By far one of the most gorgeous cars ever made, the year 2000+ Mercedes CL series is stunning. Autoart has made models of the CL500, CL600, CL55, and CL500 Lorinser versions of this coupe. Below is a review of the CL600 in white.
EXTERIOR: The model is finished nicely in white - an unusual color for a Benz. Since I first got the model, there was something about its appearance that bothered me, but I couldn't figure out what. After doing some mathematical comparisons to the real car, I think the model's wheelbase is a little too long and the model should be a little wider. That aside, the trim, lights, and fine details are present, including the turn indicators on the side mirrors, although attachment stubs are visible through them. The finish around the headlights could have been a little sharper
ACCURACY: 8 DETAIL: 9
PAINT: I do notice a little chip in the paint along the outside gap where the driver's door is hinged. Where the aprons have been attached to the body the paint is a bit fragile-looking. However, the overall application is quite good and works well for this car.
ACCURACY: 9 DETAIL: 7
DECALS: When I received the model, part of the Mercedes emblem on the trunklid had torn off, so I removed the rest of it for consistency. The decals are chrome-colored, but apparently very fragile. Either AUTOart should have used tampo (this is an older mold) or better decals. However, they look nice and are correctly presented.
ACCURACY: 9 DETAIL: 7
WHEELS/TIRES: I like the 600's wheels, unique triangular patterns with a realistic alloy look. However, the 600s I have seen have more of a chrome-effect on the wheels. They look undersized, but measure an inch in diameter, replicating the appropriate 18 inch wheels on the real car. Tires are unmarked and look a little skinny.
ACCURACY: 8 DETAIL: 8
BRAKES: You have to look closely through the openings in the wheels to see that the rotors spin with the wheels and the caliper stays still, which I believe is accurate.
ACCURACY: 10 DETAIL: 9
ENGINE:
Being an earlier AutoArt, the engine detail is not as strong as more recent efforts. There is an attempt to plumb the engine, but everything is made of hard plastic. Plus, the Merecedes-badged engine cover was not included. Not bad, but then again most modern engines are dull-looking anyway.
ACCURACY: 6 DETAIL: 7
UNDERCARRIAGE: Again, not badly done, but nothing remarkable here. A lot of black and silver plastic; the exhaust pipes/mufflers are correctly chromed.
ACCURACY: 7 DETAIL: 7
INTERIOR: This is definately a stong point. The "carpeting" is thinner than it is in newer AutoArts, but adds to the realism. The sliding moonfroof cover is a nice touch, but the wood is a little less realistic. The seats could be softer, too, (and those seatbelts are molded into the seat and are hardly noticable!) but the overall detailing is nice.
ACCURACY: 7 DETAIL: 8
OVERALL ACCURACY: 8
OVERALL DETAIL: 7.75
SUBJECTIVE QUALITY RATING: 91/100
Autoart always packages its models nicely, although I wish they wouldn't have used those stickers - I still have residue on mine! A good model I would recommend for all of you.
Thanks, MED
Review added to the DX Model Review Database on 24-JULY-2005
