2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (CL550, CL600)

Mercedes-Benz's uber-coupe, the CL-Class, is still fresh from a redesign for the 2007 model year. Top-of-the-line Mercedes coupes have always served as a showcase for the automaker's technology by regularly featuring goodies that filter their way down to the rest of the lineup over time.

The basic CL lineup includes two models -- the CL550 and CL600. Two AMG tuned variants are also available -- the CL63 and CL65 -- but we've outlined those in a separate report.

The CL550 is powered by a 5.5-liter V8 pumping out 382 horsepower and 391 pound-feet of torque. Optional equipment includes ventilated seats, Night View Assist, adaptive cruise control and an AMG Sport package, among a few other items.

Resting just below the top-end CL65 AMG super coupe is the CL600. Though priced about $50,000 less than the CL65 (enough to buy an E320 Bluetec for rainy days), the CL600 is hardly lacking in power, luxury or panache. The optional equipment listed above for the CL550 comes standard on the CL600.

A 5.5 liter version of the CL65's V12 puts out 510 horsepower and 512 pound-feet of torque through its 5-speed automatic transmission, still more than sufficient to make the CL600 faster and thirstier than almost anything else on the road.

The prodigious power befits the luxury equipment standard on the CL-Class cars. In addition to the de rigueur premium leather and wood interior, both CL models include 14-way power adjustable front seats, nine airbags, an active and driver-adjustable suspension and Mercedes' latest COMAND audio and navigation system.