Born two years ago as the Mercedes-Benz “Vision CLS” concept vehicle, the CLS was sure to be a hit from the very start. Based on the E-Class platform but sharing parts of the S-Class, the result is a striking, technological wonder of a car that has few weaknesses – save, perhaps, the price tag.

Ah. The price. Even by luxury standards, it’s a bit of a gasp. For the 500 version of the Mercedes-Benz CLS, count out close to 70,000 dollars, stopping when you get to the sticker price of $64,900. Well – make that more of a pause, because you’ll likely want the optional Comand navigation system for $1,240, as well as other toys and comfort items such as a voice activated telephone for $1,400. Other options include Sirius satellite radio for $699 and a six-disc CD changer for $430. Also available is adaptive cruise control for $3,130.

The best bet is to choose among the various packages that Mercedes-Benz offers, and you will probably want these two: the Lighting Package, for $1,220, which adds adaptive bi-xenon high intensity discharge headlights and heated headlight washers. There’s also the Premium Package, for $3,900, which adds everything except the lighting upgrades, including Comand navigation, heated and ventilated seats and more.

Standard features include 10-way power adjustable front seats with three-position memory, four-zone climate control, a multifunction and adjustable steering wheel, a 10-speaker audio system with AM/FM/CD, leather upholstery, wood trim, power windows with express up and down, and auto-dimming mirrors with right-side park assist tilt feature. Standard with the AMG Sport Package is a steering wheel with manual shift buttons, special AMG body cladding, and unique alloy wheels.

Case closed: This is one sexy tub of technology on wheels. Powering those wheels and lugging that technology along is an old favorite, the Mercedes-Benz 5.0-liter V8 engine, which creates 302 horsepower at 5,600 rpm, and has a torque rating of 339 lb.-ft. at 2,700 rpm. That’s more than enough to sling the 4,050 lb. curb weight of the CLS around town at an mpg rate of 16 city/22 highway.

This engine, mated to the automaker’s new seven-speed automatic transmission, is virtually flawless. That’s especially true when you consider that the CLS, with its rakish design, sits lower and on a wide trackand has the aerodynamics to slice through the air with ease. Holding it up is a suspension that shares parts with the E-Class and the S-Class: the front multi-link suspension is derived from the E-Class, while the rear multi-link is borrowed from the S-Class. Wheels are stopped by front and rear discs; standard on the CLS is Mercedes’ Sensotronic Brake Control. An Airmatic suspension is also standard. Drivers can set the suspension dampening level with the push of a button. Safety equipment includes dual front airbags with multi-stage deployment, front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, and a rollover sensor. Other safety gear includes a Tele Aid emergency calling and communications system, a low tire pressure warning system and Electronic Stability Program.