It’s quite common for models at the bottom of a car range not to feature at launches, as manufacturers tend to bring out the range-toppers in order to demonstrate products in their best light.

This was never going to be an issue for Mercedes-Benz, however, when it unveiled its stunning new CL-Class coupe against the sumptuous backdrop of Peckforton Castle in Cheshire.

The CL-Class is the coupe version of the flagship S-Class saloon – which means customers will not want for power, luxury or equipment.

Even the baseline CL 500 model has a 5.5 litre V8 engine with a power output of 388hp – that’s enough to take you to 62mph in a none too shabby 5.5 seconds.

The CL 600 has an uprated bi-turbo V12 power plant, which means it can rocket to 62mph in 4.6 seconds, while the CL 63 AMG boasts the most powerful naturally aspirated V8 engine in the world.

On paper, it’s not much quicker than the CL 600 but it goes about its business in a raspier manner, with a firmer, sportier set-up.

The previous CL-Class was a big hit for Mercedes with 46,000 sold worldwide. The new car aims to capitalise on the popularity of its predecessor by offering even more dynamic ability, luxury, and features.

The new design looks classy and sleek, yet remains understated. There are styling cues from the S-Class, as one might expect, but the CL also seems to owe a debt to Mercedes’ CLS, whose distinctive swooping curves have turned it into the most desirable of executive saloons.

Inside, the cabin is a proper four-seater, not a 2+2, though room is not over-generous in the rear. Some of the trim schemes are on the conservative side but this is in line with the tastes of most buyers.

While there’s plenty of equipment in the CL 500, the 600 includes even more luxurious touches like an electric rear roller blind, ambient lighting, and a garage door opener.

It also features active seats which provide instant lateral support during cornering. As you turn the wheel you can feel the side seat cushions inflating. Nice to have, though the first time it happens it’s uncannily like your spouse giving you a dig in the ribs for cornering too quickly.

It doesn’t take too long to realise how much power you’ve got on tap and rear wheel drive means bends need to be treated with respect in the wet.

The big Merc may definitely be more Grand Tourer than sports racer, but it’s more than a little feisty if you put your foot down, particularly with the V12 beast in the bonnet.

As one would expect from Mercedes, though, there’s a wealth of safety features aimed at keeping you out of trouble.

Were you unfortunate, or foolhardy, enough to ‘lose it’ completely, the CL has Pre-Safe Brake up its sleeve, a system which triggers partial braking if it senses that a crash is unavoidable. The aim is to give you just enough time to avoid the impact.

Another outstanding feature on the CL is Active Body Control which reduces roll by up to 60 per cent compared with the previous model – whilst preserving the high quality ride.

None of this power, refinement or class comes cheap, of course. The ‘basic’ CL-Class is £79,550 on the road, the CL 63 AMG is £103,450, while the CL 600 tops the range at £106,995 – throw in a few extras and you are heading for Bentley territory.

While the Merc is capable of holding its own in this sort of company the vast majority of sales will be of CL 500s – which means the natural rivals are the Jaguar XKR, Aston Martin Vantage, BMW M6, and a number of Porsches and Maseratis.

CL-Class prices have been upped by seven per cent compared with the previous model but Mercedes reckons the new cars are better value because of their increased performance, refinement and equipment levels.

The firm probably figures, rightly, that customers in this price bracket won’t be too concerned at having to fork out a few extra thousand pounds to get the car they want.

But whether even well-heeled buyers will feel impelled to stump up getting on for an extra £30,000 for the CL 600 remains to be seen: the ‘humble’ CL 500 is so capable that it will be more than adequate for most people’s needs.

By Pete Carroll.