Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG Coupe 2014

Despite the CL65 AMG's nearly 5000-lbs. weight, the big coupe can scoot from zero-to-60 mph in just over four seconds on the way to an electronically-limited top speed of 189 mph.

A reinforced five-speed automatic handles shifting duties, while fuel economy - rarely a concern in this vehicle segment - is rated at a dismal 12 mpg in the city and 18 mpg on the highway.

The interior is a sumptuous space replete with fine wood trim, supple leather and numerous impressive convenience features such as a Splitview infotainment display. This clever screen allows the driver and front passenger to each view separate content at the same time, for instance letting the driver keep tabs on the navigation system while the passenger simultaneously watches a movie.

There's plenty of room for passengers both front and rear, and the CL65 AMG's unique B-pillar-less design creates a sense of space and openness that only a convertible can exceed.

Standard Features List
Befitting its place at the zenith of Mercedes' full-size coupe hierarchy, the CL65 is lavishly equipped with nearly luxury, convenience and technology feature one could imagine.

These include leather upholstery, wood trim, heated and ventilated front sports seats with massage and active bolsters, heated and ventilated rear seats, a heated steering wheel a navigation system, an 11-speaker AM/FM/CD Harmon/Kardon stereo system with a six-disc CD/DVD changer, HD radio, SiriusXM satellite radio and an AUX input, infrared night vision, a rearview camera, an automated braking system, crash detection, adaptive cruise control, Bluetooth connectivity, front and rear parking sensors, a sunroof, a proximity key, LED running lights, active bi-xenon headlights, a power-operated trunk, a power rear window sunshade and 20-inch AMG alloy wheels.

Occupant Safety
In terms of safety and security features, the CL65 AMG comes with roadside assistance, adaptive dual stage front airbags, driver knee airbag, side and full-length curtain airbags and active head restraints. Electronic safety comes in the form of an electronic stability program, a predictive occupant protection system, a roll-over sensor, anti-theft alarm with engine shut-down and night security illumination.

The CL65 AMG also features Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both designed to help the driver avoid danger through corrective braking.

Active Lane Assist works by utilizing a multi-purpose camera, mounted in the windshield, which analyzes images and then simulates rumble strips when drivers begin to drift into another lane unintentionally. Should the driver fail to notice the faux-rumble strip effect being relayed through an electric motor in the steering wheel the car will gently apply brakes on the opposite side of the vehicle, creating a yaw movement that aims to keep the car in the intended lane.

Active Blind Spot Assist monitors both blind spots alongside the vehicle using close-range radar sensors. When a vehicle is detected in a blindspot, a yellow warning triangle is illuminated in the corresponding side-view mirror. Should the driver disregard this warning and activate the turn indicator, the warning triangle changes to red and an audible warning also sounds.

If a driver continues to ignore these warnings and moves dangerously close to a neighboring vehicle, the system activates corrective braking intervention to the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle, acting like Active Lane Assist, and using the yaw movement to keep the vehicle from colliding with the vehicle found in the blind spot.

Key Competitors
There is no doubting that the prodigious bi-turbo V12 in the CL65 AMG puts the coupe in a league of its own, but if "really fast" is good enough, and the AMG's "insanely fast" capabilities aren't a requirement, one may also want to consider the Audi R8 V10, the BMW M6 or the Jaguar XKR-S