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:

    Correct driver's seat position
    Observe the safety guidelines on seat adjustment. ► Check whether you have adjusted seat 3 properly. Electrical seat adjustment When adjusting the seat, make sure: • you are as far aw ...

    Fuel filler flap emergency release
    WARNING Avoid contact with the vehicle walls as they may contain sharp edges. Otherwise, you could injure yourself while releasing the fuel filler flap. The emergency release is located in t ...

    Dual-zone automatic climate control
    Different temperatures can be set for the driver's and front-passenger sides. Turn the SmartKey to position 2 in the ignition lock. To increase/reduce: turn controls 1 and 6 clockwise or ...