2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class features a new and aggressively styled body design, with changes to the front air dam, and the addition chrome-trimmed fog lights, as well as dramatic wheel designs across four unrivaled high-performance models. The SL550 Roadster (MSRP $95,575) has a 382 hp, 5.5 liter, 32-valve V8 engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission with "Touch Shift" technology to allow manual gear selection.

The SL600 Roadster (from $132,775) sports a twin-turbocharged, 5.5 liter, 36-valve V12 with 510 hp and a Touch Shift-enhanced manual-style five-speed automatic. The SL55 AMG ($129,575) offers a 510 hp, AMG-built supercharged, 5.5 liter, 24-valve V8. And at the top of the series sits the SL65 with its impressive 604 hp, twin-turbocharged, 6-liter, SOHC 36-valve V12 engine.

The SL550, SL600, and SL55 all come equipped with a retractable aluminum hardtop that transforms the vehicle from a coupe to an open roadster in seconds. The SL550 pushes zero to 60 in 5.3 seconds with estimated fuel consumption at 14 city, 22 highway. The SL600 makes the 0-60 leap in 4.4 seconds and returns mileages of 13/19 with the SL55 achieving the same numbers. The SL65, however, shaves two seconds off the 0-60 rating for 4.2 seconds.

Each of the vehicles in the 2008 Mercedes SL Class is a star performer in its own right, with suave styling making them that much more impressive.

2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes S Class models mark the ninth generation of the S-Class series with three models whose hallmarks are safety, comfort, and style. When these qualities are married to high performance engines the result is a luxurious powerhouse.

The S550 Sedan is outfitted with a 382 hp, 5.5 liter, 32-valve V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission that also has the ability to "learn" driver habits. Amenities include heated front seats, hand-polished wood trim, nine-spoke light alloy wheels, and Xenon headlights, as well as a six-disc CD changer, and a voice control system. (The MSRP is $86,525 with the four-wheel drive version set at $89,525.)

The S600 sports a 5.5 liter, 36-valve turbocharged V12 generating 510 hp with a five-speed automatic transmission and the same driver-based adaptation ability as the base sedan. The interior is characterized by smooth, soft leather and the high-tech features include a night vision system and a radar-based proximity control system. (MSRP $140,675.)

The S65 is equipped with an AMG-built, twin-turbocharged, six liter, V12 producing 604 hp. The five-speed automatic transmission adjusts to the style of the driver for smoother shifting. The wheels are 20" AMG five-spoke light alloy. (MSRP $182,275.)

2008 Mercedes-Benz R-Class Review

The spacious 2008 Mercedes R-Class vehicles offer individual seating for six in a versatile interior that can be outfitted with a five-foot sun roof. With agility, balance, functionality, and style, the R-Class is not your run-of-the-mill SUV.

The R320 CDI ($44,775) is outfitted with a 215 horsepower, 3-liter, 24-valve, V6 engine that comes standard with four-wheel drive. The R350 ($43,775) has a 3.5 liter , 24-valve V6 with built-in overdrive putting out 268 hp and equipped with 7-speed automatic transmission, that also has four-wheel drive. The R500 ($51,275) has a 302 horsepower, 5-liter,V8 as a and the same seven-speet automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The R63 AMG ($88,175) features a rugged 503 hp, 6.3 liter, 32-valve V8. Fuel estimates for the vehicles are R320 CDI 21/28; R350 16/21; R500 14/19; and R63 AMG 12/16.

All 2008 Mercedes R-Class models feature a modular electronics system that includes integrated AM/FM stereo/weatherband radio, a single CD-player, and a large color-LCD screen. Options include a six-disc CD changer, navigation system, telephone integration kit, and satellite radio. An eight-speaker audio system with automatic speed-sensitive volume adjustment is standard and comes with an input jack for your MP3 player. A fiber-optic network integrated into the car ensures precise and high-speed communication among the components.

2008 Mercedes-Benz M-Class Review

The uni-body construction of the 2008 Mercedes M-Class SUV gives the four models in the line an exceptional degree of balance and control. With seating for five in an elegant and sporty interior, the M-Class vehicles offer both functionality and luxury.

The ML350 is outfitted with a 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter, 24-valve V6 with permanent four-wheel drive and a seven-speed transmission. MSRP is $43,455. The ML320 CDI uses a 215 hp, 3-liter, 24-valve V6 and also has four-wheel drive and a seven-speed transmission, $44,455.

The ML500 has a 302 horsepower, 5-liter, 24-valve V8 engine under the hood with permanent four-wheel drive. Its MSRP is $49,975. The ML63 AMG uses a hefty 503 horsepowerp, 6.3 liter, 32-valve V8 and is a vehicle dressed for speed with a black AMG grille and chrome highlights, for its MSRP of $86,275.

The ML350 gets 17 mpg city and 21 highway; the ML320 CDI registers 21/27; the ML500 14/19; and the ML63 AMG 12/16. All of the 2008 Mercedes M-Class vehicles are capable of towing a maxium 5,000 lbs.

2008 Mercedes-Benz GL-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes GL-Class of full-sized SUVs offer uni-body construction for maximum safety and style, carrying up to seven passengers with ease. The GL320 CDI is powered by a fuel-efficient, 215 horsepower, 3-liter, V6 engine and has a seven-speed automatic transmission. (MSRP $53,175) The GL450 ($55,675) has the same transmission, but carries a 335 horsepower, 4.6 liter, V8 engine under the hood. Fuel estimates for the GL320 are 20 mpg city and 25 highway; the GL450 gets 15/19. Each is capable of towing up to 7,500 lbs.

The GL Class features power-folding "theater style" third row seats and an impressive 83.3 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Second row seats are split 60/40 and fold flat. The front seats are not only heated, but also eight-way power-adjustable with driver-adjustable lumbar support. Hand-polished maple on the dashboard and doors is augmented by a leather-wrapped steering wheel and aluminum trim.

The 2008 Mercedes GL-Class vehicles are both outfitted with the modular "Cockpit Management and Data" system incorporating AM/FM stereo/weatherband radio, a single-CD player, and a large color-LCD screen. (Options include a 6-disc CD player with MP3 capability, a navigation system, telephone integration, and SIRIUS satellite radio.)

2008 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Review

The boxy but appealing 2008 Mercedes G-Class vehicles are hand-built and represent the toughest products in the Mercedes line. The G500 SUV is powered by a 292 horsepower, 5-liter, 24-valve, V8 engine and carries an MSRP of $84,475. The G55 features an AMG-built super-charged, 493 hp, 5.5 liter, 24-valve V8 engine and starts at $108,275. The G500 has an estimated fuel consumption of 13 city and 16 highway with the G55 getting 12/14. Both can tow a maximum load of 7,000 lbs.

Both models can climb and descend a maximum 80 percent grade and have a top low-speed fording depth of 19 inches. Ground clearance is 8.3 inches. Interior amenities standard to the G-Class include automatic climate control with two temperature controls, a dust filter, adjustable air vents in the back seat, a heated windshield, and lights in the cargo area and glove compartment.

The front seats on the 2008 Mercedes G-Class cars are 10-way adjustable with memory to retain up to three configurations, and the back seats fold down in a 60/40. The upholstery is leather with hand-polished wood trim on the console, doors, and dashboard. The steering wheel is heated and trimmed in wood and leather. Both vehicles feature en electronic management system for the convenience features.

2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz E-Class line of sedans and wagons comes equipped with bold headlights set in a striking new bumper design that improves both the vehicle's aerodynamics and visual appeal. With a five-star rating for side crashes and rollovers and four-stars for frontal crashes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the E-Class is both stylish and safe.

The E320 Bluetec Sedan comes equipped with a 208 horsepower, 3-liter, 24-valve V6 diesel engine and a seven-speed automatic transmission with manual gear selection technology at an MSRP of $52,325.

The E350 Sedan has a 268 horsepower, 3.5 liter, 24 valve V6 engine and features a lowered sport suspension and dramatic 18-inch, 10-twin-spoke wheels. MSRP is $51,325. The E350 4Matic Wagon has the same engine with all-wheel drive and seven-passenger capacity for $56,475.

The E550 has a 382 horsepower, 5.5 liter, 32-valve V8 with a driver-adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission (and the same sport suspension and wheels) at an MSRP of $59,775.

The E63 AMG Sedan sports a 507 horsepower, 6.3 liter, 32-valve V8 engine, and a seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG SpeedShift technology for manual gear selection and features shift paddles inside the car, as well as a more flexible suspension system and enhanced braking. MSRP is $85,375.

The E63 AMG Wagon seating for seven, the same engine and suspension system, and elegant interior wood trim. The MSRP is $86,175.

With all these options, it is clear that there is a 2008 Mercedes E-Class for every driver.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class Review

The 2008 Mercedes CLS class redefines the four-seat, four-door coupe, raising the form factor to the level of refined elegance. The CLS550 features a 382 hp, 5.5 liter, 32-valve V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission that still allows some gear shifting control. (MSRP $67,675) The CLS63 AMG is outfitted with an AMG-built, 507 hp, 6.3 liter, 32-valve V8 engine with built-in overdrive, and has a seven-speed automatic transmission with AMG "SpeedShift" programming and shift paddle manual mode for similar driver-directed gear selection. (MSRP $92,975)

Amenities on the CLS550 include a multi-function steering wheel with controls for the basic functions of the audio system and phone (when so equipped.) Automatic ambient lighting, four reading lights, a full-length center console, automatic climate control with four separate zones, 10-way adjustable front seats, and leather upholstery are all standard.

The CLS63 has sports seats wand an ergonomic sport steering wheel, chrome door sill plates, and adds manual shift controls to the steering wheel. Both models feature the modular "COMAND" Cockpit Management and Dats system, which integrates an AM/FM stereo/weatherband radio, a single-CD player and a large color LCD. (A six-disc CD changer and phone kit are optional.) The standard digital surround-sound system on the 2008 Mercedes CLS Class cars includes 12 speakers, a subwoofer, a 7.1-channel amplifier, digital volume control.

2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

The 2008 Mercedes CLK class of pillarless coupes and free-spirited cabriolets delivers speed, horsepower, and style. The CLK350 Coupe has a 268 horsepower, 2.5 liter, V6 engine under the hood and a seven-speed automatic transmission eqipped with "Touch Shift" technology for manual gear selection. Inside you'll find power seats that not only adjust ten ways, but retain their settings, digital climate control, and walnut wood trim. The grill has four chrome ribs and the wheels are 17 inch. MSRP on the vehicle is $46,975. (The CLK350 Cabriolet with the same engine sells for $54,975.)

The CLK550 jumps to a 382 horsepower, 5.5 liter, V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission. The sculpted front air dam, side skirts, rear apron and spoiler, and unique pillarless hardtop give this coupe a compelling style. The overall look of power and speed is augmented by a black grille with four chrome ribs and a chrome dual-exhaust finisher. MSRP on this model is $55,675. (The CLK550 Cabriolet with the same engine carries an MSRP of $63,675.)

The 2008 Mercedes CLK class is rounded out by the CLK63 AMG Cabriolet. This car is outfitted with an AMG-built 475 horsepower, 6.3 liter, V8 with a seven-speed automatic that includes AMG's proprietary "SpeedShift" programming. With its 18" alloy wheels, sport seats, chrome exhaust tips, and leather upholstery, the CLK63 is both sexy and powerful creating pure desire in the heart of the automotive connoisseur. (MSRP is $89,975.)

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review

Redesigned for this model year, the 2008 Mercedes CL-Class models are the epitome of Mercedes's luxury style. The CL550 houses a powerful 382 horsepower, 5.5 liter, V8 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission that includes the Mercedes-Benz "Touch Shift" manual gear selection technology. With its infrared-reflective glass, chrome exhaust tips, heated front seats that adjust in 14 different ways, and leather upholsterythe CL550 is a brilliant marriage of style and performance. (MSRP $100,675.)

The CL600 is equipped with a 510 horsepower, 5.5 liter, turbocharged V12 engine. A specially designed suspension system delivers exceptional ride control and comfort while the night viewing aids allow the driver to detect objects at a distance of up to 500 feet in near-complete darkness. The contoured front seats feature both heating and a ventilation system, and glass sunroof opens at the touch of the button, and also has tinted glass.

The 2008 Mercedes CL-Class coupes do about as well as expected when it comes to fuel efficiency. CL550 gets an estimated 15 mpg city and 22 highway and can achieve 0-60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The CL600 uses approximately 13 mpg city and 19 highway and can achieve 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds.

2008 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Review

The 20078 Mercedes C-Class Sedans are offered in four models: the CZ230 Sport Sedan ($30,425), the C280 Luxury Sedan ($34,175), the C350 Sport Sedan ($38,775), and the C350 Luxury Sedan ($39,375).

The CX230 is powered by a 201 horsepower V6 engine with a six-speed manual transmission standard and an optional seven-speed automatic. The performance-based styling includes wrap-around chrome trim, a trunk lid spoiler, and chrome exhaust tips. The interior is outfitted with black maple and hooded chrome.

The C280 has a 228 horsepower V6 engine with the seven-speed automatic transmission and an option for a permanent all-wheel drive five-speed automatic transmission (which takes the MSRP to $35,975). The model's 10-way power front seats have 3-position memory. Hand-polished wood trims the doors, dashboard and console which also sport polished chrome highlights.

The C350 Sport Sedan features a 268 horsepower V6 engine with a seven-speed automatic transmission with an optional six-speed manual or a seven-speed automatic with "Touch Shift" manual gear selection technology. The AMG-designed lower body work lends an aggressive edge carried over to the black leather-trimmed 3-spoke steering wheel and black and silver leather-trimmed sport shift knob.

The C350 Luxury Sedan is powered by the same engine with the seven-speed transmission or an optional all-wheel drive five-speed transmission (MSRP $41,175) and features all the premier luxury options of the other C-Class models and more.

2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review

Inspired by Formula I racing, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class cars deliver sports-car style and handling in three premier models. The SLK 280 Roadster has a 228 hp, 3-liter, 24-valve V6 under the hood with a six-speed manual short-throw transmission. (MSRP is $44,125.)

The SLK350 Roadster is equipped with a 268 hp, 3.5-liter, 24-valve V6 with a six-speed manual short-throw transmission. (MSRP $48,175.) And finally, the SLK55 AMG offers a handcrafted 355-hp, 5.5-liter SOHC, 24-valve, V8 with a seven-speed automatic transmission the has steering wheel shift paddles for manual gear selection. (MSRP $63,275.)

The SLK280 Roadster has an estimated fuel consumption of 20 mpg city and 27 highway and achieves 0-60 in 6.1 seconds. The SLK350 gets 18/25 for the manual and 19/25 with the automatic, going from zero to 60 in 5.5 seconds. The SLK55 AMG rates 16/22 and makes the 0-60 jump in only 4.9 seconds.

The SLK280 and SLK350 feature leather-upholstered seating, head restraints, and silver trim on the doors, dashboard and console. The SLK55 has AMG-designed sports-car style seats with magnesium frames painted to look like shiny silver, as well as dual-tone leather upholstery, and aluminum trim on the console and dashboard.

All of the 2008 Mercedes SLK-Class cars come with the comfort and style one expects from a luxury roadster.