They're expecting to sell about 750 CL coupés in the UK this year, split between the CL 500 V8 and the £20,000-plus more expensive CL 600 V12. It's misleading, in a way, that these cars have a "C" prefix, because they inhabit an entirely different world from the C-Class saloons and estates.The latest versions are sleeker in appearance, more compact, lighter, faster, more economical and crammed with trend-setting electronics, many of the systems being shared with the new-generation S-Class saloons. They have active suspension control, and bodywork which mixes steel, aluminium, plastic and magnesium. Gas discharge headlights are used for both main and dipped beams.The new climate control system is paralysingly complicated, not to use, but in the way it works behind the scenes. The CL radio switches to whichever of the four different aerials is getting the best signal, and one of the many extra-cost options is the Keyless Go entry system, which scans a chip card in your wallet, pocket or handbag as you walk up to the car, says a silent electronic hello, and unlocks itself as soon as you touch a door handle.You don't have to know much about the technology or the three networked data bus systems with their optical cables. If you want a car with real presence on the road, the restyled CL has it in spades.The CL 500 is the baby of the range, because it has a measly five-litre V8 engine compared with big brother's six-litre V12. That'll do, though, because the acceleration is formidable, autobahn cruising is effortless, and it all happens via that lovely five-speed Mercedes transmission with its one-click manual selector.When you're in Drive, you just nudge the lever lightly sideways to go down through, or back up, the intermediate gears. So simple and unobtrusive compared with hauling a Tiptronic selector fore and aft.The CL, even in 500 form, is one of those cars about which you can say criticising them is like taking a spade to a soufflé. Everything seems to have been thought about. Even the old recirculating ball steering has been ditched, to make way for proper rack and pinion.And how well Mercedes has sorted out the interior. The CL styling team realised that there's no point in trying to get vinyl of whatever quality, and however subtly grained, to look like leather. So the new car has a full leather fascia, including the stitching, and it looks terrific. The CL 600 goes the complete and utter whole hog by using Nappa leather, but that was a little beyond our self-imposed imaginary budget.I like the way Mercedes, which could use digital instrumentation and maybe satellite signals from Pluto, doesn't bother. The CL has conventional dials with beautifully clear lettering and numbering.While the body styling has become more elegant, and there's some amazing stuff under the bonnet and in the control systems, the latest coupé is really understated. There's no point in hiding the fact that some German cars of this general type used to be pretty brash in their presentation. You don't get that approach now. Anybody able to buy this car doesn't need to be a show-off.But it is rather pleasant, now and again, to floor the throttle, hear that fruity engine note rise, and disappear over the horizon. Engine 4966cc, 8 cylinders Power 306bhp Transmission 5-speed automatic Fuel 21.1mpg Acceleration 0-62mph: 6.5 seconds Top speed 155mph Price £70,680 Details correct at publication date
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