The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 ($66,900) is powered by a 382 hp 5.5-liter V8. The CLS550 comes with leather seats with three-position memory, four-zone automatic climate control, a 12-speaker harman/kardon audio system and hand-rubbed wood trim.

Options include the Lighting Package ($1,240) with headlight washers and bi-xenon headlamps that swivel when the steering wheel is turned. The Premium Package ($4,740) adds heated seats with active ventilation, DVD-based navigation, a six-CD changer and power rear-window sunshade. Stand-alone options include Distronic radar-guided cruise control ($3,150), Parktronic park-assist warning ($1,100), the navigation system ($1,260), and Keyless Go ($1,090) one-touch starting.

The CLS63 AMG ($92,200) comes with a 6.2-liter V8, air suspension tuned for sharper response and flatter cornering, larger Z-rated tires, and more powerful brakes. Its seven-speed automatic features Speedshift paddle shifters that allow it to work like a manual transmission without the clutch pedal.

The AMG Sport package ($5,000) adds the handling and braking and looks of the CLS63 to the CLS550 without the big engine.

Safety features that come on all CLS models include front multi-stage airbags, side-impact airbags for front and rear passengers, front and rear curtain-style head protection airbags, seatbelts with pre-tensioners and force limiters, ABS with Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program, a roll-over sensor, low-tire warning system and Tele-Aid emergency telematics.