Buyer’s Guide: 2014 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

NEW FOR 2014:

-None

Mercedes-Benz’s upscale two-door CL-Class model moves into 2014 unchanged.

The CL comes in four drivetrain-based trims, starting with the CL 550 4MATIC, powered by a bi-turbo 4.7L V8 making 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The next step is the CL 600, which uses a 5.5L bi-turbo V12 capable of 510 hp and 612 lb-ft. Topping the range are a pair of AMG-tuned models: the CL 63 AMG uses 5.5L bi-turbo V8 good for 563 hp and 664 lb-ft, while the ne-plus-ultra CL 65 AMG gets a bi-turbo 6.0L V12 that makes 621 hp and an awesome 738 lb-ft.

As their names suggest, only the most basic model comes with AWD, which isn’t offered with the stronger engines. CL 550 and CL 63 AMG cars get seven-speed transmissions—the 63 AMG’s being a dual-clutch type—while the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG share a five-speed unit.

CL 550 4MATIC models come with 19-inch wheels, automatic climate control, adaptive brake system with hill start assist, navigation system, voice control, Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, active bi-xenon headlamps with washers, cornering lights and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, electronic parking brake with convenience release function, power-assisted soft-close trunk, power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, rain-sensing wipers, heated washer system, 14-way power-adjustable heated seats with three-position memory and Passion leather upholstery, high-gloss Burl Walnut trim, heated wood and leather steering wheel, steering wheel-mounted shifter buttons, power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview and driver’s side mirror, ambient lighting, pneumatic rear head restraints, power tilt and telescopic steering column, auto up/down windows, power rear sunshade, Keyless Go, LED exterior lighting package, Parktronic with parking guidance, Attention Assist, garage door opener, continuously variable door hold system, cruise control, TeleAid emergency calling, tire pressure monitoring system, and rearview camera. The AVANTGARDE Edition package adds Climate Comfort front seats, Drive-Dynamic Multicontour front seats, DISTRONIC PLUS, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, and night view assist.

The CL600 builds on the CL550 4Matic and adds Active Body Control, heated and cooled Drive-Dynamic multi-contour seats with massage function, exclusive Passion leather upholstery, Poplar wood trim, Alcantara headliner, adaptive cruise control, Night View Assist, and blind spot monitoring system.

The CL63 AMG adds 20-inch alloy wheels, steering wheel-mounted shifter paddles, Active Body Control, heated and cooled Drive-Dynamic multi-contour seats with massage function, Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Alcantara headliner. The AVANTGARDE Edition package adds DISTRONIC PLUS, active blind spot assist, active lane keeping assist, night view assist, raised top speed (300 km/h), 20-inch AMG twin 5-spoke forged wheels, 27 additional horsepower, 74 additonal lb-ft of torque, AMG carbon fibre trim, and carbon fibre engine cover.

The CL65 AMG builds on the CL63 AMG and adds exclusive Passion leather upholstery, heated wood and leather steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, Night View Assist, Active Blind Spot Assist, and Active Lane Keeping Assist.