Engine: 5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8

Engine Options: 381-hp 5.5-liter V8; 510-hp 6.0-liter V12

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual frontal two-stage airbags; driver's side knee airbag; front and rear side-impact airbags; curtain airbags; Pre-Safe system (front seatbelt pre-tensionsers, passenger seat positioner, side window and sunroof closer); electronic stability control; ABS; automatic brake drying; electronic brake proportioning; Brake Assist; Electronic Stability Program; ASR traction control; tire pressure monitoring system

Optional Safety Equipment: Distronic Plus distance monitoring cruise control, night vision system, back-up monitor

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Sindelfingen, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes Benz CL550 ($99,900)

Standard Equipment: dual zone air conditioning, leather-covered seats, door panels and instrument panel, heated front seats with memory feature, power tilt/telescope steering column, power windows, power locks, power mirrors cruise control, COMAND central control, trip computer, GPS navigation, Harman/Kardon 11-speaker AM/FM/satellite audio system with 6CD in-dash changer and memory-card slot, glass sunroof, electric powered trunk lid, electric door-closing assist, park distance sensors, power rear window sunshade, Distronic cruise control

Options as Tested: Premium Package II ($5650) includes active ventilated front seats, dynamic adjusting front seats, keyless start system, backup camera, night vision system; Distronic plus cruise control ($2850); heated steering wheel ($450)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax: 1300

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 382 @ 6000

Torque: 391 @ 2800

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 15/22

Wheelbase: 116.3 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 199.4/73.7/55.8 inches

Track Front/Rear: 63.0/63.3 inches

Turning Cycle: 38.1 feet

Seating Capacity: 4 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 36.9/62.0/na inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.4/56.0/na inches

Trunk Volume: cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent, double wishbone, gas-pressure shocks, coil springs, stabilizer bar, active electro-hydraulic damping and roll control

Ground Clearance: 4.6 inches

Curb Weight: 4360 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: P255/45ZR18 / P275/45ZR18

Brakes: vented cross-drilled disc/vented disc with ABS, electronic brake proportioning, electronic brake assist, automatic disc drying

Fuel Capacity: 23.8 Gallons