Exterior

The coupe version of the S-Class sedan, the CL-Class sits very near the top of the Mercedes-Benz range, and would be a rare thing in anybody's lineup: a large coupe. And when I say large, I mean it: The CL is roughly 200 inches long. That's the same length as a GMC Acadia — a crossover that seats up to eight people in three rows (see them compared).

Still, the CL is one of the best-looking cars on the road. That's partly due to the fact that Mercedes gave it a stretched-out form; there's a low, sloping roof and no pillars between the front and rear side windows. The car is also fairly wide, and the overall impression is of a very low, wide car. Interestingly, it's not hard to get in and out of the front seats. I never felt like I was falling onto the ground, as I have in other coupes.

The CL was restyled for 2011, with a reworked front end, and LED running lights and taillights. The CL wasn't ugly before, but I think the changes were done well. (Compare a 2011 to a 2010 here.)

    See also:

    Fuse box under the rear bench seat
    – Fold the right-hand rear bench seat forward. – To open: lift and fold back carpet 1 in the direction of the arrow. – Release clamps 2 by pressing them in the direction of the arrow. – Fol ...

    Stowage compartments in the front
    Glove box ► To open: pull handle 1 and open glove box flap 2. ► To close: fold glove box flap 2 upwards until it engages. The glove box can only be locked and unlocked using ...

    General information
    Automatic picture shutoff If the vehicle is traveling faster than approximately 3 mph (5 km/h) and video DVD mode is activated, the picture is deactivated automatically. The video picture is o ...