The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS continues to lead the fashion parade. It has four doors, but admits to only two. It’s as swoopy as a coupe, but is really a sedan. In addition, nothing makes a statement quite like the CLS. All things considered, a little plastic surgery never hurt any fashion model.
Mercedes-Benz is giving the 2009 CLS550 and CLS63 AMG a facelift, consisting of a new two-bar grille over a gray-colored mesh. The CLS550 gets a set of 18-inch five-spoke wheels and a new rear bumper with trapezoidal-shaped dual exhaust pipes while the CLS63 gets 19-inch alloys and an AMG sport-exhaust system. The freshening also includes LED taillights and side mirrors with larger glass and built-in arrow-shaped turn signals for both models.
Edmunds.com captures the beauty of the CLS in words. “When it comes to shaking up the luxury car world, no amount of power, technological sophistication or supple leather in the cabin can top an alluring design. More stunning in person than even the most flattering photography might suggest, the coupe-like Mercedes CLS-Class has a visual presence that few other luxury sedans can match.”
Inside, both models get three-spoke steering wheels with the AMG getting thumb-rests and a squared off bottom a la Formula One. A new instrument cluster features white chronometer-style dials with improved legibility. There’s a brand new center screen and user interface to control the audio, climate and navigation systems, and a new hard-drive-based (36-gig) navigation system is now standard on all models. The standard harman/kardon audio system, which features a six-CD stacker unit and 12 speakers with digital surround sound, gets an upgrade. The head unit, itself capable of 
storing up to four gigabytes of MP3 files, now has an SD-type memory card slot for playing up to two gigabytes of MP3 music. The 2009 CLS line also introduces an evolved COMAND system with a new control button layout to place more functionality in your hand.
The CLS550 is not only a looker, but also a cooker, powered by a 5.5-liter V8 with 382 hp at 6,000 rpm and 391 lb/ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm. Every CLS features a 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission with lightening-fast manual paddleshifting. This quick transmission boosts zero-to-100 kmh time by 0.2 seconds.
The CLS63 AMG turns the vixen into an amazon with its smoldering 6.2-liter V8 packing 507 hp at 6,800 rpm and pumping out 465 lb/ft of torque at 5,200 rpm. The engine is hand-assembled at AMG just like the racing motors for which the high-end tuner is known. With that kind of force behind you, traction control is essential to minimize tire wear. AMG's Sportshift paddleshifting transmission is said to allow lots of tail-out fun before stability control intervenes. The brakes, massive 14.2-inch rotors and six-piston calipers in front, are more than capable. The CLS63 AMG hits zero-to-60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
Car and Driver describes the CLS V8 as a "full-fledged bombshell sent from heaven on a pillow made of pure awesome." They also say the engine's "labors produce enough volume to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand at attention, but the sound remains refined." The CLS has an Environmental Protection Agency estimated fuel economy of 14 mpg in the city and 21 mpg on the highway.
The CLS uses an independent four-link front suspension with anti-dive geometry and a stabilizer bar up front. In the rear, an independent five-arm multi-link rear suspension does the honors. The CLS also comes with Airmatic Semi-Active Air Suspension with Adaptive Damping System that electronically responds to driving changes while adjusting the damping to one of the four settings. Cars.com says the CLS provides "a comfortable ride in the true luxury sense. The suspension might be taut, but its operation is largely concealed as you drive on smooth surfaces."
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 and its hot-rod stable mate the CLS63 AMG are “reward” cars with sultry, come-hither looks and performance you dream about. The fortunate owner of a CLS is driving a truly unique expression of automotive art, something all too rare these days.
