Mercedes-Benz has a lot to show off at the
Paris Motor Show later this month. High-performance models, the S 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG and SLR McLaren 722 are all set to make their world premieres on the Stuttgart firm’s stand. Probably most importantly, however, is the unveiling of the new CL-Class, Mercedes’ largest and most expensive luxury model.
The big coupe brings with it a legacy of exclusivity and panache that goes back fifty years. A few reminders are there too, like the C-pillar design and the side windows, whose continuous aperture is not broken by a B-pillar; both of which are borrowed from the 220 S/SE Coupe of the 1950s.
We won’t attempt to detail the specification here because 1) there probably isn’t enough space on this screen, and 2) you can safely assume that any piece of automotive technology you’ve ever heard of is present. For instance, Mercedes’ 'PRE-SAFE’ braking system - designed to prevent a rear end collision by automatically applying the brakes if the driver fails to do so - comes as standard.
While the new CL-Class promises luxury and exclusivity in excess, its styling is probably best described as Lexus-esque, which is not a good thing. It isn’t outright ugly; it just lacks the elegant and distinctive lines of say, the CLS, its smaller sibling. It’s a shame Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been a little bolder and further distinguished the CL-Class from other big cars with lesser badges.
The CL cannot be viewed in a snapshot of time, however; its history represents a large part of its appeal. So, while the big Benz’s style might be questionable this time around, its presence certainly is not. And precisely because of this, you’d be hard pushed to say the new CL isn’t the classiest of its kind.
Will Nightingale - 7 Sep 2006