2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS Class

As I approached the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class, I was filled with a mix of elation and bona-fide terror. It's similar to when you walk into a very nice home and the first thing you say to your children is, "Don't touch anything!" The CLS550 is so luxurious and well-equipped that it's easy to get intimidated by it, especially with kids in tow. Add in the twin-turbo V-8 engine and you may be a little spooked, but you won't be spooked for long.

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You may have to endure some teasing and raised eyebrows as you proclaim the seemingly impractical 2012 Mercedes CLS550 a fantastic family car, but just as some women spend their nine months of pregnancy in stilettos without even flinching, the CLS550 performs well in this role.

With a surprising amount of cabin space and storage along with luxury features that end up being incredibly convenient for passengers big or small, the CLS-Class can do your family right — if you can afford it. Oh, and you should also be willing to sacrifice some function for form and not have a need to transport more than four people at a time, either. Buyers beware: The CLS550 is quite a seductress, and it does have the ability to distort your priorities (Yes, I do need a massaging driver's seat!). It also makes a convincing case as a way to transport your family while integrating your desires for power, safety and style all into one amazing package.

Driving a CLS550 is thrilling. Its V-8 engine is beefy, but it doesn't roar like a muscle car. It's fast but smooth, handles beautifully and never leaves you feeling unsafe behind the wheel. In tight corners, the active seat bolsters wrap around you to keep you from sliding in your seat, and if you want to feel even more adventurous, there's the option of switching to Sport mode to really take things up a notch. If you'd rather revel in its luxury, you can use Mercedes-Benz's Distronic Plus technology, which is more than just a cruise control feature; it will accelerate and brake for you, maintaining a safe distance between you and the car ahead.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS550 starts at $71,300. My test car, which had all-wheel drive, was priced at $84,875.

EXTERIOR

From the outside, the CLS550 is a knockout. I lost count of how many times the word "stunning" was used when people saw my family and I pull up in it. Called a "four-door coupe," it's got all the sportiness of a two-door car minus most of the hassles. The long hood and giant grille can come off a little menacing, but its gorgeous sculpted frame and sleek rear end balance things out to make the CLS a top choice for anyone with a penchant for style.

What's controversial about the CLS550 is its low-slung body and roof height. It plays a big part in why the car looks so great, but it's a deal-breaker for some. My family is on the short side so it didn't bother us, and I was so enamored with the exterior design that I didn't mind taking extra care when getting the baby in and out of her child-safety seat. For those less enamored with the CLS550's looks, ducking to enter the vehicle will be a drag, and you'll most likely get a few complaints from those who are a little less limber. However, the silver lining here is the low step-in height definitely makes entries and exits easy for the kiddos.