It's no secret that I love older Benzes, as do many enthusiasts - they have a charm and richness that made them unlike any other car. The engineers at Mercedes-Benz ran the show in the old days, and the accountants were chained up in the basement and kept quiet - these were cars built to a standard, and not a price.

Unfortunately, this is not a formula that works well in modern times. Glitz and hollow technology are more important to many buyers than in-depth engineering, and a modern S-Class is more of a showy life coach than a nuts and bolts engineered car. Recognizing this may make me a dinosaur, but I could not care less about having the label.

This is probably the last S (CL Coupe, but still and S Class) that I'm ever going to love. By 2012, it was already showing signs of what was to come at Mercedes-Benz, but the styling, V8 power, and high end materials conspire with enough force to make me feel a connection to the older products when I drive it. This car is good looking, fast, stylish, and impactful - as an S Class should be.

In-depth review and test drive of a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 550 4Matic with the AMG Styling Package. Review by Bill of Curious Cars, vehicle is offered for sale at Autohaus of Naples, ion the web at www.AutohausNaples.com, or by phone at (239) 263-8500.