| Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|---|
| Production | 1998–present |
| Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany |
| Class | Grand tourer |
| Body style | 2-door coupé |
| Layout | FR layout |
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a luxury coupé automobile produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The name CL stands for the German Comfort Leicht (English: Comfort Light).
The CL-Class is based on the S-Class fullsize luxury sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupé, it was spun off into its own, current name in 1998. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and the current generation of the CL is actually heavier than the S (considering equivalent trims, due to the roof engineering required to compensate for a lack of a central B-pillar).[1]
The present generation of the CL-Class, C216, is currently available in four models: CL 500 (CL 550 in some markets, with standard 4MATIC in Canada and the USA), CL 600, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. The CL 65 AMG is the most powerful model of the CL and the most expensive Mercedes-branded vehicle, slightly edging out its S-Class equivalent S65 AMG and the SLS.[2] CL sales are the third-lowest of Mercedes-Benz in North America, as only the G-Class four-wheel drive and two-seat SLS AMG sell smaller numbers; annual CL sales equal Ford pickup sales for one day. However this degree of distinction is considered attractive to CL buyers.[1]
Main competitors of the CL-Class in the luxury 2+2 coupe segment include the Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GT, BMW 6 Series (particularly the M6), and the Ferrari 612.[3] The Cl-Class has more rear legroom than these aforementioned competitors.[1]
With the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class, an S Coupe is expected to replace the CL-Class for the 2013 model year (similar to how the 2010 E Coupe succeeded the CLK-Class), reuniting the fullsize sedan and coupe lines under the S-Class nameplate.[4]
Contents |
| Production | 1992-2000 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W140 |
| Engine |
4.2L V8 5.0L V8 |
| Transmission | 4- or 5-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 115.9 in (2,944 mm) |
| Length | 199.4 in (5,065 mm) |
| Width | 75.3 in (1,913 mm) |
| Height | 56.9 in (1,445 mm) |
The next generation was the sleek but hard-lined and redesigned W140-chassis (internally known as C140) coupe of 1992-1999. Though the coupe’s physical appearance changed little over these years, the class underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupes were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1992 and 1993. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupe ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. From 1994, the model names were changed to the S 500 Coupé and the S 600 Coupé. The name CL was adopted in 1997, and the W140 coupés were called the CL 500 and CL 600. Production ended in march 1998. The CL 500 was considered by most experts the best model in terms of power, weight distribution and equipment for the base price. The M119 5.0 L V8 engine was regarded as one of the best engines ever produced by the German manufacturer (according to various journalists from automobile magazines such as Car and Auto Motor Und Sport). Being much lighter at the front, the CL 500 tended to have better handling characteristics than the heavier V12 flagship. The CL 600 powered by the M120 48-valve twelve cylinder engine, developed 394 PS (290 kW; 389 hp) and 570 N·m (420 ft·lbf) of torque, and as is typical of Mercedes twelves, was absolutely quiet and incredibly smooth. The classic Mercedes-Benz "V12" emblem appeared at the base of the rear pillar, on this model; sitting immediately behind the passenger windows. An entry level model was available with a 4.2 L V8 engine (with the same architecture as the M119 5.0 L V8 engine) and since it was not available at all markets, it had very low sales compared to its larger engined siblings.
| Production | 2000–2006 |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W215 |
| Engine |
5.0L V8 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 113.6 in (2,885 mm) |
| Length | 196.6 in (4,994 mm) 2004-06 CL500, CL55 AMG & CL600: 196.4 in (4,989 mm) |
| Width | 73.1 in (1,857 mm) |
| Height | 2001-03: 56.0 in (1,422 mm) 2004-06: 55.4 in (1,407 mm) CL65 AMG: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) |
The second generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000-2006. It is based on the 1999-2004/6 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. The CL's front fascia of four oval headlights is shared with the W210 and W211 E-Class. The CL is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL 500, the supercharged V8-powered CL 55 AMG, the V12-powered CL 600, a limited-edition V12-powered CL 63 AMG, and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL 65 AMG. All models seat four.
The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and along with the S-Class sedans the CL coupes receive new technological features (it introduced the refined Active Body Control fully active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights). Active Body Control uses four hydraulic suspension rams that use three pressure regulators connected to a combination power steering and suspension pump, pushing fluid at a pressure of 2,960 psi (20,400 kPa) through the system that, along with several intermediate computers and master CPU, keeps this car absolutely flat through the corners. The CL-class has a lengthy list of custom available features. The following features are standard: climate control, ABC (hydraulic) suspension, all-leather interior, designer wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated seats, power moonroof, as well as power door and trunk closing assist. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone, as well as, front fan-cooled and heated seats.
The CL 63 AMG is the rarest W215 CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. Some UK examples were registered in March 2002. The V12-powered CL 63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the W215 CL 63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.
From 1999 through 2003, the V12-equipped cars featured a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) bi-turbo V12 was introduced. This disactivation feature allowed the CL 600 to get better fuel economy than the comparable CL500, especially on the road where the six cylinder operation could be effectively used. Basically this engine is two Mercedes six cylinder series engines mated to a common crank with appropriate engine monitoring systems.
Exclusive “designo” packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic wood trims. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver. Additional variants can be found on rarer models. There was even an optional granite trim that took the place of wood.
In 2003 the cars were upgraded with a newer electronics package that included a DVD-based navigation system instead of the CD-based COMAND system. Also, the engine options changed. The CL55 AMG became supercharged allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60mph in 4.27sec according to Motor Trend and the V12 CL 600 had turbochargers added and a slight engine reduction, from 5980 cc to 5513 cc. Both cars produced 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) the distinction, again, was the quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The more powerful CL 65 produced 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp). The top speed of the car was limited to 250 km/h (160 mph).
As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes electronically limits their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph).
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 500 | 5.0 L V8 | 225 kW (306 PS; 302 hp) | 460 N·m (339 lb·ft) | 5.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 600 (2000) |
5.8 L V12 | 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp) | 530 N·m (391 lb·ft) | 5.9 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 600 (2003) |
Turbocharged 5.5 L V12 |
368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) | 800 N·m (590 lb·ft) | 5.2 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 55 AMG (2001) |
5.5 L V8 | 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) | 530 N·m (391 lb·ft) | 5.7 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL55 AMG (2003) |
Supercharged 5.5 L V8 |
368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) | 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) | 4.3 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 63 AMG | 6.3 L V12 | 327 kW (445 PS; 439 hp) | 730 N·m (538 lb·ft) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 65 AMG | Turbocharged 6.0L V12 |
450 kW (612 PS; 603 hp) | 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft) | 4.4 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
* All are electronically limited
| Production | 2007–present |
|---|---|
| Platform | Mercedes-Benz W216 |
| Engine | 5.5L V12 |
| Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
| Wheelbase | 116.3 in (2,954 mm) |
| Length | 199.4 in (5,065 mm) AMG: 200.2 in (5,085 mm) |
| Width | 73.7 in (1,872 mm) |
| Height | 55.8 in (1,417 mm) |
The new model was officially unveiled at the end of June 2006 and was presented at the 2006 Paris Salon. Like its predecessors, the C216 has no B-pillar interrupting the sleek curve of the side windows. The W216 is offered in four models, each with its own engine and transmission, the 5.5L V8-powered CL 500 (available with 4MATIC all-wheel drive, which is standard in Canada and the USA), the high-performance 6.3L V8-powered CL 63 AMG (with optional performance package variant) and the ultra-luxury twin-turbo 5.5L V12-powered CL 600 and, lastly, the CL 65 AMG with a twin-turbo 6.0L V12 engine. The CL 500 is sold as the CL 550 in some markets (including the U.S.). The class is based on the chassis of the W221 S-Class, which shares the same powertrains, although there are V6 and hybrid engines for the S not available for the CL. The two-door coupe weighs 2,045 kg (4,508 lb), being heavier than the equivalent S sedan, and rides on a full-size 116.3-inch wheelbase (albeit 8.2 inches less than the long wheelbase S-Class, which is the only S-Class sold in the U.S.). Despite its large size, rear seat legroom is limited in keeping in the tradition of 2+2 luxury coupes, though CL has more rear passenger space than its rivals. The CL's trunk is as large as that of the Audi A8 flagship sedan.[1]
The C216 makes use of the Distronic Plus cruise control, which debuted on the 2007 S-Class. This system is able to bring the car to a complete stop, and accelerate again to the pre-set speed, to keep a pre-set distance away from the car ahead of it. This Mercedes-Benz CL has also debuted with the new Active NightVision program that enables drivers to view the conditions in front of the car despite the dark surroundings.
In 2007, 40 C216 CL 65 AMG units have been sold as 40th Anniversary Edition, to celebrate AMG was founded 40 years earlier, including one sold to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Performance wise, the '40th Anniversary Edition' was a custom CL 65 AMG. Changes to the car included a 'ONE OUT OF 40' badge near the COMAND controller, special upholstery and rooflining, and a special 'AMG Alubeam' paintfinish. Apart from the CL 65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition, only a small selection of showcars got an Alubeam finish, a special paint designed to gleam like liquid metal.
The facelift version of the Mercedes CL-Class made its world debut in July 2010 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.[5] The new CL-Class comes with an improved exterior and interior, but the biggest changes are found under the hood. The exterior gets a new grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED technology, LED fog lamps, revised fenders and hood, and new exhaust pipes. On the interior the biggest change is the addition of a new wood trim. The new CL-Class will also be offered with all the latest technologies including: Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, and Active Body Control.[6]
The model line-up starts with the entry-level CL 500 powered by new 4.6 L V8 direct-injected engine that delivers 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) and 700 N·m (516 ft·lbf) of torque, paired to a new seven speed automatic transmission, which sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The CL 600 retains the same twin-turbo 5.5 L V12 engine and five speed automatic with a total output of 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) and 830 N·m (612 ft·lbf) of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both vehicles are limited to 250 km/h. The CL 63 AMG that is powered by a new direct injection, 5.5 liter V8 engine (a larger displacement version of the CL 550's) mated to a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission with a total output of 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 800 N·m (590 ft·lbf) of torque. The CL 65 AMG's V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) and 1,000 N·m (738 ft·lbf) of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic with AMG speedshift.[1]
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 500 | 4.7 L V8 | 320 kW (435 PS; 429 hp) | 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 500 4MATIC | 4.7 L V8 | 320 kW (435 PS; 429 hp) | 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 600 | 5.5 L V12 | 405 kW (551 PS; 543 hp) | 830 N·m (612 lb·ft) | 4.4 seconds (4.0 seconds R&T) | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 63 AMG | 5.5 L V8 | 400 kW (544 PS; 536 hp) | 800 N·m (590 lb·ft) | 4.4 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL 63 AMG Performance Package | 5.5 L V8 | 420 kW (571 PS; 563 hp) | 900 N·m (664 lb·ft) | 4.3 seconds | 325 km/h (202 mph) |
| CL 65 AMG | 6.0 L V12 BiTurbo | 463 kW (630 PS; 621 hp) | 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft) | 4.1 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| Calendar year | US sales |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 3,748[7] |
| 2002 | 3,938 |
| 2003 | 3,377[8] |
| 2004 | 2,683 |
| 2005 | 1,320[9] |
| 2006 | 1,312 |
| 2007 | 3,672[10] |
| 2008 | 2,733 |
| 2009 | 1,220[11] |
| 2010 | 1,035 |