by Gabrielle DeSantis

A used Mercedes might not have the latest electronic features, but it’s often just as luxurious as its newer equivalent. And, added bonus, it’s a Mercedes-Benz for significantly less money. Thanks to that depreciation, bargain Benzes are a common sight on the Internet. And this week, there’s one available on Cars & Bids: a 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550.

The C216 Mercedes CL gave the S-Class a touch of Coupe…class

If you want a brand-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe, 2021 is its last year. But while the S-Class Coupe has technically existed since the W126 model, it was called something different for a few years. In 1996, Mercedes reclassified the W140 S-Class Coupe into the CL-Class.

Over its lifespan, the Mercedes CL went through three generations. The final generation, the C216, ran from 2007-2014 in the US, with a facelift in 2011. It’s based on the W221 S-Class, a luxury car that “dripped with cutting-edge automotive technology,” MotorTrend says. And the same kind of high-end tech made its way to the CL, too.

In the US, the base C216 CL was the Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic, badged as the CL500 overseas, Car and Driver explains. The ‘550’ part comes from the coupe’s 5.5-liter V8, rated at 382 hp and 391 lb-ft of torque and linked to a seven-speed automatic. Meanwhile, the ‘4Matic’ part is Mercedes’ name for its AWD system. And it was only available on the CL550—the more powerful CL600 and CL 63/65 AMG were RWD-only.

Although it’s the ‘base’ model, the pre-facelift C216 Mercedes-Benz CL550 has the same features as the contemporary S-Class. It even has a few S-Class options thrown in as standard, MT notes. That means things like air suspension, heated and cooled front seats, keyless ignition, heated headlight washers, and GPS navigation. It also offered some of the earliest advanced driver-assistance systems, such as radar-based adaptive cruise control and blind-spot monitoring.

On the road, the Mercedes-Benz CL550 offers a smooth ride and an equally smooth powertrain, Autoweek says. True, it’s not as practical as the S-Class Sedan, nor is it as sporty or fast as the AMG versions. But then, that’s not what the Mercedes CL is about. Rather, it shines as a stylish, comfortable, long-distance cruiser.

There’s a 2010 CL550 for sale on Cars & Bids

Speaking of style, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 currently listed on Cars & Bids has the optional AMG Styling Package. That means it has 19” alloy wheels, some blacked-out exterior trim, stainless-steel pedals and tailpipe trim, and AMG floor mats. This CL550 also has Nappa leather upholstery, soft-close doors, automatic dual-zone climate control, and a Harman/Kardon audio system. And thanks to the Sport Package, it has enhanced side skirts and bumpers.

Besides being well-equipped, this 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is also basically stock. The only modification is a ceramic window tint. It also has less than 68,100 miles on the clock, and the seller notes that the transmission is still under warranty.

Admittedly, this CL550 has a few seat creases, as well as some rock chips, wheel scuffs, and a hood dent. Plus, the Carfax report indicates that it sustained some minor front-end damage in 2018. However, it’s also been regularly serviced. Over the past two years, the seller replaced the front-right axle boot as well as both air struts on the right side. They also had the transmission serviced twice and the brakes once. In addition, this CL550 recently had an oil change and a tire rotation.

This 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is a stylish luxury car bargain

As of this writing, this 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 is listed on Cars & Bids for $10,000 with two days left in the auction. That’s a considerable drop from its original $100K-plus MSRP. And an Autotrader search reveals C216 Mercedes CLs with similar mileage easily cost 50% more at a minimum.

Given that it’s a depreciated luxury car, some might feel nervous about bidding on this CL550. As always, a pre-purchase inspection is recommended. However, being a 2010 model, this CL doesn’t have the problematic balance-shaft gears the 2006-2008 cars used, StillRunningStrong reports. Nor does it have the AMG-specific powertrain issues. And given that the air struts were recently replaced, the suspension should be in decent shape, eliminating another potential problem.

Most of the remaining C216 Mercedes CL problems are age-related, FCP Euro explains. Parts like timing belts, oxygen sensors, engine thermostats, and oil-related gaskets eventually break down over time and need to be replaced. The CL550’s intake manifold also has some plastic components that can break as they age. However, repair kits with stronger replacement parts are now available.

In short, if you’re hunting a stylish, luxury coupe that won’t break the bank, this Mercedes-Benz CL550 is worth a look.

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The post Cars & Bids Bargain of the Week: 2010 Mercedes-Benz CL550 appeared first on MotorBiscuit.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The 2022 GMC Terrain Denali will come with all-wheel-drive as standard, which is a nice way of saying there will no longer be a front-wheel-drive version. Considering the 2021 Terrain Denali has a FWD option, future buyers may wonder why GMC pulled the plug for the next model year.

Why the top trim 2022 GMC Terrain is only AWD

There are certainly benefits all-wheel-drive, such as faster acceleration and better traction. But even the FWD 2020 Terrain is fitted with a “snow mode” for winter performance. So while AWD may handle inclement weather better in general, the FWD vehicles in GM’s lineup aren’t ill-equipped either.

Two of the biggest drawbacks to an AWD layout are decreased fuel economy and higher service costs. Not to mention a higher price tag from the get-go. But then again, the Denali is the highest trim available on GM’s cars. In other words, it’s safe to assume that Terrain Denali buyers aren’t strapped for cash.

The same could be said for anyone looking to purchase the Terrain AT4 trim, which also manages without a FWD layout. While it’s also geared towards people with more money, GM says the AT4 is more offroad oriented anyways. So having a front wheel drive variant of a rugged trailblazing beast doesn’t make a ton of sense.

The 2022 GMC Terrain Denali will start at $36,000, but throwing in all the features could bump that up to above $40,000. That begs the question: what features are available?

Features and specs of the 2022 GMC Terrain Denali?

If you choose to get all the available options, you’ll certainly get your money’s worth. For starters, The Denali is crammed with entertainment and accessibility features. The 8-inch infotainment screen is host to wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and even features a built-in Amazon Alexa. Wireless charging will also be available, as well as a WiFi hotspot. And speaking of screens, behind the steering wheel there’s a head-up display to monitor your speed and the speed limit without taking your eyes off the road.

But unlike all the other Terrain Trims, the Denali comes with GMC’s Safety Pro Plus package. Along with the head-up display, this package includes blind-spot detectors and a rearview camera as standard. And standard across all trims are automatic braking/collision avoidance features, lane keep assist, and a following distance indicator.

And while we’re talking about what’s in the Denali, let’s look under the hood. The 2022 Terrain Denali will feature a small 1.5L turbocharged engine (with start/stop technology) and a 9-speed automatic. That’ll be good for 170 horsepowe, which isn’t a ton. But the 203 lb-ft of torque may help balance things out. And because the engine is small, it gets the Terrain 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.

One more important note: the 2021 FWD Terrain Denali with the same engine manages just two miles per gallon more on the highway. Even with the mandatory AWD layout, it’s not burning much more gas. So as more complicated powertrains become more fuel-efficient, will FWD SUVs begin to disappear?

Will FWD top-trim SUVs begin to decline?

It’s hard to predict the future, but if you think about it, high-trim FWD SUVs don’t make a ton of sense. If someone has the money to spend, they’ll likely go for an SUV with AWD instead. It’s handy to have in slippery situations or snowy states. But according to Edmunds, it doesn’t improve handling and traction like automakers may have you believe. In other words, it’s extra money, which automakers love making people spend.

So, unfortunately, you can’t shave a couple grand off the price tag by getting a FWD GMC Terrain Denali with the 2022 model year. And as the Terrain gets more reliable, it isn’t a bad choice when it comes to reasonably sized and relatively economical SUV.

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