just too harsh(but on this car, not bad at all as the suspension is great). Mileage on tires will be lousy, and price will be very high to replace. Price per mile for tires will probably exceed fuel costs for this car. Also would prefer not to have all the gingerbread of the 3 piece wheel look. Not into the DUBS look on a Mercedes.

Manual which is over an inch thick is extremly poorly written. As noted before I am quite technical in background and I find it tough sledding. I have no idea what the normal person will do in learning the Nav system and the very large number of options to be selected for
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