2002 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG

Electronic gadgetry in late-model Mercedes has recently taken its toll—the latest J.D. Power numbers finds Mercedes lagging behind such stalwart marques as Hyundai and Mercury

When Mercedes-Benz set out to build the finest sports coupe in the world they came up with the CL500 and its V12-powered sibling, the CL600. Beautifully designed, meticulously constructed, breathtakingly fast, and technology-laden, the CL-Class became the aspirational goal for drivers seeking the optimum in luxury and performance. That would be enough for most manufacturers, but Mercedes-Benz gave the CL500 to AMG for its tender ministrations and a genuine supercar—wrapped in ample and luxurious surroundings—came into being. Prodigious power is an AMG trademark and the 5,439-cc Mercedes-Benz V8 was completely rebuilt to cope with an intercooled supercharger, which boosted horsepower to 493 at 6,100 rpm and 516 lb-ft of torque available anywhere from 2,750 rpm to 4,000 rpm. To make the driving experience both convenient and sporting, AMG enhanced the electronically controlled five-speed automatic’s control with “Touch Shift,” allowing manual gear changes with...