Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

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Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Parent company	DaimlerChrysler AG
Production	1998–present
Assembly	Sindelfingen, Germany
Class	Grand tourer
Body style	2-door coupé
Layout	FR layout
Similar	Bentley Continental GT Jaguar XK Maserati Coupe

First generation

Production	1998-2000
Engine	5.0L 315 hp V8 6.0L 389 hp V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic
Wheelbase	115.9 in
Length	199.4 in
Width	75.3 in
Height	56.9 in

Second generation

Production	2000-2006
Engine	5.0L 302 hp V8 5.4L 493 hp V8 5.5L 493 hp V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Wheelbase	116.3 in
Length	196.4 in
Width	73.1 in
Height	55.4 in

Third generation

Production	2007-present
Engine	5.5L 382 hp V8 5.5L 510 hp V12
Transmission	5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic
Wheelbase	116.3 in
Length	199.4 in
Width	73.7 in
Height	55.8 in

1993 Mercedes-Benz 600 SEC, a predecessor of the modern CL-Class

W215 Mercedes-Benz CL500

2001 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a grand tourer produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The present generation of the CL-Class, or C216, is currently available in two models: CL500/CL550 and CL600. A C216 CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG are planned for future release.

1 W126
2 W140
3 W215
4 C216
5 External links

[edit] W126

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W126

The CL-class can most directly trace its roots back to the W126-chassis SEC-class of 1981-1991. The SEC was itself a replacement for the R107 series SLC cars, which were essentially lengthened SL roadsters with a fixed roof and rear seat. The W126 SEC was more directly related to the S-Class sedans. The first generation SEC-Class came in four models: 380 SEC, 420 SEC, 500 SEC and 560 SEC. Like all subsequent models, the rear passenger volume of the SEC coupes was large enough to classify them as 2-door sedans by the SAE.

[edit] W140

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W140

The next generation was the sleek, redesigned W140-chassis coupe of 1993-1999. 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 1993 only. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupe ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. From 1994-1997, the model names were changed to the S500 coupe and the S600 coupe. The name "CL" was adopted in 1998, and the W140 coupes were called the CL500 and CL600 from 1998-1999.

[edit] W215

Main article: Mercedes-Benz W215

The third generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000 to 2006. It is based on the 1999-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600 and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. The limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG was sold in 2001 only. All models seat four.

The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and the CL is always the first model to receive new technological features (it introduced the refined Active Body Control fully-active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights).The CL-class has among the most popular luxury coupes in the world, outselling rivals such as the Jaguar XK8 coupe and the Bentley Continental GT.{fact}

The CL-class has a lengthy list of available features. The following features come standard: climate control, full air suspension, all-leather interior, 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 seats.

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.

In European markets, there was even an optional granite trim that took the place of wood. This was never available in the United States.

As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes limit their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph). The justification for having two models with the same power (CL600 and CL55 AMG) is that the CL55 AMG is sportier and more responsive, while the CL600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride. The CL65 AMG is made to order in very small numbers, and is the most powerful CL to date.

The CL63 AMG is the rarest W215 CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001, and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. 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 with a base price of £110,000 (~US$200,000).

From 1999 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars feature a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 493hp biturbo V-12 was introduced.

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 and the V12 CL600 had turbochargers added. Both cars produced a phenominal 500 horsepower.

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h (62 mph)	Top speed
CL500	5.0 L V8	225 kW (306 hp DIN)	460 N·m (339 ft·lbf)	6.1 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL600 2000	5.5 L V12	?? kW (368 hp DIN)	?? N·m (?? ft·lbf)	?? seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL600 2003	Twin-Turbocharged 5.5 L V12	368 kW (500 hp DIN)	800 N·m (590 ft·lbf)	4.8 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL55 AMG 2001	5.5 L V8	?? kW (368 hp DIN)	?? N·m (391 ft·lbf)	5.7 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL55 AMG 2003	Supercharged 5.5 L V8	368 kW (500 hp DIN)	700 N·m (516 ft·lbf)	4.5 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL63 AMG	6.3 L V12	326 kW (444 hp DIN)	620 N·m (457 ft·lbf)	5.5 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL65 AMG	Twin-Turbocharged 6.0 L V12	450 kW (612 hp DIN)	1000 N·m (737.6 ft·lbf)	4.2 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)

[edit] C216

Main article: Mercedes-Benz C216

The new model was officially unveiled at the end of June 2006 and was presented at the 2006 Paris Salon. The W216 was initially offered in two models, the V8-powered CL500 and the high-end V12-powered CL600. The CL500 is sold as the CL550 in North America. A high performance CL65 AMG will arive later. The class is based on the chassis of the W221 S-Class and shares similar design cues together with the CLS-Class. The two-door coupe weighs 2,185kg and like its predecessor, has no B-pillar interrupting the sleek curve of the side windows. 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 preset speed, to keep a preset distance away from the car ahead of it. Mercedes has no plans to upgrade the 5.5L motor in the CL500/CL550 because it is already class leading, even with its older SOHC design.

	Engine	Power	0–100 km/h (62 mph)	Top speed
CL500/CL550	5.5 L V8	285 kW (388 hp DIN)	5.3 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL600	6.0 L V12 Twin-Turbo	380 kW (510 hp DIN)	4.5 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL63 AMG	6.2 L V8	380 kW (510 hp DIN)	4.3 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)