Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
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The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a 2-door luxury coupe. It is currently available in four variants: the CL500, CL600, CL63 AMG, and CL65 AMG.
See Wikicars' comprehensive Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review.
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Recent Changes
- On April 15 2009, Mercedes-Benz released the AMG Appearance Package for the CL-Class and the facelifted S-Class. [1]
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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.
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.
W215
- Main article: Mercedes-Benz W215
The current generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupe of 2000 to present. 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.
| 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) | 6.3 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL600 | 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 | Supercharged 5.5 L V8 | 368 kW (500 hp DIN) | 700 N·m (516 ft·lbf) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL63 AMG | Naturally aspirated 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) | 4.4 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
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 W215 Mercedes-Benz CL500 |
 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG |
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 Mondial de l'Automobile. 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 | Twin-Turbocharged 6.0 L V12 | 380 kW (517 hp DIN) @ 5000 rpm 613 lb-ft of torque @ 1900 rpm | 4.6 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
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 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL |
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See Also
External links
- Official Mercedes-Benz Website
- Newswheel.com
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG
- Mercedes-Benz Tuning Parts
- Mercedes CL videos and CL-Class wallpapers
- Fórum Mercedes-Benz Brasil
- Mercedes celebrates 100th anniversary of trademark with special-edition CL 500
This page uses content from Wikipedia; see Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, which includes these contributors.
