The Mercedes-Benz CL coupe is a melding of sensuous design and cosseting luxury that few other vehicles in the world can match. But its strength is its weakness: The sacrifices necessary to achieve uncompromised design create a major deficit in passenger-carrying capability. Two doors and tight rear-seat confines mean that buyers should think twice before committing to this beautiful cruiser; they could soon feel buyer's remorse at spending this much money on a car with limited day-to-day usefulness. The rest is pure wonderfulness, from the CL's svelte driving dynamics to its near endless list of luxury and safety equipment. This is a car for people who are smitten by its special nature and not intimidated by its obvious drawbacks. We simply suggest taking a good hard look before you leap.

Rich Ceppos filed this report to NewCarTestDrive.com from Ann Arbor, Michigan.