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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Daimler-Benz (1992–1998) DaimlerChrysler (1998–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2014)
Production	1992–2013 (Europe) 1992–2014 (US)
Assembly	Germany: Sindelfingen
Body and chassis
Class	Grand tourer (S) Personal luxury car
Body style	2-door coupé
Related	Mercedes-Benz S-Class Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C126)
Successor	Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupé (C217)

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a line of grand tourers which was produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1992 to 2014. The name CL stands for the German Coupé Luxusklasse (Coupé-Luxury). It is considered by Mercedes as their premier model.

In 2015 Mercedes officially ceased using the CL-Class designation, returning the vehicle's name back to the S-Class Coupe/Convertible, replacing it with the C217 S-Class Coupé.

History

The equipment of the luxury class coupé corresponds to its position at the top of the Mercedes-Benz model programme, which is built at the Sindelfingen plant on its own line

— Daimler AG

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 (Sonderklasse-Einspritzmotor-Coupé) 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 (considering equivalent equipment), due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar.

First generation (C140; 1992–1998)

First generation
Overview
Production	1992–1998
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W140
Powertrain
Engine	4.2 – 5.0L V8 6.0 – 7.3L V12
Transmission	4-speed automatic 5-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,944 mm (115.9 in)
Length	5,065 mm (199.4 in)
Width	1,895 mm (74.6 in)
Height	1,427 mm (56.2 in)
Curb weight	2,060–2,240 kg (4,542–4,938 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz C126

The first generation CL-Class was the sleek but hard-lined and redesigned W140-chassis (internally known as C140) 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 (1997 for MY1998 North American models), 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 (according to various journalists from automobile magazines such as Car and Auto Motor Und Sport). 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.

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 (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 ended September 1998 with 26,022 Coupés produced.

Engines

Specifications for European model.

* All are electronically limited

Second generation (C215; 1998–2006)

Second generation
Overview
Production	1998–2006
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz C215
Powertrain
Engine	5.0L V8 5.4L V8 5.4L V8 s/c 5.5L V12 biturbo 5.8L V12 6.0L V12 biturbo 6.3L V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,885 mm (113.6 in)
Length	4,993 mm (196.6 in)
Width	1,857 mm (73.1 in)
Height	1,398 mm (55.0 in)
Curb weight	1,865–2,155 kg (4,112–4,751 lb)

The second generation CL is the C215-chassis four passenger coupé of 1998–2006, with development 1993 to 1999 and final design approved in 1996. It is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) (which was launched in late 1998 in Europe), though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. The CL's front fascia of four oval headlights is similar to that of the W210 and W211 E-Class.

The CL model variants included the:

• naturally aspirated (NA) V8-powered CL 500
• NA V8-Powered CL55 AMG, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG
• NA V12-powered CL 600 (2000–2002)
• limited production (about 200 per year worldwide 5.5 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL600 (2003–2006)
• limited-edition NA CL63 AMG (26 examples only)
• 2000 NA CL55 AMG F1 Edition (55 examples only)
• the limited production (196 total) 6.0 litre V12 Bi-Turbo CL65 AMG (2004–2006)

The CL coupés introduced the 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 flat through the corners. Standard equipment includes 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 was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were sold. The engine produced 438 bhp and 390 lb-ft torque between 2,500 - 5,800 rpm, with a peak of 457 at 4,400 rpm. The V12-powered CL63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the C215 CL63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.

Only 55 examples of thee 2000 CL55 AMG F1 were manufactured, as a tribute to the modified Safety Car version used in Formula One during the 1999 and 2000 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 marketed as Active Cylinder Control, subsequently dropped when the 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) Bi-Turbo V12 was introduced. The deactivation feature allowed improved fuel economy for the CL 600, comparable CL 500, notably during highway driving where six-cylinder operation could activate. The V12 engine is not unlike two Mercedes six-cylinder series engines mated to a common crank with appropriate engine monitoring systems.

Exclusive “Designo” packages featured custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic wood trims, in three variants: Designo Cashmere, Designo Espresso and Designo Silver. Additional variants can be found on rarer models. An optional granite trim could be specified in lieu of wood trim.

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 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 (155 mph). These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the AMG CL 65.

Engines

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

* All are electronically limited

Third generation (C216; 2006–2014)

Third generation
Overview
Production	2006–2013 (Worldwide) 2007–2014 (US)
Body and chassis
Platform	Mercedes-Benz W216
Powertrain
Engine	Petrol: 4.7 L V8 biturbo 5.5 L V8 5.5 L V8 biturbo 6.2 L V8 5.5 L V12 biturbo 6.0 L V12 biturbo
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,955 mm (116.3 in)
Length	5,065 mm (199.4 in) AMG: 5,085 mm (200.2 in)
Width	1,872 mm (73.7 in)
Height	1,417 mm (55.8 in)

After 6 years of development, the new model was officially unveiled at the end of June 2006 and was presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. 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 550 (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 coupé weighs 2,045 kg (4,508 lb), being heavier than the equivalent S saloon, 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 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.

2010 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 (550 in the US) 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 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 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) and 830 N⋅m (612 lb⋅ft) 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 (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.

The last generation of the CL-Class, C216, was available in five models: CL 500 (CL 550 in some markets, with standard 4MATIC in Canada and the USA), CL 600, CL 63 AMG, CL 63 AMG (S) 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 S 65 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.

Sales

See also

• Bentley Continental GT
• Lexus LC

References

Notes

1. ^ "Mercedes-Benz CL of the C215 model series: Luxurious sportiness in top form". Daimler AG. 12 March 2019.
2. "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class". Autoblog.com.
3. "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Reviews, Expert Car Reviews on AOL Autos". Autos.aol.com. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
4. "Mercedes-AMG on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 30 April 2022.
5. "215 series CL-Class Coupés". mercedes-benz-publicarchive.com. Retrieved 5 September 2018.
6. "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländers neues Safety-Car". 9 March 2015. Retrieved 3 April 2015.
7. "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class". Autoblog.com.
8. "2011 Mercedes-Benz CL Debuts at Goodwood". Insideline.com. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
9. "2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class First Look". Insideline.com. 2 July 2010. Retrieved 20 July 2010.
10. "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class". Autoblog.com.
11. "Mercedes-Benz CL (00-05) Car Review". Parkers. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
12. Mike Hanley. "2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class". cars.com. Archived from the original on 29 May 2016. Retrieved 25 September 2012.
13. "2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class". Autoblog.com.
14. "Mercedes-Benz USA Records Highest Sales in Its History. - Free Online Library". Thefreelibrary.com. 3 January 2003. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
15. "2004 Highest Year on Record for Mercedes-Benz USA". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
16. "Mercedes-Benz Rings in the New Year with Record 2006 Sales". Theautochannel.com. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
17. "Mercedes-Benz USA's Sales Drop 32.1 Percent In December 2008 | eMercedesBenz - The Unofficial Mercedes-Benz Weblog". eMercedesBenz. 5 January 2009. Archived from the original on 29 July 2012. Retrieved 21 March 2010.
18. "Highest Sales Month for the Year at 21,469 Brings Mercedes-Benz to an... - MONTVALE, N.J., Jan. 4, 2011 /PRNewswire/". New Jersey: Prnewswire.com. Retrieved 23 October 2011.
19. Mercedes-Benz USA (3 January 2013). "Mercedes-Benz USA Hits Its Highest-Ever U.S. Volume With Sales Of 305,072". prnewswire.com.

Bibliography

General

• Barrett, Frank (1998). Illustrated Buyer's Guide Mercedes-Benz. Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide series (2nd ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0451-3.
• Clarke, R.M., ed. (2007). Mercedes AMG Gold Portfolio 1983-1999. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-745-5.
• ——————, ed. (2007). Mercedes AMG Ultimate Portfolio 2000-2006. Road Test Portfolio Series. Cobham, Surrey, UK: Brooklands Books. ISBN 978-1-85520-748-6.
• Engelen, Günter (2002). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 3: Seit 1986 . Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613021692.
• ——————— (2003). Mercedes-Benz Personenwagen [Mercedes-Benz Passenger Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 4: Seit 1996 . Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613023482.
• Häußermann, Martin (2006). Mercedes-Benz – The Large Coupés: The brochures since 1951. Archive edition of the DaimlerChrysler Group Archive. Bielefeld, Germany: Delius Klasing. ISBN 3-7688-1833-0.
• Hofner, Heribert; Schrader, Halwart (2005). Mercedes-Benz Automobile [Mercedes-Benz Automobiles] (in German). Vol. Band 2: von 1964 bis heute . Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3898804194.
• Kittler, Eberhard (2001). Deutsche Autos [German Cars] (in German). Vol. Band 6: seit 1990 – Mercedes, Ford, Opel und Porsche. Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613020521.
• ——————— (2002). Mercedes-Benz. Typenkompass series (in German). Vol. Band 2. Personenwagen seit 1976 . Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3-613-02209-5.
• Larimer, Fred (2004). Mercedes-Benz Buyer's Guide: Roadsters, Coupes, and Convertibles. St. Paul, MN, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0760318115.
• Niemann, Harry (2006). Personenwagen von Mercedes-Benz: Automobillegenden und Geschichten seit 1886 [Passenger Cars from Mercedes-Benz: Automobile Legends and Stories since 1886] (in German). Stuttgart: Motorbuch Verlag. ISBN 3613025965.
• Nitske, W. Robert (1995). Mercedes-Benz Production Models Book 1946-1995 (4th ed.). Osceola, WI, USA: MBI Publishing. ISBN 0-7603-0245-6.
• Pitt, Colin, ed. (2002). Mercedes-Benz W126 W140 W220. Hockley, Essex, UK: Unique Motor Books. ISBN 1841555150.
• Röcke, Matthias (1991). Das große Mercedes-S-Klasse-Buch: alle Modellreihen von W 108 bis W 140 (1965 bis heute) [The Big Mercedes S-Class Book: all model codes from W 108 to W 140 (1965 to today)] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89365-234-5.
• ——————— (2003). Das neue große Mercedes-S-Klasse-Buch [The New Big Mercedes S-Class Book] (in German). Königswinter, Germany: Heel Verlag. ISBN 3-89880-158-6.
• Schlegelmilch, Rainer W. ; Lehbrink, Hartmut; von Osterroth, Jochen (2013). Mercedes (revised ed.). Königswinter, Germany: Ullmann Publishing. ISBN 978-3-8480-0267-2.
• Smith, Kevin. "Mercedes-Benz 500SEC". Car and Driver (March 1993): 45–49.
• Taylor, James (2009). Mercedes-Benz: Cars of the 1990s. Crowood AutoClassic Series. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. pp. 9–16, 52–72. ISBN 978-1-84797-096-1.
• Taylor, James (2014). Mercedes-Benz S-Class 1972-2013. Ramsbury, Marlborough, UK: The Crowood Press. ISBN 978-1-84797-595-9.
• Vieweg, Christof (1999). Alles über den Mercedes-Benz CL [Everything about the Mercedes-Benz CL]. Technik transparent series (in German). Stuttgart: Mercedes-Benz AG. ISBN 3932786106.

Workshop manuals

• Mercedes-Benz Technical Companion. Cambridge, MA, USA: Bentley Publishers. 2005. ISBN 978-0-8376-1033-7.

External links

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

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