Mercedes-Benz CL500 - First Drive - German Car - Features

Other innovations on the CL500 include xenon headlamps for both low and high beams, a trick multilink door hinge for easier entry and exit, and an optional tire pressure monitoring system. Meanwhile, major features shared with the S-Class are electronic stability control, active seat ventilation, dynamic multi-contour seatback, Tele-Aid emergency response, Parktronic, inflatible Head Protection Curtain, a Touch Shift transmission, Mercedes' COMAND system which integrates audio, navigation and telephone controls, and an intelligent automatic climate control system that figures in the relative humidity and number of passengers.

Also shared with the S-Class is Mercedes' Distronic intelligent cruise control system, which uses radar to scan ahead of the vehicle up to about 500 feet when in cruise-control mode. If a slower vehicle is detected, the system will automatically cut back on the throttle and, if needed, apply the brakes (up to 20 percent) to reduce speed and then pace the vehicle in front. It's impressively effective, and the system even lets the driver dial in the following distance he wants.

Even at the lofty price of $85,500, the CL500 is an attractive value considering that it's $6400 less than the '99 version, yet includes about $8000 worth of additional standard equipment. Meanwhile, waiting in the wings for a fall 2000 North American intro is a brand-new V-12 powerplant that will show up simultaneously in both CL600 coupe and S600 sedan. Due at the same time is a sport package for the CL500. And beyond that, look for an AMG version; the CL55, perhaps?