Exterior Features, Quality:
It's what some refer to as "the big bad Benz". With a honking V-12 under the hood and a huge size, they've got a point. Fact is, the CL600 is meant to be a luxurious yet immensely fast GT cruiser, and Mercedes-Benz has perfected the formula. The CL600 is, in my mind, one of the most gorgeous coupes on the road, but unlike many, it has power to back up the looks. The 5.8-liter V-12, which was good for 362 horsepower, made the CL600 one of the most respected cars on the road.
Still, the point of this is the model, not the real car. The paint on my example is just amazing, with a supremely accurate application and awesome glossy finish. Scale of the model is spot on, making the model rather long, especially when compared with most other models. Badges are all stickers, but they're very well applied and look fine. Front lights are nicely done with superb representation of the bits and pieces under the lens. Even the tiny fog lights are replicated, although they look a bit cheap. Still, they're separate light pieces, and not stickers, which is always good.
The front grille features a lot of chrome, which is extremely neatly applied, while a lesser modelmaker would have just avoided the finer details like these. Chromework around the whole model is very well done, with strips lined up well around the shutlines and not showing any signs of cracking or peeling. The vents under the front grille are not perforated but are still textured and look nice. Tires are unmarked, unfortunately, and the wheels are a bit low on detail, but this is fine, as the base wheels are not much to look at. Brake discs and calipers are present, but diffcult to see behind the wheels.
The exterior turning indicator lamps are part of the exterior rearview mirrors, and they are separate light pieces, but unfortunately have very noticeable attachment stubs that ruin the look. Rear lights are, however, superb, with actual separate molding for the reverse lights. The backlight is, disappointingly, painted on, and lacks the realistic feel of the rest of the CL600 model. The model actually lacks a license plate, and while this is uncommon, I actually prefer it this way; furthermore, it adds to the "cool" look of this black CL600. Chrome trim around the back is just gorgeous, and the chrome exhaust tips are done very well. However, they're not hollow, although the effect is there, as Autoart painted them as though they were hollow.
21/25
Interior Features, Quality:
The CL600's interior is a beautiful work of art, blending in soft gray and black tones with pleasing wood trim. In my collection, this is one of the most tasteful and agreeable interiors to be found. The dash is incredibly detailed with various kinds of buttons and controls labeled, colored and molded from the dash. The wood trim is well done, although it lacks the realism of Kyosho's, for example. The steering wheel is nicely done and firmly padded. Details can even be found on the door, like window switches and pockets, all molded out from the bodywork. Really very well done. The floor is carpeted, of course, but the seats are hard plastic. Although they are shaped well, they lack texture and feel. Seatbelts are molded into the seats, which is disappointing to see. The roof is finished and includes a sunroof with a moveable sunroof cover (more on this in the Features section) and various controls.
24/25
Features
The CL600 features an opening hood, doors, trunk, and movable sunroof cover. Like in many Autoart models, the hood won't hold on its own and requires the collector to provide his/her own prop rod - Autoart doesn't provide one. Personally, I still don't see why the hood can't lock in place, like in any cheap model. That said, the engine has very good detail, although it lacks some of the pizzazz of some of Autoart's latest releases. It is plumbed but not wired, and is a bit of a dreary place, covered in black and silver. Doors open on nearly invisible hinges, which are neatly integrated into the bodywork. The doors also feature the window in the up position, which is becoming common in new Autoarts, and is great to see. The trunk cover actually holds in place and the trunk itself is very nicely done, with carpeting all around, even on the underside of the trunk cover. As for that sunroof cover, it's the first time I've encountered this feature on a diecast model, and it is a neat feature, allowing the sunroof to be covered from the bottom or opened. Overall, nicely done!
24/25
Value:
Like most Autoarts, the CL600 is a premium model, which carries a premium price. A premium price doesn't always mean "premium" quality, but it does in this case. The value here is quite good, as with most Autoart models. Although it is doubtful that the CL600 models will ever become rare, because of their easy availability over the Internet and in hobby stores, it is still a desirable model because of its quality and the subject matter. Autoart makes the CL600 also in Alabaster White; Autoart sells a dealer CL500 model in Brilliant Silver Metallic, a hobby shop CL55 AMG in the same color, a Lorinser-tuned CL in silver and a F1 version. Thus, there's a lot of choice, but the CL600 is, in my opinion, the greatest CL, and therefore, the most deserving of a purchase.
23/25
Overall:
Once again, Autoart dazzles us with a superb rendition of a superb car. The CL600 model has amazing interior detail, excellent exterior detail and some surprising features. Plus, it carries a reasonable price tag. Still, in my opinion, this is not one of Autoart's best models, because of some cost cutting that can be seen around the model, such as unmarked tires and paint instead of lights. Plus, the reality that a hood that doesn't stay up on its own is becoming inexcusable, especially in this price range. Although there are shortcomings, this is yet another highly recommended buy. An excellent model. Get one.
