2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

NEW FOR 2009:

- CL550 4Matic replaces rear-wheel drive CL550

- All 19-inch wheels get all-season tires

- Trunk pass-through and trunk-mounted 12-volt power outlet standard on all models

- Technology Package of Distronic Plus, Park Assist, Night View Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring standard on CL600 and CL65 AMG

- "Pull-push" window switches replace "push-push"

- Shift paddles replace shift buttons

- Panoramic sunroof and rear sunshade have one-touch closure

For 2009, the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class replaces the rear-wheel drive CL550 with a new, fourth-generation 4Matic all-wheel drive system borrowed from the S-Class. Other changes to the model line-up are to the standard or optional features.

There are four models in the line-up: the CL500 4Matic, with 5.5-litre V8 and seven-speed automatic; the CL600, with 5.5-litre twin-turbo V12 and five-speed automatic; the CL63 AMG, with 6.2-litre V8 and seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic; and the CL65 AMG, with 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12 and five-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission.

Features on the CL550 4Matic include 19-inch alloy wheels, Thermotronic automatic climate control, parameter steering, COMAND APS with navigation, PCMCIA interface for memory card playback, Harman/Kardon Logic7 Surround Sound system, Sirius satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, active bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, electronic parking brake, power-folding heated mirrors with integrated turn signals, infrared reflecting glass, two-stage rain-sensing wipers with heated waters, 14-way power multi-contour heated seats with three-position memory, high-gloss Burl Walnut wood trim, Passion leather upholstery, leather and Burl Walnut heated steering wheel with power tilt and telescopic column, power sunroof, auto-dimming rearview and driver's side mirrors, one-touch up/down windows, power rear sunshade, SmartKey system, garage door opener, continuously variable door hold system, cruise control, anti-theft alarm with tow-away protection, TeleAid emergency calling system, tire pressure monitoring system, and rearview camera.

The CL600 adds Active Body Control, upgraded leather upholstery, Alcantara roof liner, Keyless Go system, advanced parking guidance, Drive-Dynamic multi-contour front seats with massage, heated and ventilated front seats, poplar wood trim, adaptive cruise control, Night View Assist and blind spot monitoring.

The CL63 AMG builds on the CL550 and adds 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, wheel-mounted shift paddles, and heated and ventilated front seats.

The CL65 AMG builds on the C600 and adds 20-inch AMG alloy wheels, wheel-mounted shift paddles, and Passion leather upholstery; advanced parking guidance is optional.

The addition of a 4Matic choice further broadens the CL-Class' appeal, providing everything from sure-footed winter performance to blistering performance. Each coddles its driver in luxury with a broad range of standard and optional features, along with numerous passive and active safety features, including Active Body Roll, which uses microcomputers and high-pressure hydraulics to counter body pitch, roll, and squat, and virtually eliminate body movement during cornering.