2008 Mercedes-Benz CL Class Features Review

July 6, 2008

FEATURES | 10 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Crammed full of the latest and greatest safety, comfort and entertainment technologies
Edmunds

Stands out for its improved COMAND system
Kelley Blue Book

Six-CD Harman/Kardon audio system
Cars.com

The Mercedes-Benz 2008 CL-Class excels in features, providing all the usual equipment and a rich dose of ultra-luxury.

One would expect any car with a six-figure starting price to be nicely equipped with standard features, but the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class runs miles ahead of those expectations. ForbesAutos says that the "list of standard features seems endless," including the "standard Harman Kardon audio system" that puts out "600 watts through 11 speakers" and features a dashboard slot that accepts "a PCMCIA card, a digital format that can hold up to 1,500 songs." Edmunds adds that all 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class vehicles feature "a hard-drive-based navigation system," as well as "heated front seats, power sunroof, power door and trunk closers."

Also standard on all Mercedes-Benz 2008 CL-Class coupes is the "latest version of Benz's COMAND interface," which Car and Driver calls "more-or-less intuitive to the computer-savvy driver," though "there were a few functions that would have most people diving for the owner's manual." Many of the computer-driven user interfaces in the automotive industry have drawn fire for their complex nature, most notably BMW's iDrive, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are impressed with the COMAND system's improvements. ConsumerGuide even says that, "with patience, COMAND becomes second nature for audio functions," although it "greatly complicates others."

The features story on this 2008 Mercedes-Benz coupe doesn't end with the standard amenities, as those who crave more than just what's included on every CL-Class have the ability to add a wide variety of options to their 2008 Mercedes-Benz. One feature that receives rave reviews is the "Drive-Dynamic Multicontour front seats" that Cars.com says "have enhanced features like upper and lower side bolster adjustment and a massage setting." ForbesAutos adds "an optional upgrade adds 'active ventilation' to dry perspiration and dampness in warm weather." For the CL-Class Mercedes-Benz, 2008 brings a few stand-alone options, which ConsumerGuide lists as an "iPod adapter" and "heated steering wheel."

Conclusion

An almost intoxicating blend of high-tech, highly desirable, and exclusive features dominate the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

FEATURES | 10 out of 10Expert Quotes:Crammed full of the latest and greatest safety, comfort and entertainment technologiesEdmundsStands out for its improved COMAND systemKelley Blue BookSix-CD Harman/Kardon audio systemCars.com The Mercedes-Benz 2008 CL-Class excels in features, providing all the usual equipment and a rich dose of ultra-luxury. One would expect any car with a six-figure starting price to be nicely equipped with standard features, but the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class runs miles ahead of those expectations. ForbesAutos says that the "list of standard features seems endless," including the "standard Harman Kardon audio system" that puts out "600 watts through 11 speakers" and features a dashboard slot that accepts "a PCMCIA card, a digital format that can hold up to 1,500 songs." Edmunds adds that all 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class vehicles feature "a hard-drive-based navigation system," as well as "heated front seats, power sunroof, power door and trunk closers." Also standard on all Mercedes-Benz 2008 CL-Class coupes is the "latest version of Benz's COMAND interface," which Car and Driver calls "more-or-less intuitive to the computer-savvy driver," though "there were a few functions that would have most people diving for the owner's manual." Many of the computer-driven user interfaces in the automotive industry have drawn fire for their complex nature, most notably BMW's iDrive, but reviews read by TheCarConnection.com are impressed with the COMAND system's improvements. ConsumerGuide even says that, "with patience, COMAND becomes second nature for audio functions," although it "greatly complicates others." The features story on this 2008 Mercedes-Benz coupe doesn't end with the standard amenities, as those who crave more than just what's included on every CL-Class have the ability to add a wide variety of options to their 2008 Mercedes-Benz. One feature that receives rave reviews is the "Drive-Dynamic Multicontour front seats" that Cars.com says "have enhanced features like upper and lower side bolster adjustment and a massage setting." ForbesAutos adds "an optional upgrade adds 'active ventilation' to dry perspiration and dampness in warm weather." For the CL-Class Mercedes-Benz, 2008 brings a few stand-alone options, which ConsumerGuide lists as an "iPod adapter" and "heated steering wheel." ConclusionAn almost intoxicating blend of high-tech, highly desirable, and exclusive features dominate the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.  2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS STYLING | [7 out of 10] Edmunds: "Curvier, more muscular lines than its subdued predecessor" Automobile: "With all four windows down the car looks absolutely stunning" Kelley Blue Book: "Neither showy nor obviously exotic" The sheetmetal that adorns the ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

The CL-Class is more expensive than any other mass-market coupe, but priced well below what the most exclusive prestige brands have to offer. The most direct competitor to the CL-Class may be the Bentley Continental, a twin-turbo, 12-cylinder coupe that, like the CL models, blends a classy, conservative interior design with performance that has the straight-line acceleration, if not the handling, to keep up with top sportscar models. Both the CL and the Continental feel hefty and poised on the open road. Among these two, the Bentley may have the advantage because of the rarity and exclusivity of the brand. The other more surprising competitor to the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comes from within Mercedes's own stable; its SL-Class roadster is in a similar price class, with a stunning interior, similar high-performance AMG models, and some of the same tech features, but it's a bit more performance-focused than the CL.

Next Steps:

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See the Mercedes-Benz CL Class in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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