Mercedes-Benz CLS550 Dallas TX

Man, we feel like we're in junior high again. No, not because of our patchy, stalker-esque facial hair or the fact that we keep outgrowing our clothes. (Although nowadays it seems we're outgrowing them outward instead of up.) We feel all of 13 because we just got finished driving the Mercedes-Benz CLS550, and it just sort of does that to you. Jittery nerves, sweaty palms, dry mouth—we're in love with that sultry sheetmetal, those curvy flanks, that rakish rear end. Smitten, we tell you.

So we're happy to report that those looks didn't change when Mercedes-Benz decided to morph the CLS500 into the CLS550 for 2007. What did change—that new badge is a pretty big clue—is the luscious V-8 planted beneath those equally luscious curves. The Benz's engine has jumped from 5.0 liters to 5.5 for 2007, and power's up a whopping 80 horsepower to 382. (Torque jumps by 52 pound-feet, to 391. Yowza.)

If the 5.0-liter V-8 was a sweetheart, this 5.5 is full-fledged bombshell sent from heaven on a pillow made of pure awesome. With max torque on tap from 2800 rpm, there's ample thrust whenever you want it, so giddy right-foot stomps make your head snap back like a jab to the face. The numbers back up the whiplash: The CLS550 we tested boogied to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds and hit 100 mph in 11.6, figures 0.8 and 2.4 seconds quicker than the CLS500. (It's a shame that folks who ponied up for the CLS500 are out the 80 horsepower, but at least they still have that hot, hot sheetmetal to keep them warm at night.)

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