The new Mercedes-Benz CL and GL-Classes premiered in Mühldorf about a week ago. I went up to the dealership to check the event out. I'd already checked out the GL-Class. A nice SUV overall. Pretty massive and huge but thankfully available in GL320 CDI form.

Here, I also saw my second and third real-life CL-Classes - and I like what I see. You really have to see the car in person to appreciate the design.

My Impressions

Exterior:
Compared to the old C215 CL-Class, the new C216 looks visually smaller, but at the same time, it appears roomier on the inside. The fender flares are just like on the S-Class: you're not really bothered by them. At the same time, they add a nice muscular stance to the car. In the pictures, the car might appear bloated, but it's rather sleek and classy-looking, not fat at all. Like I said earlier, it appears visually smaller than the old CL. Just like the S-Class, I feel that this new CL makes the old model appear "boring". And that's saying a lot since I always considered the old C215 CL to be one of the most gorgeous cars out there.


Interior:
The cockpit is actually quite nice. I've warmed up to the W221 S-Class and now the C216 CL-Class dashboard design. Best of all, the materials are really good. The leather felt and looked lightyears ahead of the stuff you see in some current MB's. Also, the wood that decorated parts of the interior made a very high-quality impression on me. Sitting inside the car, I noticed that the layout is pretty sweet. Everything is within reach and the center console ins't as busy as in the old CL. The leather seats also felt plush and comfortable, like they should in a car of this class.

Overall:
A very nice car, given the positive initial impressions. I'm working on getting a testdrive with the car, as I'd really like to find out for myself how this baby drives. I expect it to be a fusion between comfort and sport - just like the W221 S-Class was when I drove it.


Enjoy the pics!



















Due to the Distronic feature, the star upfront on this CL is plastic.



CL # 2












Some GL-Class pictures. A GL320 CDI and GL420 CDI.

Thank you cawimmer430 for your first impressions. The CL is so goodlooking!

I will going to our Mercedes-Dealer on Monday. I'll pick up my camera, too. My father said there is standing a CL "Launch Edition", a GL 320 CDI, a SLK Black Series , a CLS "IWC", E 63 and a lot more nice cars...

Kein Problem.

The new CL is pretty nice. I was skeptical when it first came out but then I happened to spot a Werkswagen in Mühldorf early in August and that completely changed my mind. ONE HOT CAR.

wow very nice..looking forward to that review

IF I get to drive it.