Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class' is a full-sized grand tourer produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, which stands for Comfort Leicht in German, or Comfort Light in English.

Originally derived from the SL-Class roadster, it has since been based on the S-Class sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupe, it was spun off into its own, current name in 1998. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a slightly shorter wheelbase and offering a more powerful selection of engines. The main competitors of the CL-Class are the Bentley Continental GT and the Ferrari Scaglietti.

The present generation of the CL-Class, C216, is currently available in four models: CL500 4Matic (CL550 4Matic in some countries), CL600, CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG. The 2010 price ranges from $110,775 to $207,170. The most powerful model of the CL, the CL65 AMG, is the most expensive Mercedes-branded vehicle (with the exception of the SLR), slightly edging out its equivalent in the S-Class and the SLS.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * For 2011, the CL-Class receives a major powertrain update as well as a subtle facelift. The CL550 4MATIC now packs an all-new 4.7 litre Biturbo and BlueDIRECT direct-injected V8 with around 429 horsepower and a 516 lb-ft of torque, nearly a full litre less in displacement but producing 47 more hp and 125 more lb-ft of torque. That slashes the entry-level CL's sprint to 60 mph to 4.9 seconds. The range-topping CL600, on the other hand is motivated by a 5.5 litre Biturbo V12 developing 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque, propelling the 4,900 lb grand tourer to 60 mph in a mere 4.5 seconds. On the AMG-fettled front, the CL63 AMG, despite the name, sticks twin-turbos on a smaller but more powerful 5.5 litre V8 than the outgoing 6.2 litre engine resulting 536 hp @ 5500 rpm and 590 lb-ft. of torque @ 2000 – 4500 rpm. With the optional AMG Performance Package those numbers reach even more wonderfully ridiculous heights: 563 hp and 664 lb-ft. Jesus Christ. This is also while slashing fuel consumption by 27 percent. The King of the Hill CL65 AMG also get a powerplant upgrade as its 6.0 litre Biturbo V12 churns out 621 hp @ 4800 rpm and 738 lb-ft of torque @ 2000 - 4000 rpm. All CL AMG models will get the full suite of Mercedes-Benz driver aid tech such as Direct-Steer, crosswind stabilization, torque-vectoring, drowsiness detection, night-view assist, active lane-keeping assist and blind-spot assist.

CL550 and CL600

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability
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Safety
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Photos
2011 C216

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Colors
CL63 and CL65 AMG


 * Black
 * Magnetite Black
 * Jade Green
 * Capri Blue
 * Flint Grey
 * Barolo Red
 * Iridium Silver
 * Palladium Silver
 * Diamond White

Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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Interior
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2011 C216 CL550 and CL600

Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2006–present)

 * 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 is offered in five models, the V8-powered CL500 and CL500 4MATIC, the high-performance V8-powered CL63 AMG and the high-end V12-powered CL600 and CL65AMG. The CL500 4MATIC is sold as the CL550 4MATIC in some markets. The class is based on the chassis of the W221 S-Class. The two-door coupe weighs 2,045 kg (4,508 lb) and like its predecessors, 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 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. As of the 2009 model year, Mercedes-Benz offers the CL550 in only 4Matic, while the CL600, CL63 AMG, and CL65 AMG are in rear-wheel drive.

In 2007, 40 C216 CL65 AMG units have been sold as '40th Anniversary Edition', to celebrate AMG was founded 40 years earlier, including one sold to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Performancewise, the '40th Anniversary Edition' was a custom CL65 AMG. Changes to the car included an 'ONE OUT OF 40' badge near the COMAND controller, special upholstery and rooflining, and a special 'AMG Alubeam' paintfinish. Apart from the CL65 AMG '40th Anniversary Edition', only a small selection of showcars got an Alubeam finish, a special paint designed to gleam like liquid metal.

Third generation (2000-2005)

 * Main article: Mercedes-Benz W215

The current generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupe of 2000 to 2005. It is based on the 2000-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, thogh 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 bi-turbo V12-powered CL600 and the very rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG.

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 revolutionary Active Body Control fully-active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights, both as world firsts).The CL-class has among the greatest luxury coupes in the world, outselling rivals such as the Bentley Continental GT.

The CL-class has a lengthy list of available features. The following features come standard: climate control, all-leather interior, wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated and cooled seats, power moonroof. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone.

Exclusive “designo” packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic burl walnut trim. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver.

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.

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.

Second generation (1993-1999)

 * 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.

First Generation/Origins (1981-1991)

 * 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.

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities

 * In the 2001 film American Pie 2, a closing scene features Stifler's Mom arriving in a W215 CL Class with darkened windows where Finch and Stifler's mom have an encounter.


 * In the 2003 Alicia Keys music video If I Ain't Got You, a W215 CL Class driven by lying boyfriend portayed by Method Man returning the Mercedes back to the rightful owner at the end of the video.


 * In the 2009 Pitbull music video Hotel Room Service, a new W216 CL Class is driven by Pitbull around Miami and eventually ending up at swank hotels and motels to engage having sex with numerous Latina women.

Awards
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