Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	1992–present
Assembly	Sindelfingen, Germany
Body and chassis
Class	Personal luxury car Grand tourer
Body style	2-door Coupé
Layout	FR layout

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a line of luxury coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The name CL stands for the German Coupe Leicht (English: Coupe 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 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and sharing the same engines albeit with less choice as only the higher-output powertrains are offered. The current generation of the CL is actually heavier than the S (considering equivalent trims, due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the 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 with under 1400 units sold in 2006, as only the G-Class four-wheel drive and two-seat SLS AMG sell smaller numbers; annual CL sales equal Ford truck sales for one day. However, this degree of distinction is considered attractive to CL buyers.^[1][3]

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.^[4] The CL-Class has more rear legroom than these aforementioned competitors.^[1]

W140

First generation
Overview
Production	1992–2000
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W140
Powertrain
Engine	4.2L V8 5.0L V8 6.0L V12
Transmission	4- or 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
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. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the C140's final design was approved between late 1987 and early 1988. 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. For 1994, the model names were changed to the S500 Coupé and the S600 Coupé. The name CL was adopted in 1996(1997 for MY1998 North American models), and the W140 coupés were called the CL500 and CL600. Production ended in August 1998. The CL500 was considered by most experts the best model in terms of power, weight distribution and equipment for the base price.^{[citation needed]} 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).^{[citation needed]} Being much lighter at the front, the CL500 tended to have better handling characteristics than the heavier V12 flagship. The CL600 powered by the M120 48-valve twelve cylinder engine, developed 394 PS (290 kW; 389 hp) and 570 N·m (420 lb·ft) of torque, and as is typical of Mercedes twelves, was quiet and smooth.^{[citation needed]} 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.

^[1]

W215

Second generation
Overview
Production	1999–2006
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W215
Powertrain
Engine	5.0L V8 5.5L V8 5.5L V12 5.8L V12 6.0L V12 6.3L V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
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 2000–2006 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 CL55 AMG, the NA V12-powered CL 600 (2000-2002), the limited production (about 200 per year world wide), 5.5 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL600 (2003-2006), the very rare limited-edition NA CL63 AMG (26 examples only), the 2000 NA CL55 AMG F1 Edition (55 examples only), and the limited production (196 total) 6.0 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL65 AMG (2004-2006). All models seat four. Development took place from 1993 to 1999, with final design being approved in circa 1995-1996.

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 CL63 AMG is the rarest W215 CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were sold. The engine produces 438 bhp and 390 lb-ft torque between 2500 - 5800 rpm, with a peak of 457 @ 4400 rpm. Some UK examples were registered in March 2002. The V12 powered CL63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the W215 CL63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.

The 2000 CL55 AMG F1 is also extremely rare, there were only 55 examples ever produced. This was a tribute to Mercedes CL55 F1 Safety Car, the pace car for the 2000 & 2001 F1 seasons. The engine was a NA 5.4 liter V8 delivering 354 bhp @ 5500 rpm, and 391 ft lbs torque @ 4100 rpm. This was the first road car to feature full Ceramic Brembo Vented and Cross Drilled Disc Brakes.

From 2000 through 2002, 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 CL 500, 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 engine options changed. The CL 55 AMG became supercharged allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.27 sec according to Motor Trend and the V12 CL 600 had 2 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 ghost like quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The CL 600 hp was conservatively rated by Mercedes-Benz as not to take sales away from the AMG CL 55. A dyno tested stock CL 600 was closer to 540 hp. Car & Driver's acceleration test delivered a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. The more powerful CL 65 (2004-2006) produced 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp). The top speed of the CL 65 was limited to 250 km/h (160 mph). These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the AMG CL 65.

2004 MY CL55 Kompressor (Photo 2011 - Wales, UK)

Engines

As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche), Mercedes electronically limits its cars to 250 km/h (155 mph).

* All are electronically limited

W216

Third generation
Overview
Production	2006–present
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W216
Powertrain
Engine	4.7 V8 5.5 V8 6.2 V8 5.5 V12 6.0 V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
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)

Interior

After 6 years of development, 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 6.2L 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's founding 40 years earlier. 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.

2010 update

Facelift Mercedes-Benz CL 500, Australia

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 the new 4.7 L (4,663cc) V8 direct-injected engine that delivers 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) and 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) 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 lb·ft) 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-litre 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 lb·ft) 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 lb·ft) of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic with AMG speedshift.^[1]

Sales

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

• Official Mercedes-Benz CL-Class UK Page
• Mercedes CL Class Overview
• Official Mercedes-Benz Website