The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 emerged as a unique proposition, a vehicle that dared to blend the seductive silhouette of a coupe with the practicality of a four-door sedan. This innovative approach carved out a niche, establishing the CLS-Class as a style icon and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s forward-thinking design philosophy. For those seeking a luxury vehicle that deviates from the traditional sedan mold while retaining everyday usability, the 2009 CLS550 remains a compelling choice.
CLS550: Marrying Luxury with Performance Prowess
Under the hood of the 2009 CLS550 lies a robust 5.5-liter V8 engine, generating a substantial 382 horsepower. This powerplant delivers smooth and assertive acceleration, ensuring a refined yet engaging driving experience. The CLS550 is built upon a stretched E-Class chassis, a foundation known for its balance of comfort and capable handling. Complementing this is the Airmatic semi-active suspension system, a sophisticated technology that automatically adjusts to road conditions. This system effectively minimizes body roll and pitch, allowing the CLS550 to navigate winding roads with surprising agility, approaching the dynamic feel of a smaller coupe.
Beyond its performance capabilities, the CLS550 captivates with its distinctive “four-door coupe” styling. The sweeping roofline and frameless door windows create an undeniably elegant and sporty profile, setting it apart from conventional luxury sedans. This design statement doesn’t come at the expense of luxury; the interior is appointed with premium materials and advanced technology, ensuring a comfortable and sophisticated cabin environment. Features like the Airmatic suspension are not just about handling; they contribute to the overall ride quality, providing a smooth and composed experience expected of a Mercedes-Benz.
The High-Performance Variant: CLS63 AMG
For drivers craving even more exhilarating performance, the 2009 CLS lineup offered the CLS63 AMG. Mercedes-Benz’s in-house tuning division, AMG, took the CLS550 as a starting point and elevated it to new heights of power and athleticism. The standard 5.5-liter engine was replaced with a formidable 6.2-liter V8, unleashing a staggering 507 horsepower. This substantial power increase is channeled through a seven-speed AMG SpeedShift automatic transmission, engineered for rapid and precise gear changes. Steering-wheel-mounted paddles offer manual control, while the transmission intelligently blips the throttle during downshifts for seamless transitions.
The AMG enhancements extend beyond the powertrain. The CLS63 AMG features an AMG-optimized suspension with stiffer springs and shocks, larger, more powerful brakes, a throatier exhaust system, and more aggressive tires. These upgrades collectively sharpen the handling and responsiveness, transforming the CLS63 AMG into a high-performance machine that delivers thrilling acceleration and cornering capabilities.
Minor Compromises, Major Appeal
The unique “four-door coupe” design of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class does introduce a few minor compromises. The sloping roofline, while aesthetically pleasing, slightly reduces rear headroom and outward visibility. Additionally, the coupe-inspired door dimensions may make ingress and egress marginally less convenient compared to a traditional sedan. However, these are minor trade-offs for the distinctive styling and overall appeal of the CLS.
Since its inception in 2005, the CLS-Class pioneered the four-door coupe segment and remained largely unchallenged by direct competitors in 2009. While some might argue about its precise categorization, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 and its high-performance sibling, the CLS63 AMG, undeniably represent a successful fusion of coupe aesthetics and sedan functionality. This blend of style, luxury, and performance solidified the CLS-Class’s position as a truly cool and desirable creation from Mercedes-Benz, continuing to turn heads even today.
