2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic

Some folks say there's no replacement for displacement. We'll agree that there's nothing quite like the roar of a big ol' naturally aspirated V8, but in modern times (and with new fuel efficiency laws taking hold), turbocharging points the way forward.

Nearly every automaker on the planet is scrambling to create turbocharged alternatives to larger-displacement engines, and over the past few years, not offering some sort of forced-induction mill has become quite the automotive faux pas.

Mercedes-Benz recently introduced a pair of twin-turbo V8s in its refreshed 2011 CL-Class, and while our lead feet immediately sprinted towards the bombastic CL63 AMG with its 5.5-liter hand-built heart, there's a lot to be said about the base CL550's all-new 4.6-liter setup. The once-sedate CL550 just got a massive flame lit under its tail, and the end result is a grand coupe that has more personality than ever before.
Gallery: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic: Review

    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic
    * 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic



The Mercedes-Benz CL is a classically beautiful car. Jaguar may have nailed modern beauty with its XK, but the CL teems with gracious elegance – think of Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara descending a staircase in Gone With The Wind. Mercedes' designers have created a big coupe that truly has an "I have arrived" presence, and from all angles, the car is stunning to behold. We like the base CL550 because, while the CL63 AMG has plenty of aggressive design elements to its front fascia, the 550 focuses more on pure beauty of form while still looking powerful.

For 2011, Mercedes has largely left the CL's design alone from the new-for-2007 model, only adding small touches like a revised front fascia with new LED running lamps and some minor tweaks to the car's hind quarters. We still adore the pillarless greenhouse design, and our test car's $5,900 sport package – 19-inch AMG wheels, different front and rear bumpers, and side skirts – brings the presence of powerful elegance together.