The updated 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4MATIC is powered by a new 429 horsepower V8 biturbo engine with BlueDIRECT technology which achieves a 10 -15% improvement in fuel economy and 23% improvement in CO2 emissions and takes 4.9 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph. The top-of-the-line 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL600 has a 510 horsepower 12-cylinder biturbo engine and accelerates from a standstill to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds (pictured above). Now before you fall in love, be aware that the 2010 CL-Class models start at $110,400 for the CL550 and $156,400 for the CL600 so expect 2011 prices to be in that ballpark. OK - read on.
Driver assistance systems in the CL-Class include a modified Active Body Control with crosswind stabilization system that not only regulates roll, but pitching and squatting movements as well. Also, theres a Direct-Steer system which can vary the steering ratio based on the steering angle and Active Lane-Keeping Assist which evaluates information provided by a camera mounted on the inside of the windshield. It identifies the contrast between the road surface and the lane markings. In addition, the optional radar system scans the side of the roadway for dividers and other roadway edge markings. The system also evaluates the driver's actions and can reliably determine whether the car is departing from the lane intentionally or not. For instance, there is no warning if the driver accelerates hard just before passing or when accelerating onto a highway, or if he brakes hard or steers into a curve. The CL-Class Active Blind Spot Assist is a system that makes use of a multi-stage warning concept. If the system detects that a lane change would be too dangerous, it warns the driver by displaying a red triangle in the glass of the exterior mirror.
The standard Navigation system features a nationwide map system stored on a 40-Gigabyte hard disk, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. Another factor contributing to a high level of navigation ease is the detailed 3-D map display with SIRIUS real-time traffic information.
The standard Voice Control system allows the driver to operate the navigation, telephone and audio devices via whole-word input -- meaning the driver no longer needs to spell out his commands but simply speaks whole words when entering the destination, choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register, or when calling up a name from the phone book.
The 2011 CL-Class will make its U.S. debut in the Fall.