Test drive and walkaround of a PRISTINE 2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550 Sport with Chris from Chicago Cars Direct. Outside the change isnt so evident; the new M looks a lot like the old, re-rendered in hi-def. The corners and bodyside lines are a little more creased; the trim and sparse chrome bits a little more defined. The saw-tooth grille insert is reminiscent of machined industrial equipment. Jeweled taillamps and HID headlights complete the high-tech theme. One thing hasnt changed, thoughthat oversized, tri-pointed star on the grille is still suitable for Flava-Flavs accessory drawer. Under the skin, the M has grown up, too. Engine choices are mostly new or updated, from the bread-and-butter V6 ML350 to the tested ML500, with prices increasing concurrent to horsepower. Weve driven the 268-horse ML350 model (at around 000 to start), and found it to be smooth if not exactly powerful. Zero-to-sixty acceleration is claimed to be an utterly adequate 8.4 seconds. In other words, its entirely sufficient for the soccer mom stereotype that we often see behind the wheel of these machines. And then theres that V8. The heart of the 500 ML500, weve enjoyed this same motor in a number of Benzesand even in this second-heaviest of applications (the new R-Class non-minivan is just a smidge stouter), its a beaut. With 339 lb.-ft. of torque, theres no shortage of off-the-line gruntand the 302 horsepower rating means the M pulls to way beyond our own limits on public roads (self-imposed …
Test drive and walkaround of a 2006 Mercedes-Benz E350 with Chris from Chicago Cars Direct. Long a favorite in the midsize luxury segment, the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has provided an appealing mix of comfort, performance and safety for decades. The trademark qualities of Mercedes-Benz vehicles, such as vaultlike solidity and leading-edge technology, have also contributed to the E-Class’ great popularity among luxury sedan, wagon and coupe buyers. With variants ranging from fuel-efficient diesels to ultra-high-performance AMG models, there’s an E-Class for just about anyone — provided they have the financial resources to procure one, of course. Through the years, V6-powered models such as the E320 and E350 have offered respectable performance along with respectable fuel efficiency, while V8 models such as the E430, E500 and E550 have delivered truly autobahn-worthy driving dynamics. The overall design of the Mercedes-Benz E-Class has always been understated yet elegant. The interiors of the early models were comfortable but hardly lavish. However, the more recent models have grown quite luxurious, with generous helpings of leather, wood and chrome trim throughout, as well as the latest high-tech features. The E-Class stands tall among luxury cars as a tasteful and strong-performing entrant. Current Mercedes-Benz E-Class The Mercedes-Benz E-Class sedan comes in three trim levels: the gasoline V6-powered E350 (268 horsepower), the V8-powered E550 (382 hp) and the pavement …
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL550 test drive and walk around with Chris from Chicago Cars Direct. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a large grand touring coupe available in four trim levels: CL550, CL600, CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG. The CL550 comes packed with luxury features such as bi-xenon headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels, a hard-drive-based navigation system, a 600-watt Harman Kardon audio system with six-disc CD/DVD changer and satellite radio, Bluetooth connectivity, 14-way power heated front seats, power sunroof, power door and trunk closers and park assist. Options for the CL550 include the AMG Sport Package and a pair of premium packages. The former is essentially fancy wheels and a body kit, while the latter two equipment groups include features such as keyless starting, ventilated front seats, a nighttime vision assist system and “Drive Dynamic” front seats whose bolsters automatically inflate to add support during hard cornering. The V12-powered CL600 adds those premium packages’ features, leaving but two options: an iPod integration kit and 19-inch wheels. The ultra-performance-focused AMG versions offer even more powerful engines as well as unique exterior enhancements, sport-tuned suspensions, high-performance brakes, 20-inch wheels and AMG multicontour leather sport seats. The chief difference between these two super coupes is their engine choices: the CL63 AMG has a 518-horsepower V8 while the CL65 AMG features a 604-hp twin-turbo V12. There is also a limited-edition …
Test drive and walkaround of a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SL500 Sport with Chris from Chicago Cars Direct. The Mercedes SL has come full circle. The fifth-generation SL finally recaptures the sports car soul of the immortal 300SL Gullwing of 1954. This new SL is a real sports car–full of technology, stunning to look at, deceptively fast, amazingly capable, and, most important, a lot of fun to drive. For much of its life, the SL was a boulevard cruiser for aging, affluent softies, but now it’s good enough and rewarding enough to challenge the Porsche 911. For the moment, SL fanciers will have to sate their appetites with the SL500, although other models will follow: a supercharged 476-horsepower SL55 AMG, an entry-level 220-horsepower SL320, and a range-topping V-12-engined 406-horsepower SL600. We drove the SL500, which is tipped to be the best value of the range. Despite being loaded with new technology, it will be priced at a similar level to the outgoing car (at around 000), it is plenty powerful, and the normally aspirated V-8 will give it better balance than the two more potent but heavier engines. Like the SLK, the latest SL boasts Mercedes’ patented hard-panel fold-away roof. The full-size droptop is now, like the SLK, strictly a two-seater, as every decent roadster should be. While the collapsible top converts the new SL into a weatherproof coupe at the push of a button, the absence of token rear seats provides valuable extra storage space, either inside two …
2005 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK-Class 2 Door Coupe 5.0 Liter For more information on this vehicle and our full inventory, call us at 941-923-1700. Suncoast Porsche Audi VW Sarasota, FL