Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C216)

Mercedes-Benz C216
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Production 2005-2014
Model years 2006-2014
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury car
Body style 2-door coupé
Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel drive
Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Related Mercedes-Benz W221
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz C215
Successor Mercedes-Benz C217

The Mercedes-Benz C216 is the last generation for the grand tourer Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. It replaced the C215 platform. In 2014 it was replaced by the C217 S-Class Coupe.

Initial release (2006-)

Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG (Facelift)
Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG (Pre-Facelift)

Like its predecessors, the C216 has no B-pillar interrupting the sleek curve of the side windows. The C216 body was designed by Gorden Wagener and Peter Pfeiffer.

The chassis is based on the W221 S-Class. 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 vehicle was unveiled in 2006 Paris Motor Show, followed by 28th Bangkok International Motor Show (in right-handed drive configuration).

The vehicle went on sale in autumn 2006 (UK arrival spring 2007). Early models included CL 500 with 7G-TRONIC transmission, CL 600 with five-speed automatic transmission.[2][3]

CL 65 AMG, "40th Anniversary" limited-edition (2006-)

CL 65 AMG is a version of CL 600 with increased engine power to 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100rpm and 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft)@2000-4000rpm, vented and cross-drilled 15.4 inches front and 14.8 inches rear brake discs, frame-type sliding rear brake calipers, 255 / 35 ZR 20 front and 275 / 35 ZR 20 rear tires, forged 20-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels (8.5 inches front and 9.5 in the rear), special AMG spring struts with firmer damping, reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control.

The "40th Anniversary" edition CL65 AMG is a limited (40 units) version of CL 65 AMG commemorating the 40th anniversary of AMG, designed by the specialists of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. It included exclusive AMG Alubeam (Liquid Metal) body paint (from Vision GST and SL 400 CDI), AMG two-bar front grille, large under-bumper air intakes, air outlets on the front fenders and round fog lights, rear apron with a black air diffuser insert and twin V12-design tailpipes, two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION Nappa leather seats with new AMG V12 diamond pattern stitching, embossed V12 logos in the front head restraints, color-coordinated Alcantara roof lining, nappa leather upholstery at airbag unit of the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, carbon fiber interior trim, "40th Anniversary" lettering on the center console, a "One Out of 40" badge on the handrest of the COMAND controller.[4]

The 2008 model year Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG was unveiled in 2007 New York International Auto Show.[5]

CL 500 model "Trademark Centenary" (2009-)

It is a version of 2009 model year CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC commemorating the 100th birthday of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the Benz emblem, when on 24 June 1909 Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft officially registered the design of the Mercedes star, and on 6 August Benz & Cie. registered the letters "Benz", enclosed by a laurel wreath, as a trademark with the Imperial Patent Office. Changes include historic trademarks dating from 1909 in gilded plate brass, which are inset into the centre console; designo metallic graphite body colour, AMG Sports package, exclusive high-sheen 20-inch 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey, 255/35 R 20 front and 275/35 R 20 rear tyres, partly hand-stitched designo aniline leather with contrasting seams in a light sand colour, wood/leather steering wheel, interior trim in shining black piano lacquer, anthracite Alcantara roof lining, black floor mats with AMG lettering feature sand-coloured edging.

The vehicle went on sale in 2009-06-26.[6][7]

CL 550 4MATIC "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" (2009-)

It is a limited version of 2010 model year CL 550 4MATIC based on the CL 500 4MATIC model "Trademark Centenary", with 255/35 R 20 tires, interior Sahara Beige leather upholstery, SD card slot in the center console, a USB interface in the glove compartment, a universal Media Interface for connecting mobile audio devices, all components of the Premium 2 package.

US model went on sale in summer of 2009.[8]

Engines

Petrol engines
ModelYearsType/codePower@rpm, Torque@rpm
CL 5002006-20105,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 (M 273 KE 55) 388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 lbf·ft)@2800-4800
CL 500 4MATIC2006-20105,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 (M 273 KE 55) 388 PS (285 kW; 383 hp)@6000, 530 N·m (391 lbf·ft)@2800-4800
CL 6002006-20105,513 cc (336.4 cu in) V12 twin turbo (M 275 E 55 AL) 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 lbf·ft)@1900-3500
CL 63 AMG2006-20106,208 cc (378.8 cu in) V8 (M 156 E 63) 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp)@6800, 630 N·m (465 lbf·ft)@5200
CL 65 AMG2006-20105,980 cc (365 cu in) V12 twin turbo (M 275 E 60 AL) 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp)@4800-5100, 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft)@2000-4000

BlueEFFICIENCY models include ECO start/stop function.

Transmissions

Petrol engines[9]
ModelYearsTypes
CL 5002006-20107-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)
CL 500 4MATIC2006-20107-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)
CL 6002006-20105-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC)
CL 63 AMG2006-20107-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)
CL 65 AMG2006-20105-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC)

Performance

Model0–100 km/h (62 mph) (sec)Top speed
CL 5005.4250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 500 4MATIC5.4250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 6004.6250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 63 AMG4.6250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 65 AMG4.4250 km/h (155 mph)

Equipment

AMG bodystyling (includes front bumper with enlarged air intakes, chrome-ringed circular fog lamps, two slanted struts and a smooth transition to the prominent wheel arches, AMG side skirts, AMG rear apron, rear bumper with its black insert and chrome trim strip flanked by tailpipes on either side), AMG light-alloy wheels (includes 19-inch five-spoke wheels (8.5/9.5-wide) with embossed AMG lettering, high-sheen rim flange and spokes, 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres) went on sale in September 2006, for CL 500 and CL 600.[10]

New features

The Pre-Safe Brake world premiere on the CL-Class C216[11] with the first partial autonomous braking (40%, or up to 0.4g deceleration) if the driver does not react to the BAS Plus warnings and the system detects a severe danger of an accident. If the driver then immediately applied the brakes, the maximum braking force was available and – depending on the situation – the accident could be averted at the last moment. If an accident was unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE brakes reduced the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.[12][13] It addedDistronic Plus adaptive cruise control 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. Also introduced active infraredNight View Assist enables drivers to view the conditions in front of the car despite the dark surroundings. Intelligent Light System headlights with five light modes, including active light function.

In 2007 it added the first Mercedes-Benz Blind Spot Assist system (includes six short-range radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers) was available as option for CL-Class.[14]

AMG Sports package for 2009 CL-Class (including a front apron with large air intakes, rear apron with a black insert and integrated rectangular tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel, AMG side sill panels, 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in with a five-spoke design and wide-base 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tyres (optional 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in a twin-spoke design with 255/35 and 275/35 tyres), perforated brake discs and silver-painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering (V8/V12 engine models), wood trim and wood/leather steering wheel in black ash, velour floor mats with AMG lettering, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with rubber studs) was available for CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC beginning in June 2009.[15]

From 2009, Mercedes-Benz has only been offering the CL 550 in 4Matic in US/Canada, as a strategy to increase sales in snowy regions. While all the systems are the same, the suspension has been degraded from ABC to Airmatic, as 4Matic is not compatible with ABC. The CL600 and CL65 AMG remained the same rear-wheel drive variants.

Marketing

As part of Mercedes-Benz CL-Class launch, Mercedes-Benz Accessories GMBH released accessories for the CL-Class vehicles, including leather wallet and business card case in black nappa based on the trim in the CL's cockpit, ash timber pens and umbrella handle based on the wood trim found in the car's cockpit, driving gloves and instrumentation-inspired wristwatch, keyring and money clip with the MB logo, die cast model car. The accessories were available beginning in September 2006.[16]

2010 update

Facelift Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

The vehicle was unveiled in 2010 Goodwood Festival of Speed,[17] followed by Paris Motor Show 2010.[18]

Changes include:

Equipment

Early models include CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, CL 600.[22]

US models arrived at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in November 2010 as 2011 model year vehicles. Early models include CL 550 4MATIC, CL 63 AMG.[23]

CL 63 AMG (2010-2014)

It is a version of CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY with AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine rated 544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5500rpm and 800 N·m (590 lbf·ft)@2000-4500rpm, AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission, improved fuel efficiency over previous CL 63 AMG, newly designed AMG bodystyling, "V8 Biturbo" lettering on the mudguards, AMG triple-spoke light-alloy wheels in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, 255/40 and 275/40 R 19 tyres, AMG sports steering wheel with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles and specially shaped grip area covered with perforated nappa leather, "AMG V8 Biturbo" start screen in the AMG instrument cluster, optional SPLITVIEW for COMAND multimedia system, Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake, crosswind stabilization, AMG high-performance braking system, optional Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind-Spot Assist.

Other AMG Performance Studio options include:

Other options include designo products (including exclusive paint finishes, leather upholstery, trim elements and steering wheels), designo Selection.

The vehicle went on sale in September 2010.[24]

US model arrived at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in November 2010 as 2011 model year vehicle.[25]

CL 65 AMG (2010-2014)

It is a version of CL 600 with increased engine power to 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800rpm and 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft)@2300-4300rpm, reduction in fuel consumption via regenerative braking for battery management of both the on-board electrical system and generator, reduced emissions via new piston rings, a modified oil pump and use of a superior coating on the catalytic converters; AMG SPEEDSHIFT five-speed automatic transmission with three different drive modes, AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) with Torque Vectoring Brake, crosswind stabilisation, loading adjustment system, Direct-Steer system with speed-sensitive power steering, AMG high-performance braking system based on the ADAPTIVE BRAKE system (390 and 365 millimetres diameter ventilated and perforated composite brake discs, double floating front and sliding frame-type rear brake callipers), profiled bonnet, enlarged and more angled radiator grille, Intelligent Light System (ILS) (bi-xenon headlamps with active light function, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and AMG-specific LED daytime driving lights in the front apron), enlarged chrome-trimmed cooling-air intake with horizontal grille slat, V-shape and the lower cross strut with exclusive chrome-look finish, AMG rear apron with a chrome diffuser insert, taillamps with one-piece red-coloured cover plates, reversing headlamps placed next to the licence plate recess, AMG sports exhaust system with two chrome twin tailpipes featuring a V12 design, "V12 BITURBO" lettering on the mudguard, AMG double-spoke forged wheels in titanium grey and with a high-sheen finish, 255/35 R 20 front 275/35 R 20 rear tyres, exclusive PASSION nappa leather upholstery with V12 diamond pattern at seats and door centre panels, Nappa leather upholstery at instrument panel and seatback panels and magazine pockets and parcel shelf, Alcantara roof lining and A and C-pillars, AMG sports seats with alternate upholstery layout and active ventilation and heating and Seat Comfort package (front active multicontour seats with massage and dynamic functions, NECK-PRO luxury head restraints), PRE-SAFE positioning function at front seats, AMG sports steering wheel with silver-coloured aluminium shift paddles and perforated nappa leather in the grip area, COMAND APS multimedia system including Harman Kardon Logic 7 surround sound system with SPLITVIEW, AMG instrument cluster with "AMG V12 BITURBO" start screen and a 360-km/h speedometer scale, a gear indicator including upshift recommendation at AMG main menu, RACETIMER with lap times tracking, exclusive analogue clock with IWC design, high-gloss poplar wood trim elements.

AMG Performance Studio options include:

Other options include designo products (including exclusive paint finishes, leather upholstery, trim elements and steering wheels), designo Selection.

The vehicle went on sale for 191,450 euros (excl. VAT)/227,825 euros (incl. 19% VAT).[26]

US model arrived at Mercedes-Benz dealerships in November 2010 as 2011 model year vehicle.[25]

CL "Grand Edition" (2012-2014)

It is a version of CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 600 commemorating the 60 years of the S-Class Coupé. Changes include a choice of 3 designo body colours (platinum black metallic, mocha black metallic and matt magno cashmere white), AMG Sports package 20-inch light-alloy wheels in a choice of five-spoke or filigree 10-spoke designs, a "Grand Edition" badge, a choice interior 3 aniline leather upholstery colours (designo aniline leather armagnac, designo aniline leather deep black, designo aniline leather porcelain), full range of CL trim finishes (including black ash and high-gloss burr walnut), Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation, drowsiness detection system ATTENTION ASSIST, PRE-SAFE automatic emergency braking, optional Active Blind Spot Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, and Adaptive Highbeam Assist systems.[27][28]

The vehicle was unveiled in 2012 Geneva Motor Show.[29]

Japan models went on sale in 2012-09-19, which included only CL 550 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY Grand Edition, with designo mocha black (17 units) or designo magno cashmere white (matte) (3 units) body colour, designo porcelain (leather) interior, black ash wood interior trim, AMG styling package (front spoiler, side and rear skirt), exclusive design 20-inch 5-spoke aluminium wheels, 'Grand Edition' side emblem, designo floor mat.[30]

Engines

Petrol engines[31]
ModelYearsType/codePower@rpm, Torque@rpm
CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY2010-20144,663 cc (284.6 cu in) V8 twin turbo (M 278 DE 46 AL) 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lbf·ft)@1800-3500
CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY2010-20144,663 cc (284.6 cu in) V8 twin turbo (M 278 DE 46 AL) 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp)@5250, 700 N·m (516 lbf·ft)@1800-3500
CL 6002010-2014 5,513 cc (336.4 cu in) V12 twin turbo (M 275 E 55 AL) 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp)@5000, 830 N·m (612 lbf·ft)@1800-3500
CL 63 AMG2010-2014 5,461 cc (333.3 cu in) V8 twin turbo (M 157 DE 55 AL) 544 PS (400 kW; 537 hp)@5500, 800 N·m (590 lbf·ft)@2000-4500

AMG Performance package: 571 PS (420 kW; 563 hp)@5500, 900 N·m (664 lbf·ft)@2000-4500

CL 65 AMG2010-2014 5,980 cc (365 cu in) V12 twin turbo (M 275 E 60 AL) 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp)@4800, 1,000 N·m (738 lbf·ft)@2300-4300 (max 1,200 N·m (885 lbf·ft))

BlueEFFICIENCY models include ECO start/stop function.

CL 500 was sold as CL 550 in the USA, Japan.

Transmissions

Petrol engines[9]
ModelYearsTypes
CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY2010-2014 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)
CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY2010-2014 7-speed automatic (7G-TRONIC)
CL 600 BlueEFFICIENCY2010-2014 5-speed automatic (5G-TRONIC)
CL 63 AMG2010-2014 7-speed sports (AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT)
CL 65 AMG2010-2014 5-speed automatic (AMG SPEEDSHIFT)

AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT 7-speed sports transmission includes Controlled Efficiency ("C") drive mode, Controlled Efficiency stop/start function, "S" (Sport) mode with higher engine speed level in each gear, manual shift mode "M" with 100ms gearshifts and no automatic downshifts, electronic transmission control unit with its integrated 80 MHz processor. The electronic key for selection of the three driving models is located to the left of the COMAND controller.[32]

Performance

Model0–100 km/h (62 mph) (sec)Top speed
CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY4.9250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY4.9250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 6004.6 (4.0 R&T)250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 63 AMG4.5250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 63 AMG with AMG Performance package4.4300 km/h (186 mph)
CL 65 AMG4.4250 km/h (155 mph)

Production

2011 and 2012 model years of CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG were recalled for cracked fuel filter flange leading to fire if an external ignition source is present. The recall campaign was expected to begin in January 2013.[33]

CL-Class was reported to be replaced by S-Class Coupé.[34] Production ended in December 2013.

References

  1. ↑ "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Reviews, Expert Car Reviews on AOL Autos". Autos.aol.com. Retrieved 2011-10-23.
  2. ↑ Engines: Powerful duo
  3. ↑ http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/26/mercedes-benz-premieres-the-new-cl-class/
  4. ↑ CL 65 - "40th Anniversary" limited-edition model
  5. ↑ New York Auto Show: AMG CL65 40th Anniversary Edition
  6. ↑ Special CL 500 model: "Trademark Centenary" - Anniversary edition with exclusive appointments
  7. ↑ Mercedes-Benz CL500 "Trademark Centenary" Anniversary Edition
  8. ↑ Mercedes-Benz celebrates iconic centennial with special CL550
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 The new generation CL-Class – New engines in the S-Class. Highest levels of refinement: the large Mercedes-Benz luxury saloons and coupés
  10. ↑ Exclusive dynamism for the new top coupé from Mercedes-Benz: Powerful AMG styling for the new CL-Class
  11. ↑ http://www.daimler.com/dccom/0-5-658451-1-1767861-1-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0.html Daimler Media: Innovation as a tradition
  12. ↑ http://www-nrd.nhtsa.dot.gov/pdf/nrd-01/esv/esv20/07-0103-O.pdf
  13. ↑
  14. ↑ New in the S-Class and CL-Class: Blind Spot Assist for yet greater safety when changing lanes
  15. ↑ AMG Sports package for the 2009 S-Class and the CL-Class - Top Mercedes-Benz models featuring even more striking sportiness
  16. ↑ Baubles for your Benz by Mercedes Accessories
  17. ↑ "2011 Mercedes-Benz CL Debuts at Goodwood". Insideline.com. 2010-07-02. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  18. ↑ Four world premieres and an anniversary celebration: Mercedes-Benz at the Paris Motor Show 2010
  19. ↑ "2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class First Look". Insideline.com. 2010-07-02. Retrieved 2010-07-20.
  20. ↑ http://media.daimler.com/dcmedia/0-921-658892-1-1354042-1-0-0-0-0-0-12639-0-0-1-0-0-0-0-0.html New spotlight function for Active Night View Assist Plus: Enhanced safety for pedestrians
  21. ↑ http://techcenter.mercedes-benz.com/en/night_view_plus_with_spotlight/detail.html Night View Assist Plus:
  22. ↑ The new generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: The epitome of luxury coupés - Model range: Luxury and performance
  23. ↑ Mercedes-Benz prices new biturbo V8 models
  24. ↑ Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG / CL 65 AMG
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 Twin-Turbo Temptresses: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL63, CL65 AMG
  26. ↑ Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG / CL 65 AMG - CL 65 AMG: Dream car with exclusive V12 dynamism
  27. ↑ CL "Grand Edition": The epitome of the luxury coupé
  28. ↑ 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL Grand Edition is exactly that
  29. ↑ Mercedes-Benz at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show: Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva - Two world premieres and three European premieres in Geneva: Dynamism and efficiency
  30. ↑ CL 550 BlueEFFICIENCY Grand Editionを限定発売
  31. ↑ AMG 5.5-litre V8 biturbo engine: Performance, fascination and efficiency in perfect harmony
  32. ↑ Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG / CL 65 AMG - Power transmission with stop/start function: Maximum driving pleasure, reduced fuel consumption
  33. ↑ Mercedes-Benz recalling 5,800 vehicles over potential fires
  34. ↑ Mercedes Concept S-Class Coupe says 'see ya' to the CL-Class

External links