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Taming the devilish power figures is Mercedes-Benz’s version of the ABCs. The Active Body Control system was developed by the company’s engineers to adjust the suspension and damper settings in real time to reduce the body movement when accelerating, cornering or braking. The new CL600’s ABC system now has the ability in monitoring the total vehicle weight, including the occupants and baggage. By adding them to the system’s calculations, it gives the car a sharper, more dynamic handling regardless of any Sumo-sized passenger. In addition to the CL600’s countless airbags that activate based on the passenger’s weight and seatbelt pre-tensioners with belt force limiters, the car now gains two front-mounted satellite sensors which permit the early detection of the severity of an accident making the airbags vary their level of inflation. It also controls the pre-tensioners to activate earlier ensuring optimum occupant restraint in an impact. The changes to the CL600 are not purely for the mechanically-inclined. In order to differentiate the 2003 model CL600, it features an updated twin headlamp cluster design with bi-xenon lamps as standard. It also has a sportier front bumper and restyled rear tail lamp. The housing of the exterior mirrors have also been given the slight tweak to integrate exit lighting which switch on automatically to illuminate the area next to the vehicle when the doors are opened or when the central locking is activated. To answer its critiques, Mercedes-Benz has worked hard to uplift the CL coupe’s interior with better switchgear, lifted from the SL model range, and a more ergonomic center console. The interior now boasts a larger 6.5-inch LCD screen that forms the centerpiece of the COMAND system that integrates the car’s systems such as radio, CD, mobile phone and GPS. All of these changes hark the arrival of the CL600 as a formidable force in the super car league that once only accepted the likes of Porsche, Lamborghini and Ferrari. The dazzling new performance figures as well as the luxuriously elegant interior make the CL600 every bit more desirable than any super car. Though Mercedes-Benz may not be winning a world championship this year, it sure is making like more difficult for the folks over at Maranello and Munich. Ever wonder why Mika Hakkinen decided to retire? |
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