Car Statistics: Mercedes - CL Series 06 (4 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Better looking than the previous generation CL, with plenty of shared visual DNA from the S Class. Still looks a bit underwhelming in dark colours, though.

Handling (4 stars)

Adaptive suspension does an excellent job of taming the CL's considerable mass, but the light steering assistance limits all-out confidence.

Comfort (5 stars)

The CL is in with a strong claim on being the most refined two-door in the world - silken smooth road manners and a brilliantly appointed cabin making it a superb place to spend time.

Quality (5 stars)

As well assembled as you would hope and expect for something trying to compete in this exclusive segment. Switchgear is shared with the S Class saloon.

Performance (4 stars)

The CL500 gives strong performance - but the twin-turbocharged CL600 is even faster. In truth, needlessly quick unless you regularly commute to work down the Autobahn.

Roominess (4 stars)

One of the few coupes on the market to offer genuine adult-sized space in the rear seats - although it can still be a bit of a scramble to actually get to them. The boot is pretty enormous, too.

Costs (1 star)

Only the seriously well wedged need even think about applying - thirsty, expensive to insure and maintain and likely to suffer from fairly high depreciation too.

Value (3 stars)

Serious pricetags mean the CL finds itself up against some very serious competition. Even the CL500 looks expensive, and the extra performance and kit of the CL600 don't come close to justifying the £30,000 supplement being asked for it.

Stereo (5 stars)

The audio system is brilliant - while the satnav is pretty much the best original fitment package on the market today, although controlling it through the turn-and-click