The Mercedes Benz CL coupe, has undergone a bit of restyling at the front and rear, although the more substantive changes are under the long hood. Both the CL550 and the CL63 AMG have new, smaller V8 engines (although that is not reflected in their names). But never fear, masters of the universe. Despite the downsizing, the new engines are significantly more powerful than their predecessors. The CL550 engine has gone from 5.5 liters to 4.7 liters, but it gains two turbochargers and direct injection. Output jumps by 47 hp to 429 hp, and torque increases by nearly a third. As before, output flows through a seven speed automatic transmission to all four wheels. The Cl550  is the only big Mercedes coupe with 4matic. The CL63's powertrain features even more changes and ushers in a new era for AMG. The old 6.2 liters normally aspirated V8 gives way to a new twin turbo, direct injected 5.5 liters, an update that will eventually come to all of AMG's 63 models. Standard output is 536 hp and 590 lb ft of torque. The CL 63 has AMG's seven speed speedshift transmission, which uses a wet clutch in place of a torque converter. Seen previously in the SL63 and the E63, the gearbox here has a different clutch pack and new software and is better mannered. Not only does it snap off superquick gearchanges and match revs on downshifts, but it now also equals the smoothness of a torque converter automatic when taking off from a stop. Speaking of stops, the CL63 incorporates an auto stop/start function, this is first time for Mercedes. It should give a real boost to fuel economy and indeed, preliminary EPA estimates for the CL63 are 15/21 mpg, significantly better than the 2010 models.

Besides their new powertrains, the big coupe's driving experience is little changed. The air sprung CL550 is nearly as compliant as an S class. With its standard Active Body Control, the CL63 is a bit stiff legged over bad pavement, but the upside is iron fisted body control. The Cl63 has essentially no body roll, and for such a heavy machine it's also amazingly resistant to understeer.