Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was a line of full-size luxury grand tourers which was produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1992 to 2014 in the US. The name CL stands for the German Coupé Leicht or Coupé Luxusklasse
The CL-Class is the coupé derivative of the S-Class full-size luxury saloon, upon which it shares the same platform. Formerly known as the SEC and later S-Coupé, it was spun off into its own, separate name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continued 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 last generation of the CL was actually heavier than its corresponding S trim, due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar.
The last generation of the CL-Class, C216, was available in five models: CL 500, CL 600, CL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. The CL 65 AMG was 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. 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 equalled Ford truck sales for one day. However, this degree of distinction was considered attractive to CL buyers.
Main competitors of the CL-Class in the luxury 2+2 coupé segment included the Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GT, BMW M6, and the Ferrari 612. The CL-Class had more rear legroom than these aforementioned competitors.
In 2014 Mercedes officially ceased using the CL-Class designation, instead moving the segments' vehicle naming back to the S-Class Coupe/Convertible label. Similar to how it did previously with the CLK-Class which was moved back to being called E-Class Coupe/Convertible, thus it was replaced by the C217 S-Class Coupé.
First generation (C140; 1992–1999)
The first generation CL-Class was the sleek but hard-lined and redesigned W140-chassis coupé of 1992–1999. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the C140's final design was approved between late 1987 and early 1988. Though the coupé's physical appearance changed little over these years, the class underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupés were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1992 and 1993. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupé ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. For 1994, the model names were changed to the S500 Coupé and the S600 Coupé. The name CL-Class was adopted in June 1996, and the W140 coupés were called the CL500 and CL600. Production ended in August 1998.The M119 5.0 L V8 engine was regarded as one of the best engines ever produced by the German manufacturer. 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 and of torque.
Twelve cylinder variants are easily identified by the "V12" emblems at the base of each C pillar, placed immediately behind the passenger windows. An entry level model, the CL420, was available with a 4.2 L V8 engine and since it was not available at all markets, it had very low sales compared to its larger-engined siblings. Production ended September 1998 with 26.022 Coupés produced.
Engines
Specifications for European model.| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | |
| CL 420 | 4.2 L V8 M119 | 7.9 seconds | |||
| CL 500 | 5.0 L V8 M119 | 6.8 seconds | |||
| CL 600 | 6.0 L V12 M120 | 6.1 seconds | |||
| CL 600 AMG | 6.0 L V12 M120 | 5.6 seconds | |||
| S/CL 70 AMG | 6.9 L V12 M297 | 5.2 seconds | |||
| S/CL 72 AMG | 7.3 L V12 M297 | 5.0 seconds | |||
| S/CL 73 AMG | 7.3 L V12 M297 | 4.9 seconds |
Second generation (C215; 2000–2006)
The second generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 1999–2006. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class , though it rides on an shorter wheelbase. The CL's front fascia of four oval headlights is similar to that of the W210 and W211 E-Class. The CL is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL 500, the NA V8-Powered CL55 AMG, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the NA V12-powered CL 600, the limited production, 5.5 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL600, the very rare limited-edition NA CL63 AMG, the 2000 NA CL55 AMG F1 Edition, and the limited production 6.0 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL65 AMG. All models seat four. Development took place from 1993 to 1999, with final design being approved in 1996.The CL coupés come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and along with the S-Class saloons the CL coupés receive new technological features. 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 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 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 2,500 - 5,800 rpm, with a peak of 457 at 4,400 rpm. with some UK being and one for France 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 with a total production of only 55 units. This was a tribute to the modified Safety Car version used in Formula One during the and seasons. The engine was a naturally-aspirated 5.4-liter V8 delivering 354 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and 391 ft lbs torque at 4,100 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 Bi-Turbo V12 was introduced. This deactivation feature allowed the CL 600 to get better fuel economy than the comparable CL 500, especially on the highway 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 the distinction, again, was the ghost like quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The CL 600 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 produced. The top speed of the CL 65 was limited to. These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the AMG CL 65.
Engines
As with all major German manufacturers, Mercedes electronically limits most of its cars to.| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | |
| CL 500 | 5.0 L V8 M113 | 6.5 seconds | |||
| CL 600 | 5.8 L V12 M137 | 6.3 seconds | |||
| CL 600 | Turbocharged 5.5 L V12 M275 | 4.8 seconds | |||
| CL 55 AMG | 5.4 L V8 M113 | 6.0 seconds | |||
| CL55 AMG | Supercharged 5.4 L V8 M113 | 4.8 seconds | |||
| CL 63 AMG | 6.3 L V12 M137 | 5.5 seconds | |||
| CL 65 AMG | Turbocharged 6.0L V12 M275 AMG | 4.4 seconds |
Third generation (C216; 2006–2014)
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, the high-performance 6.2L V8-powered CL 63 AMG 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. 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 coupé weighs, being heavier than the equivalent S saloon, and rides on a full-size 116.3-inch wheelbase. Despite its large size, rear seat legroom is limited in keeping in the tradition of 2+2 luxury coupés, though CL has more rear passenger space than its rivals. The CL's trunk is as large as that of the Audi A8 flagship saloon.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' paint finish. 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.
2011 update
The facelift version of the Mercedes CL-Class made its world debut in July 2010 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. 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. For 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.The model line-up starts with the entry-level CL 500 powered by the new 4.7 L V8 direct-injected engine that delivers and of torque, paired to a new seven speed automatic transmission, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The CL 600 retains the twin-turbo 5.5 L V12 engine and five-speed automatic with a total output of and of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.0 seconds. Both vehicles are limited to 250 km/h. The CL 63 AMG is powered by a new direct injection, 5.5-litre V8 engine mated to a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission with a total output of and of torque. The CL 65 AMG's V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver and of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic with AMG speedshift.
| Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | |
| CL 550 | 4.7 L BiTurbo V8 | 4.8 seconds | |||
| CL 550 4MATIC | 4.7 L V8 BiTurbo | 4.8 seconds | |||
| CL 600 | 5.5 L V12 BiTurbo | 4.4 seconds | |||
| CL 63 AMG | 5.5 L V8 BiTurbo | 4.4 seconds | |||
| CL 63 AMG Performance Package | 5.5 L V8 BiTurbo | 4.3 seconds | |||
| CL 65 AMG | 6.0 L V12 BiTurbo | 4.1 seconds |