Engine: 5.0-liter sohc 24-valve V8

Engine Options: 302-hp 5.0-liter V8; 469-hp 5.5-liter supercharged V8

Transmission: 7-speed automatic

Transmission Options: 7-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: Electronic Stability Program, ABS, Brake Assist, roll-over sensor, dual front airbags multi-stage deployment, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and seatbelt force limiters, front and rear side-impact airbags and head protection curtains, low-tire pressure warning system, Tele Aid emergency calling and communication system

Optional Safety Equipment:

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Sindelfingen, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz CLS500 ($64,900)

Standard Equipment: four-zone climate control, 10-way power adjustable front seats with 3-position memory, multifunction steering wheel, electric adjustable tilt and telescoping steering column, cruise control, 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/single-disc CD, leather upholstery, hand-polished wood trim, power windows with express up and down, auto-dimming rear/driver side mirrors with right-side park assist, infrared remote central locking system with user-recognition, integrated garage door opener, power tilt/sliding glass sunroof, blue-tinted glass, floor mats, navigation pre-wiring, Mercedes-Benz maintenance system

Options as Tested: Lighting Package: bi-xenon with active curve lighting and headlamp washers ($1,220); AMG Sport Package: steering wheel with shift buttons, AMG body cladding, 18-inch AMG wheels ($4,950); Premium Package: active ventilated and multicontour seats with heating, DVD Navigation, 6-disc CD changer, harman/kardon auto, power rear-window sunshade ($3,650)

Destination Charge: 720

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 302 @ 5600

Torque: 339 @ 2700-4250

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 16/22

Wheelbase: 112.4 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 193.4/73.7/54.7 inches

Track Front/Rear: 62.7/63.1 inches

Turning Cycle: 36.7 feet

Seating Capacity: 4 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 36.9/58.0/na inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 36.1/57.6/na inches

Trunk Volume: cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: independent four-link, AIRMATIC DC full air suspension with level control, anti-dive

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3990 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 245/40R18 front, 275/35R18 rear

Brakes: Sensotronic Brake Control, front and rear discs, internally ventilated, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP

Fuel Capacity: 21.1 Gallons