2010 Mercedes-Benz CL Class - Quality Review

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Despite its long wheelbase, seatbelt attendants that pull the safety devices out of the way, and power-forward seats that slide toward the wheel for easier entry and exit, the 2010 CL-Class isn't much suited for carrying four adults.

The front seats are marvelous with or without the optional multicontour feature, and comfortable for even the longest drives. Cars.com reports the CL-Class' "cabin is roomy, but there's not a lot of extra headroom," thanks in large part to the "low roofline." Laterally, however, "space is generous on CL's broad, supportive seats," and "multiple standard power adjustments make it easy to find a comfortable driving position," reports ConsumerGuide. Edmunds adds "the front seats are fantastically comfortable, with numerous adjustments as well as heating and, on upper trims, cooling and massage functions."

The backseats are very roomy for a coupe, but it's a tussle to get into them-although a center console and lots of wood will leave the humidor set happy once they're nestled in. Cars.com finds "the CL550 is more accommodating to rear-seat passengers than many coupes," and it offers "acceptable" seat comfort, though "legroom is tight for tall adults." However, ConsumerGuide says it is "cramped for even average-size adults" and warns "entry and exit is tight despite power-forward front seats."

The 2010 Mercedes-Benz 2010 CL-Class has ample storage space, but not much rear-seat flexibility. ConsumerGuide finds "deep door pockets, multi-chambered center console, and a large glovebox." However, they feel "the trunk is not cavernous, but it has a useful shape and is luxuriously finished." Cars.com cites stats of "12.9 cubic feet" of trunk space-but observes "typical of large cars, the backseat doesn't fold forward to extend the cargo area into the cabin."

On the road, the CL-Class coupes are exceptionally quiet and vibration-free, and finishes are rich and substantial, not bright and gaudy. Car and Driver observes "leather-lots of it-embraces the seats and the headliner" and is "set off with high-quality moldings and chestnut or burled-walnut trim used sparingly in a stylish flourish." ConsumerGuide declares "assembly quality is flawless," while Edmunds raves about "high-quality materials and superb fit and finish" that "quietly bespeak the fact that this is an expensive car." Car and Driver says "there's little noise from the drivetrain, tires, or wind," while ConsumerGuide finds the engines "are nearly silent while cruising."