CL-550 American as Apple Pie?

"pdish" (pdish) 10/29/2013 at 10:02 • Filed to: CL-Class

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The CL-Class from Mercedes-Benz is an expensive car; let me get that out of the way. It is also a complete imitation of the American muscle car, so why doesn’t it get more love from Oppo’s? It is a large car with high horsepower and a comfortable package. It will never out corner an Elise, it isn’t a sports car like a 911, but it IS a 400+hp 2+2 coupe. The price point is well out of the reach of almost everyone, but you can get a low mileage used one for less than !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! than a base Mustang GT or Camaro SS. I know the maintenance and reliability are going to be an issue, but it’s a car that you can buy from CarMax and get their extended warranty, the advantages of which are described in detail !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

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Maybe this needs to be my next car...

Comparison numbers below

Chevy Camaro 2SS (Gen5 US) $36K base

3750#/112.3in WB/430hp/424tq

Ford Mustang GT (Gen5 US) $30K base

3475#/107.1in WB/300hp/320tq

2008 Mercedes Benz CL-550 (Gen3 US) $43K used

4500#/116.3in WB/429hp/516tq

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:09

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I would rather have the new Mustang GT and save 13k. Also comes with warranty because brand new. More reliable, and everyone will hate me but I think a hell of a lot more attractive. I just can't stand the overly curved down back end/back window/C pillar of MBs.

Jayhawk Jake > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:09

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It's not a very good imitation of an American muscle car though, just like the Genesis 3.8 isn't even though it pretends to be.

To me, a muscle car is about more than raw power, it's as much to do with what it looks like.

A muscle car needs to look mean . Agressive, sharp, boxy, big, american .

Look at the Camaro: it's huge . It has giant boxy hips, a very angry scowl on its face. Sharp corners in the windows, big square gauges, huge pointy wheels. It's got a very American look to it, and that's what makes it so special.

The same can be said for the Mustang and Challenger as well.

But the Merc? It's a curvacious sissy of a car. Look at that beltline, it's not even close to shoulder height!. And what's with that back window, it's like they want you to be able to see out of it...the gall! It's too soft, it's too pretty, too unamerican.

Not to mention, it will never wear a 'Made in the USA' badge.

TheBloody, Oppositelock lives on in our shitposts. > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:10

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I don't know, I think I'd rather spend $40+k on a new car OR a project car budget as apposed to a 2nd hand car.

Jagvar > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:13

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The CL has always gotten plenty of love from me (it's my favorite Benz), but then, I have a penchant for big, German cars. I'd love to DD one of these, if I had the means.

Aya, Almost Has A Cosmo With Toyota Engine Owned by a BMW. > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:13

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Get the CL. YOLO.

Really, you won't belive how agile this car actually is. It's awesome.

J.T. Rex > Jayhawk Jake 10/29/2013 at 10:15

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If 'Made in The USA' is a requirement, count the Camaro out.

For Sweden > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:16

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You shouldn't need to take out a second mortgage when a Muscle/Pony car breaks down.

KusabiSensei - Captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs > For Sweden 10/29/2013 at 10:21

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In the case of a CL, you practically need a HELOC just for when the repairs come up.

Because they will, and oh are they unpleasant. Especially if you got the V12.

pdish > For Sweden 10/29/2013 at 10:21

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Completely agree there, I would only get one with a warranty.

Bluecold > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:24

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The CL was designed to make you feel special and good about yourself, since it's basically a 2-door S Class. Muscle cars are designed to go fast in a straight line. Completely different cars.

Jayhawk Jake > J.T. Rex 10/29/2013 at 10:36

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Fair, but it's still an american brand. People are stupid and assume that because it's an American company, it's better for America. Might be partially true, but if all you care about is supporting American workers, then you should buy a Kia Sorento.

Mikeado > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:46

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"It is a large car with high horsepower and a comfortable package. It will never out corner an Elise, it isn’t a sports car like a 911, but it IS a 400+hp 2+2 coupe."

Sounds like a GT car to me...

It's not meant to be a muscle car and isn't one (too expensive and complex), but it probably appeals to the US market.

J.T. Rex > Jayhawk Jake 10/29/2013 at 10:50

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I agree with you wholeheartedly, sir.

I work around the corner from the Oshawa Assembly Plant and I get to see more "Out of a job yet? Keep buying foreign!" and "Buy Domestic" bumper stickers than anyone should ever have to see.

The ironing is delicious.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > pdish 10/29/2013 at 10:51

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You do realize that this thought, coming from a former Miata owner, is utter sacrilege, right?

Doctor Shieldsy > Jayhawk Jake 10/29/2013 at 10:56

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You know why Detroit can't compete? Anti-union states in the South (TN, AL, GA...) make cars (especially Japanese and Korean vehicles) at a huge cost advantage. I wouldn't say it's any more American to buy a Kia seeing as the bubbas in their factories are living on stagnant wages with no say in the matter.

pdish > davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com 10/29/2013 at 11:37

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As a former and most likely future Miata owner and daily driver, I know it is. But I also can see the advantage of a high horsepower coupe with sound insulation and a great stereo.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > pdish 10/29/2013 at 11:50

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Ha! So, you won't be making your future Miata as harsh as you made your old one?

To build on the "horse and rider" metaphor, it's best to stop short of causing saddle sores...