bigkevssf

I love the looks of the CL, but am I opening up an expensive can of maintenance worms with the V12 or turbo? Should I stay with the CL550?

mynamesjson

The short answer to your question is that the the v12s are temperamental and even a well maintained one is going to have high maintenance costs. You can save some of those costs if you are a do it yourselfer, but even the parts are high (example: a radiator fan for a 600 is 800-900, for a 550 is around 500). The facelift CL550s are your best bet in terms of reliability based on what I've read. Plus the the turbo charged v8s are noticeably quicker than the N/A ones. The AMG cars are great but their parts cost are astronomical (example: 1000 dollar rotors)

Hope this helps

bigkevssf

I really appreciate your response. Ok, the v12 is out. 550 or the 63 with perfect warranty!

PeterUbers

550 is cheaper to maintain and wicked acceleration and great luxury ... Brakes and rotors will be cheaper and maintenance will be cheaper, trans is a traditional slushbox 7gtronic that's smooth and the mct trans can be choppy and throttle lag and stumbles into first gear

I vote 550 unless you need the brute force of amg

mynamesjson

Agreed, although as a 600 owner I want to say there's nothing like owning a v12 mercedes. All of the 600s come with every option available (ie: suede headliner, leather wrapped dash etc.). Also with a ecu tune it can make over 600hp (cl65 territory).

I've had my car for six months and have spent about 5K on it so far, but I love driving it. They are great values, as long as they aren't your daily driver. If you need the car for daily transportation, go with the 550 (awd).

The Kaiser

Same here, the 600 V12 is surreal but not without it's expense. I had some leaking cooling lines running to the turbos, cost about $6000 to repair and they had to nearly remove the engine. Fortunately, most was covered under warranty. You've really got to be an enthusiast to love a 600 V12, to the point were the expense is worth it to you.

Speedriven1

This ultimately depends on your end goals with the car. If you're going to want to drive aggressively or put down serious numbers, very few cars can put out 1000 HP with the reliability and drivability of the Mercedes V12.

Sure, they cost more to maintain and repair than the CL550 (the rarity of the CL63 will push up prices sooner than later), but the performance ceiling on the V8 cars is well under the V12s'.

The Kaiser

I agree. Another point, it's not just raw performance, it's your cost for performance. With a CL600 and some light tuning work, you can easily hit 600-700HP and absolutely monster torque (700-800ft/lbs). There are very few affordable street cars anywhere close to this performance. So you pay a bit more on the maintenance, still cheap compared to the alternatives in this category.

C280 Sport

I am looking for a CL550 4Matic with Designo myself in the future. I do want the 4Matic and it is a MUST have where I live. I go between NY and FL so being able to drive in anything is a must have. From my research a 2011+ is best.


If you demand 4Matic then get the CL550. If you want power and performance then a V12 is hands down the best way to go. Mercedes known a V12 and how to make a good one too!

tusabes

Repairs on a v12 are insane so only get one under warranty
Maintenance on the cl63 is insane ($5000 -7000 for Four wheel brake jobs ) so even with a warranty youre screwed

The cl550 is the best daily driver but if money is no object get the cl63 or cl600

GMBALL

I've had a 2011 CL550 (4.6 V8, Twin Turbo, 435BHP) for one day.
What can I say, the car is so fast that I even wonder, why would you need anything more than that? As a matter of fact, I can image that CL550 + ECU = 500BHP >> faster than CL600 V12.

This is my acceleration video of that car:

The Kaiser

I've discovered that you don't buy a CL600 because you're looking for something practical. You drive one because it's completely outrageous and I love that. If you're not excited by that sort of thing, save your money.

BTW, the CL550 even with the ECU tune isn't faster than the 540hp and 650lbs/ft of torque that the big CL600 spits out (yes, the Mercedes published specs are significantly underrated). If you add that same ECU tune to the CL600, it's very easy to get 650HP and 800lbs/ft of torque. Why would you do this? Because you can .

GMBALL

I know what you are talking about. For me it was a decision between CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG. But unfortunately I didn't find any decent CL65 AMG and decided to go for the CL63 with warranty for the same money. I am, indeed, very happy with the car (besides the ABC pump failure). My friend used to have 2006 SL600, so I remember that engine pretty well.

2014CL600

First off from 2011-2014 there were only 55 CL 600 made. I have a full break down of color and interior combinations. Second, I have driven all three and the 600 was by far the finest example of them all. The full Designo is what I have a 1 of 1 and no other built like it. Only 20 2001-2014 CL 65's were made ( almost all were black) and the 63's , well they are very common,easy to find and are depreciating very fast as are the CL 550's. My only wish was my interior was like that of the 65 (because I love the cross stitched seats and doors) other than that, all the magazines rate the 600 with the 20" wheels a better all around car. I had mine tuned to it give me close to 700 hp and torque. It is all personal preference and a matter of what you can afford. If you can find a 600, it is truly the only way to go. If you cant find one, then opt for a 63 with the Designo interior. That way you get a full leather interior and an ABC suspension. The 550 is an Airmatic Suspension from 11 up and I personally couldn't stand the noise the suspension made when locking the car or coming to a stop or getting in and out, plus the interior is all MB tex interior (except for some inserts and seat covers) unless you get a Designo interior. Best of luck!

GMBALL

I also have the Designo interior on the 63 AMG, well, I have to take a look at a "regular" CL63, becuase I don't find any difference?!? At least if I look at the photos on google and compare it with mine, there is hardly any difference except for the color combinations.

2014CL600

Notice the grain, if yours is smooth it is full leather, if your is grained like this it is MB Tex.


I have had this conflict with another member. Unless you buy a CL 63 with a Designo interior, your interior except for the seats, door inserts and the arm (both center and sides), the rests you interior is MB Tex. Please take note, if the upper dash and console are heavily grained, this will indicate, it is MB Tex. If your upper dash is smooth without grain it is leather. That is why they have the difference of the Designo and non Designo which also including additional color choices. As for the CL 600 and 65, the price of the Designo only gives you wood choices and two tone leather choices. The 600 and 65 automatically come with the exclusive leather. On the 600 and 65, its rather a joke for 8,500 but its a way to over sell a product. At one point I think you could get a full premium leather package but I would have to consult with my friend who heads up the MBUSA Dept., which orders all the cars for the U.S. Cars built outside the U.S., have slight differences, such as the 550 is actually a 500. Wheel choices are different as well as options and colors.

2014CL600

Please tell me what color is your interior? They offered a Designo exterior separate from the interior. Does your say Designo on the ashtray?

GMBALL

Yes, it does. Here are pictures, it seems that I do have the Designo interior.

2014CL600

OH MY GOD, what can I say????????? W O W, I couldn't begin to put a description to this car. Yes sir, that is a full Designo interior all right, it's called Light brown with black, an exclusive Designo interior color.

2014CL600

2011-14 Mercedes CL The only versions to buy


Home
» News
» Mercedes
» 2011 Mercedes CL


As announced at the end of last week, Daimler has revealed the new generation 2011 Mercedes CL that comes with various styling and performance improvements over the previous model. The 2011 Mercedes CL500 BlueEFFICIENCY is now powered by a re-developed 4.6 liters V8 biturbo engine that develops 320 kW (435 hp) and 700 Nm of torque. Although the power output has been increased by 35 kW (47 hp) over the current 5.5-litre naturally aspirated engine, the fuel consumption has dropped to 9.5 liters per 100 km/h and the CO2 emissions level to 224 grams per kilometer.

The 2011 Mercedes CL600 is powered by a V12 5.5-litre biturbo engine that develops 380 kW (517 hp) and 830 Nm of torque. The 2011 Mercedes CL model range also offer an AMG Sports package that includes new light-alloy wheels, a front apron with a tapered air intake with a wider lower edge, new side skirts and a rear apron. The 2011 Mercedes CL AMG Sports package also comes with silver-color painted brake callipers, a wood and leather trimmed steering wheel and brushed stainless steel pedals.

The 2011 Mercedes CL price list will be announced at a later date.


Mercedes Press Release:

The new generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: The epitome of luxury coupes

With a design perfected through an immaculate sense of style, highly exclusive appointments and cutting-edge technology, the extensively updated Mercedes-Benz CL-Class underscores its claim to supremacy as the summit of automotive refinement. The entirely re-designed 320 kW (435 hp) V8 biturbo engine of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, with a combined consumption of 9.5 liters premium-grade petrol per 100 km, opens a new dimension of efficiency in the luxury coupe category. Its NEDC figures show savings of up to 23 percent over its predecessor model, CO2 emissions having dropped from 288 grams per kilometre to 224 grams per kilometre. This significant reduction is achieved thanks to the newly-developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct injection, with the contribution of the specially-designed BlueEFFICIENCY package of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. The package includes, among other things, energy-efficient control of alternator, fuel pump, air-conditioning compressor and power-assisted steering system, as well as the ECO start/stop function. It also features the use of low rolling resistance tyres and the energy-optimised Active Body Control system. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz developers equipped the CL-Class with state-of-the-art multimedia technology, thus helping this model, produced with a high proportion of hand-finished work, to retain its position as the epitome of quality in its class.

With the new generation of the CL-Class, the Stuttgart-based automaker focuses on fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions in the exclusive high-end segment, too. According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: “The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. It combines in a particular degree those things that characterise Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and responsibility. And with the new generation we have gone a step further, too – especially in the realm of efficiency. But in terms of design, safety, comfort and output, too – the CL shows the way forward: simply follow Mercedes”

In addition, a combination of cutting-edge camera and radar-based assistance systems unique in the luxury coupe segment, including the innovation of the Active Lane Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems, makes of the CL-Class a "thinking" partner of the driver. The modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation system and the Direct-Steer system also contribute to enhancing safety and driving enjoyment.

Design: a muscular, self-assured presence

The exterior appearance of the new CL-Class generation is characterised by the terse profile of the bonnet, the dynamic V-shape radiator grille and the curving headlamps – design details that discreetly but effectively emphasise the car's elegant yet powerful lines.

The front bumper, too, presents a new design with three air intake openings and a chrome trim strip. An LED strip with chrome surround for the daytime running lights is elegantly integrated in the side openings for the brake cooling air. With their standard-fit Intelligent Light System (ILS) and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the headlamps offer state-of-the-art illumination technology. The latest LED technology in the turn indicators and position marker lamps rounds off the car's advanced image. The rear of the vehicle is characterised by the newly-designed tail lamps.

New V8 bi-turbo engine with innovative technology

The new-generation CL-Class also assumes a pioneering role in the drive system sector. Under the bonnet of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY a new V8 biturbo engine with BlueDIRECT technology delivers its impressive power. With its 4663 cc displacement, the eight-cylinder engine produces 320 kW (435 hp) so that despite 0.8 litres less displacement, it is still around 12 percent more powerful than its predecessor, which had an output of 285 kW (388 hp). At the same time, torque was raised from 530 Nm to 700 Nm – an increase of 32 percent. Combined consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), on the other hand, drops by 23 percent to 9.5 litres of premium petrol per 100 kilometres for the rear-wheel drive version. CO2 emissions consequently sink from 288 grams per kilometre to 224 grams per kilometre. The CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY requires a mere 4.9 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 100 km/h (previous model: 5.4 seconds). Summing up: the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY is significantly more agile, torquey and thriftier than its predecessor.

The BlueDIRECT technology package of the V8 biturbo includes a series of new developments, unique in their combination. Worthy of mention among these is the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition with up to four ignition sparks within a millisecond. Together both enable an innovative combustion process called "homogenous split". Other factors contributing to the exemplary low fuel consumption continue to be the consistent use of friction-optimised pistons, piston rings and cylinder barrels, the on-demand control of oil pump and the new three-phase thermal management in the coolant circuit. The luxury coupe's package includes the ECO start/stop function and alternator control in accordance with the handling situation and on-board voltage with kinetic energy recuperation in overrun mode.

The CL 600, with its 380 kW (517 hp) 12-cylinder biturbo engine remains the top-of-the-line model: it accelerates the luxury coupe from a standstill to 100 km/h in breath-taking 4.6 seconds and now also complies with the Euro 5 emissions control standard.

A unique combination of driver-assistance systems

The new-generation CL-Class consolidates its position as an automotive masterwork and a technology platform of the Stuttgart-based company with the most advanced assistance and protection systems. These highly perceptive assistants convert the Mercedes model into a "thinking" partner that can see, feel and react instantly if it detects a hazard, acting autonomously to prevent accidents or to mitigate their effects. The trailblazing driver assistance systems in the CL-Class are based on state-of-the-art radar, camera and sensor technology.

Thus, in the new-generation CL-Class Active Lane Keeping Assist celebrates its premiere (at the same time as in the S-Class). If the vehicle threatens to cross a continuous lane marking line, the system actuates an electric motor in the steering wheel, causing it to vibrate briefly – giving the driver a discreet but effective warning hint to countersteer immediately. The active system springs into action if the Mercedes coupe unintentionally crosses a continuous lane marking line to the right or to the left. In this case, it intervenes by gently braking the wheels of the opposite side of the car, helping the driver to stay in the lane. In order to do this Active Lane Keeping Assist avails itself of the ESP® Electronic Stability Program. Active Lane-Keeping Assist evaluates information provided by a camera mounted on the inside of the windscreen. It identifies the contrast between the road surface and the lane marking lines. In addition to this, using radar the system scans the side of the roadway for crash barriers and other roadway edge markings. This Mercedes assistance system also evaluates the driver's actions and can thus reliably determine whether the car is departing from the lane intentionally or not. For this reason, there is no warning if the driver accelerates hard just before overtaking or when accessing a motorway, or if he brakes hard or steers into a curve.

Targeted brake actuation: active Blind Spot Assist

A further innovation Mercedes-Benz offers for the CL-Class is active Blind Spot Assist, a system that makes use of a multi-stage warning concept. If it detects that a change of lane would be too dangerous, it warns the driver by displaying a red triangle in the glass of the exterior mirror. Close-range radar sensors monitor the area immediately to the side and to the rear of the car. If the driver disregards this warning and, for example, actuates the turn indicator, an audible warning also sounds. If the driver continues to ignore the warnings and comes dangerously close to a vehicle in the neighbouring lane, a novel feature of the system acts: a corrective braking intervention via ESP® on the wheels of the opposite side of the vehicle. This causes a yaw movement about the car's vertical axis due to the unequal distribution of the braking forces. If despite this course correction an accident cannot be avoided, the active Blind Spot Assist system can reduce the consequences of a collision through the brake actuation.

Assistants to see and be seen better

Adaptive Main Beam Assist is another standard-fit system featured by the CL-Class. This camera-based system can recognise oncoming vehicles or vehicles ahead with their lights on, and then controls the headlamps to ensure the best possible beam range without dazzling other road users. In addition, Mercedes-Benz offers the Night View Assist PLUS system for the CL-Class, featuring a special infra-red camera for pedestrian detection: as soon as the system detects pedestrians on the road ahead, these are highlighted additionally in the display, in order to catch the driver's attention better.

The images supplied by the windscreen camera are also used by the new, optional Speed Limit Assist, which recognises speed limit signs in passing and shows the relevant speed limit in the central display and on the navigation system's map display (standard for CL 600).

For the new-generation CL-Class, Mercedes-Benz has also improved the long and medium-range radar used by Brake Assist (BAS PLUS) and DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

An "electronic crumple zone": the PRE-SAFE® Brake

Mercedes-Benz also offers another radar based system for the luxury coupe as a component of the driver assistance package PLUS in the form of the PRE-SAFE® Brake. If the driver is distracted and fails to recognise the imminent danger of a rear-end collision or the warning signal of an assistance system, this system can intervene and brake the vehicle independently. If the driver fails to react even after automatic, partial braking action, this most recent development stage of the PRE-SAFE® Brake activates the maximum braking pressure around 0.6 seconds before what it now recognises as an unavoidable collision - an emergency braking action that can significantly mitigate the severity of the impact. The PRE-SAFE® Brake thus acts as a kind of "electronic crumple zone".

Warns driver of overtiredness: ATTENTION ASSIST

Overtiredness is one of the most common causes of accidents. This is why Mercedes experts have developed the ATTENTION ASSIST system which forms part of the standard equipment of the new generation CL-Class. As the vehicle is being driven, the system continuously evaluates more than 70 different parameters in order to identify driver drowsiness and provide a warning before the dangerous microsleep phase begins. Observing the driver’s steering behaviour has proved to be a particularly strong indicator: several years of practical research by Mercedes-Benz have shown that drowsy drivers make minor steering errors which they often correct very rapidly in a characteristic way. This steering behaviour is recognised by a special steering angle sensor. Observing the driver's eyes cannot always provide conclusive evidence of sleep since many drivers can experience micro-sleep with their eyes open.

Active Body Control reduces the effect of a crosswind

The CL-Class also meets the highest standards in terms of driving dynamics and agility. This is in part thanks to Direct-Steer, with a steering ratio that varies with the steering angle, and modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation (standard for CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 600). This latest stage in active body development modifies the wheel load distribution via the ABC spring struts within milliseconds, depending on crosswind direction and intensity, to the extent that it can largely compensate the effects of the crosswind.

The Active Body Control suspension system with which Mercedes-Benz ushered in new dimensions of driving dynamics in the preceding C 215 model series in 1999, is unique worldwide as it not only regulates roll, but pitching and squatting movements as well, ensuring a perfect harmony of comfort and handling stability. Since the introduction of this innovative system, engineers in Sindelfingen have continuously improved on it, so that eleven years later it still marks the summit of automotive engineering. In addition to crosswind stabilisation, the new suspension features an energy-optimised hydraulic pump that takes part of the burden off the engine, contributing towards reducing fuel consumption.

Additional safety and agility at the physical limits is provided by the standard-fit Torque Vectoring Brake in the new-generation CL-Class – targeted, one-sided braking intervention at the inside rear wheel when cornering. This enables the luxury coupe to turn into the bend under precise control with even greater agility.

On-board infotainment: the most advanced multimedia technology

In line with its serene character and claim to be a technological masterwork, the CL-Class also sets standards where onboard infotainment is concerned. Thus, the Stuttgart automotive manufacturer equips its flagship model with the new SPLITVIEW technology for the COMAND control and display system centrally located in the centre console (standard for the CL 600 in conjunction with Front Seat Entertainment package). This innovative display concept allows the driver and front passenger to view different contents simultaneously on one and the same screen. While the driver e.g. uses the map-based navigation system, the front passenger can be watching a film on DVD.

The standard COMAND control and display system with Bluetooth®, USB and SD card interfaces offers customers the possibility of exporting their stored data to other vehicles and multimedia devices. It is also possible to transfer and update navigation data. In the glove compartment Mercedes-Benz integrates as optional equipment the Media Interface – an interface for mobile audio and video devices – devices such as the iPod® and every other possible customer device.

The optional Navigation package with COMAND APS (standard for the CL 600) features a Europe-wide navigation system whose data are stored on a 40-Gigabyte hard disc, enabling extremely rapid route calculation. Another factor contributing to a high level of navigation comfort is the detailed three-dimension map display including updates free of charge for three years. For musical entertainment COMAND APS provides a radio, a CD/DVD player with MP3 function, an equalizer with speed-dependent volume control and the MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in MP3, AAC or WMA format. The system recognises music files played on CD, DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER using its stored Gracenote® database, and shows the title, album and performer in the colour display. Another new function, Music Search, enables CL-Class drivers and passengers to search SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music titles and performers.

The Navigation package also includes the latest-generation LINGUATRONIC voice control system that controls the navigation, telephone and audio devices via whole-word input. Benefit: the driver no longer needs to spell out his commands but simply speaks the corresponding words as whole words when entering the destination or choosing a radio station or a music title from the Music Register, or when calling up a name from the phone book.

The further developed surround sound system with Discrete Logic7® technology developed by Mercedes-Benz together with audio specialists Harman Kardon® delivers an outstanding performance with three-dimensional sound as a natural 360-degree musical experience for all passengers of the CL-Class. Mercedes-Benz offers the surround sound system together with SPLITVIEW and a six-disc DVD changer as part of the Entertainment Package (standard for CL 600).

Interior: carefully selected materials and first-class finish

In the interior, too, Mercedes-Benz developers and designers perfected the CL-Class, paying careful attention to detail. A total of four different kinds of fine wood open up the possibilities for perfectly matched material and colour concepts according to your personal taste: apart from light and dark high-gloss burr walnut, there is black ash and high-gloss brown poplar (CL 600). Another particularity: in line with the central importance awarded to the concept of sustainability within the Mercedes-Benz corporate philosophy, the CL-Class employs only European wood from renewable forestry sources. Most of the wood parts are hand-made and matched individually for colour and grain by experienced craftsmen. The seat covers of the new CL-Class are of the most exquisite quality. For this luxury model there are two different kinds of leather available which thanks to their low pre-tensioning and consequent wrinkle effect appear supple and comfortable from the very first glance. There is a choice of five tasteful colour combinations for the vehicle interior: black/black, savannah beige/cashmere beige, sahara beige/black, and the novel combinations alpaca grey/basalt grey and aubergine/black.

The multifunction steering wheel of the CL-Class has also been modified by the Mercedes-Benz designers: in future the rim and airbag module are lined with soft nappa leather as standard. The new, flatter airbag module also lends a sporty touch to the multifunction steering wheel covered in leather sewn with sophisticated double stitching.

Apart from this, Mercedes-Benz makes more use of light as a styling element in the vehicle interior. In future customers who specify the optional ambient lighting (standard for CL 600) have a choice between three lighting moods: solar (amber), neutral (white) and polar (ice blue).

Tradition: an exclusive line of ancestors

The new generation CL-Class continues the great tradition of Mercedes-Benz coupes, which reaches back to the legendary supercharged cars of the 1920s and '30s. Since the 1950s in particular, the brand with the three-pointed star has produced an uninterrupted series of exclusive two-door cars which combine sophisticated design with trailblazing technology – every model an automotive classic. The W 188 model series 300 S Coupe which entered series production in 1952 marked the beginning. A contemporary report called it the "measure of what it is possible to achieve in automotive engineering".

This statement has retained its full validity for all subsequent models, right down to the current CL-Class of model series C 216, because the luxury coupes from Mercedes-Benz featured - apart from their timeless design and the highest level of comfort - trailblazing innovations in automotive technology. Thus it was that in 1961 the 220 SE Coupe was the first series-production Mercedes-Benz to be equipped with disc brakes. In 1995 the ESP Electronic Stability Program celebrated its world premiere in the S 600 Coupe of model series C 140, and in 1999 the Active Body Control suspension system was introduced for the first time in the CL-Class, model series C 215. With the PRE-SAFE® brake a further technological innovation made its debut in a large Mercedes-Benz coupe. In the new CL-Class generation, two new developments, Active Lane Keeping Assist and the Active Blind Spot Assist, will help prevent accidents or reduce their severity.

range: Luxury and performance

Perfect combinations: equipment packages and driver assistance systems

CL 600: a masterwork with top-of-the-line equipment

Exclusive individuality: the AMG Sports package and designo

For decades now, the great coupes from Mercedes-Benz have represented motoring refinement of the highest level. Exceptional design, craftsmanship and pioneering technology flow together, blending into a style-generating unity. The history of the great two-door cars bearing the three-pointed star goes back to the large supercharged cars of the 1920s and '30s. The new CL-Class generation continues in this great unbroken tradition of automotive masterworks.

With targeted design modifications such as the new, more strongly pointed radiator grille, the new front bumper with integrated LED strips for the daytime running lamps and the standard bi-xenon headlamps, the Mercedes developers cultivated the poise and dynamism expressed in the design language of the two-door car in a contemporary manner. The high technological level exemplified by Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation sets new standards in driving dynamics and comfort. And with safety systems such as the ATTENTION ASSIST weariness recognition system, active Blind Spot Assist, active Lane Keeping assist, Adaptive Highbeam Assist and automatic PRE-SAFE® full brake application, the CL-Class takes pole position in the luxury coupe class.

This is also true of the engine line-up: the entirely re-developed V8 biturbo engine with a displacement of 4.6 litres, 320 kW (435 hp) output, a torque of 700 Newton-metres and spray-guided direct petrol injection in the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY achieves top marks in its class in terms of efficiency, with a consumption of only 9.5 litres premium petrol per 100 km in the combined NEDC cycle. This means fuel savings of up to 23 percent over the predecessor model.

CO2 emissions drop from 288 to 224 grams per kilometre. At the same time, output climbs 35 kW (47 hp) compared with the 5.5-litre naturally aspirated engine in the preceding model.

The CL 600 is the renowned summit of the drive units, with its 380 kW (517 hp) V12 5.5-litre biturbo engine developing a torque of 830 Nm. With the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, the customer can choose between a version with rear-wheel drive and one with the 4MATIC all-wheel drive system.

The high-value appointments and equipment of the luxury coupe obey the highest standards of exclusivity and individuality. An extract from the list of the car's standard equipment:

Active Body Control with crosswind stabilisation
Adaptive driver and front-passenger airbags
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Adaptive brake lights
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
ATTENTION ASSIST
7G-TRONIC automatic transmission (CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY)
Automatic steering wheel adjustment for entry and exit
Bluetooth®, SD, USB, AUX-IN audio and video interface
Brake Assist (BAS)
ADAPTIVE BRAKE
COMAND system with CD/DVD player, SD card slot, USB interface and Gracenote® data base
DIRECT SELECT gearshift
Direct-Steer system
ECO start/stop function (CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY)
ESP® with acceleration skid control (ASR)
Headlamp assist
Electric parking brake
Belt tensioners on all seats
Intelligent Light System with country light, motorway mode, extended fog light function, active light function and cornering light function
Leather upholstery
18-inch light-alloy wheels
Memory package for seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors
Metallic paintwork
Nappa leather multifunction steering wheel
PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
PRE-SAFE®
Rain sensor with two sensitivity levels
Tyre pressure loss warning system
Tilting/sliding glass sunroof, electric, with PRE-SAFE® function
Door power closing
Front and rear seatbelts with automatic comfort-fit feature
Sidebags front and rear
Heated front seats
LED daytime running lamps integrated in bumper
Telephone keypad
Cruise control
Doorhold
Four-zone automatic climate control
Front seats with electric fore/aft and height adjustment with lumbar support and PRE-SAFE® positioning function
Tinted, sound-insulating, infrared-reflecting laminated glass all round
Windowbags
Equipment packages: substantial benefits thanks to perfect combinations
To enable drivers to benefit to the greatest extent from the advanced assistance systems and comfort elements, Mercedes-Benz offers certain innovations as packages upon request. This guarantees that the systems complement each other perfectly.

In the Driving Assistance package PLUS Mercedes-Benz mainly combines systems that can actively help to prevent rear-end collisions: the radar-based proximity cruise control system DISTRONIC PLUS, Brake Assist PLUS and the PRE-SAFE® Brake. This equipment package also includes Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist.

Mercedes-Benz offers the Navigation package for high-mileage drivers. This includes the COMAND APS multimedia system with 40 GB HDD navigation, 3-D map display, navigation data updates free of charge for a period of three years, LINGUATRONIC voice control, MUSIC REGISTER, Music Search and Speed Limit Assist (standard for CL 600).

An exclusive audio experience and optimum video entertainment for the front passenger is provided by the Front Seat Entertainment package. It includes the SPLITVIEW display, the 6-disc DVD changer and the Harman Kardon® Discrete Logic 7® surround sound system with headphones and remote control (standard for CL 600).

The CL 600: the summit of driving refinement

Mercedes-Benz stylishly underlines the exceptional status of the twelve-cylinder CL 600 with numerous distinguishing features in the exterior and interior. In addition to the model-specific radiator grille with two twin louvres, these include the V12 emblem on the flanks, model-specific, five-spoke 18-inch light-alloy wheels in a bi-colour look and a large range of standard option packages. Standard ex-factory specifications include:

Navigation package
Front Seat Entertainment package
Reversing camera
KEYLESS-GO
Convenience telephony
Anti-Theft Protection package

The front active multicontour seats and the rear seats are upholstered with particularly supple "PASSION" leather, decorated with a special V12 fluting pattern, as is the Alcantara roof liner. Among other things, the upper and lower sections of the dashboard, the door centre panels, rear shelf and ruffled pockets on driver and front passenger backrest are covered in this high-quality leather. Apart from the roof liner, the interior trim of the A, B and C pillars is also clothed in Alcantara leather. Luxury head restraints at front and rear bearing the V12 emblem also enhance travelling enjoyment. The V12 symbol on the backrests makes reference to the exclusive character of the vehicle. On entry, the V12 emblem lights up in the instrument cluster. Trim elements in fine high-gloss brown poplar wood, chrome-plated door sills and boot sill, together with the standard ambient lighting, round off the serene character of the Mercedes-Benz CL 600. designo and designo Selection: individual and exclusive

For further individualisation, customers can now also choose from a restructured range of designo features for the CL-Class, which further underscore the exclusive hand-finish character of the luxury model. Ten different designo paint finishes can be combined with ten designo aniline leather interiors and four natural leather interiors – with practically no limitations on personal taste. For designo wood trim, customers have a choice between natural-grain maple and natural-grain matt oak. Trim in black piano lacquer and champagne white piano lacquer can also be ordered.

Two kinds of fine authentic granite trim are available for the CL-Class: Labrador blue pearl and Star Galaxy black. These trim elements are made by cutting 0.6 to 0.8 mm thin stone wafers which are then coated with an adhesive layer to ensure that every grain remains exactly where it is. These thin plates are then ground between two rollers. The result is a visually undisturbed, extremely thin stone sheet, pliable thanks to the adhesive layer applied, which enables it to be moulded around narrow edges, too.

With designo Selection, Mercedes-Benz is offering a special, high-end package

of designo features for the CL-Class. Customers can configure their car according to their personal preferences and taste from the different designo aniline leather upholstery, wood trim elements and paint work available. The highlight is designo lettering in solid 18-carat gold on the rear air conditioning unit cover. This is exclusive to the designo Selection. The designo wood/leather steering wheel and the designo roof liner in black nappa leather or Alcantara in cashmere beige, anthracite or alpaca grey round off the refined atmosphere of the car's interior.

AMG Sports package: CL-Class with a striking sporty character

The AMG Sports package with AMG bodystyling and AMG light-alloy wheels gives the luxurious two-door car an even more dynamic look. At the front the newly-designed front apron ensures an imposing, muscular appearance. Its distinguishing feature is a tapered air intake with a wider lower edge. The side skirts continue the design of the front bumper, with striking contours that find an echo in the rear apron. The independent rear bumper with a black insert is the perfect finishing touch.

Further highlights include the 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels painted in sterling silver. With their broad format 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear), not only do they fill the wheel houses perfectly, lending the CL-Class an exceptionally dynamic presence, but also enhance its handling characteristics even more. In addition, silver-colour painted brake callipers with Mercedes-Benz lettering on the front axle wheels emphasise its sporty appearance. The CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY with AMG Sports package is fitted with 255/40 R 19 tyres on both front and rear axles. Optionally, 20-inch AMG light-alloy wheels in twin-spoke design with tyre sizes 255/35 and 275/35 are also available.

Wood trim and the wood/leather steering wheel in black ash give the high-quality vehicle interior a very special feel. The AMG Sports package also includes sports pedals in brushed stainless steel with black rubber studs and velour floor mats with AMG lettering.

At a glance: Technical highlights of the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class*

Driver assistance systems

Intelligent Light System: This innovative headlamp technology provides five lighting functions which are activated depending on the driving and weather conditions. Standard***

Cornering lights: This light function provides heightened safety at junctions and when driving slowly in tight bends (a component of the Intelligent Light System). Standard***

Active Light System: the Intelligent Light System's bi-xenon headlamps follow the driver's steering movements (a component of the Intelligent Light System). Standard***

Motorway mode: from 90 km/h the entire width of the carriageway is illuminated, improving the driver’s range of vision by around 50 metres (a component of the Intelligent Light System). Standard

Enhanced foglamps: This function pivots the offside headlamp outwards to illuminate the road verge more effectively (a component of the Intelligent Light System). Standard***

Country mode: this function replaces the previous low-beam headlamps and provides broader and brighter illumination of the opposite road verge (a component of the Intelligent Light System). Standard***

Adaptive Highbeam Assist: this system switches between high beam and low beam and adjusts the range of the headlamps in accordance with the distance to oncoming vehicles/vehicles travelling ahead. Standard Night View Assist Plus: the display in the dashboard shows a realistic grey-scale image from an infrared camera that monitors the road ahead of the CL-Class. Any pedestrians detected are additionally highlighted in the display. Optional

Active Lane Keeping Assist: a camera behind the windscreen recognises continuous carriageway markings and gives a warning if the car unintentionally leaves its lane. If the driver fails to react, the system

intervenes via ESP®, braking one or more wheels if the vehicle crosses a continuous lane marking line, in order to prevent it straying from the lane. Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS Active Blind Spot Assist: this radar-based system warns the driver before a lane-change if it detects another vehicle in the exterior mirror's blind spot. If the driver fails to react to the warning, ESP® triggers a targeted braking intervention in order to counteract the course which would lead to a collision with the vehicle at the side. Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS***

Brake Assist PLUS: this system uses radar sensors to recognise an impending rear-end collision, calculates the necessary degree of braking assistance and makes it available immediately when the driver depresses the brake pedal. Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS***

DISTRONIC PLUS: this radar-based proximity control system automatically helps the driver to maintain a set distance from the vehicle ahead. It can brake the CL-Class to a standstill if necessary, then accelerate again. If the distance to the vehicle ahead decreases too quickly, the system gives the driver visual and audible warnings. Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS PRE-SAFE® Brake: if there is imminent danger of a rear-end collision, this system brakes the CL-Class automatically if the driver fails to react and the collision is unavoidable. Optional as part of the Driving Assistance package PLUS

PRE-SAFE®: if the system recognises a critical driving situation, it takes precautionary measures to protect the occupants. It can e.g. initiate tensioning of the front seat belts, or closing of the side windows and sliding sunroof. Standard

Chassis, steering and brakes:

Active Body Control (ABC): active suspension system that adapts the springs to the current driving situation within fractions of a second and is able to largely compensate for the effects of crosswinds. Standard**

AIRMATIC: the air suspension works together with an electronically controlled damping system. Standard for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY

ADAPTIVE BRAKE: this Mercedes brake system offers assistance functions, such as a HOLD function and Hill Start Assist, for even greater safety and comfort. Standard

Torque Vectoring Brake: by specifically braking the rear wheels, ESP® ensures more safety at the physical limits without any loss of agility. Standard

Direct-Steer: a variable steering rack ratio depending on the steering angle allows more agile handling and provides more comfort when parking and manoeuvring at slow speed. Standard

DIRECT SELECT: the 7-speed automatic transmission (CL 500 BlueEFFICENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY) and the 5-speed automatic transmission (CL 600) are operated electronically via a lever on the steering column. Standard

BlueEFFICIENCY measures:

ECO start/stop function: In order to reduce fuel consumption, in the eight-cylinder models the engine is switched off automatically as soon as the vehicle is motionless and the driver depresses the brake pedal. The engine restarts automatically when the driver removes his foot from the brake pedal, or depresses the accelerator pedal. Standard for CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY*** Recuperation: if the driver removes his foot from the accelerator pedal or applies the brakes in overrun mode, kinetic energy is recovered and fed to the battery. Standard for CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY

Comfort:

Memory package: three memory settings are stored for both the driver's and the front passenger seat. The settings for the steering wheel and exterior mirrors are also stored. Standard

Active multicontour seats: depending on the steering angle, lateral acceleration and speed, the inflation pressure and volume of the air chambers in the side bolsters of the seat backrests are varied to give the driver and front passenger even better lateral support. The seats also have a massage function. Optional (standard for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY and CL 600)

Ambient lighting: when driving at night, optical fibres behind the trim on the dashboard and door panels provide a pleasant lighting atmosphere in the interior. The driver can choose between lighting moods "solar", "polar" and "neutral" Optional (standard in the CL 600)

PARKTRONIC including Parking Guidance: ultrasonic sensors measure the length of parking spaces as the car drives past; instructions for safe parking appear in the display. Standard

Reversing camera: the area behind the CL-Class is shown in the COMAND display, and coloured directional lines show a precisely calculated path into a parking space and display the required space. Optional

Audio and communication:

Bluetooth interface: the mobile phone is wirelessly linked to the hands-free system. Standard

COMAND: control and display system that integrates the audio unit, DVD player and telephone operation. Standard

COMAND APS: the navigation data are stored on a hard disc. Further functions include the MUSIC REGISTER and voice control. Optional (standard in the CL 600)

Gracenote®: database that recognises music tracks on a CD/DVD or from the MUSIC REGISTER and shows the title, album and artist on the colour display. Standard

Convenience telephony: the driver and passengers are able to conduct onboard telephone conferences by mobile phone, and send or receive SMS messages. The phone is housed in a cradle under the armrest. Optional (standard in the CL 600)

Media Interface: this universal interface allows portable audio devices to be connected to and controlled by the infotainment system of the CL-Class. Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) Music Search: search function that searches SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and performers. Standard

Digital radio: a special DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting) tuner and additional aerials allow the reception of digital radio broadcasts. Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package

SPLITVIEW: the driver and front passenger are able to view different content on one and the same screen at the same time. Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package (standard for CL 600) *** Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system: a multi-channel system with innovative digital technology, an output of 610 watts and 14 loudspeakers provides surround-sound for every seat. Optional as part of the Front Seat Entertainment package (standard for CL 600)

Speed Limit Assist: a camera fitted behind the windscreen detects speed limit signs on the roadside. The relevant limit is then displayed in navigation system map display and in the instrument cluster. Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) ***

LINGUATRONIC: the voice control system operates the radio, CD/DVD-player, CD/DVD-changer, navigation system and telephone. Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600) MUSIC REGISTER with a 7.2 GB hard disc which stores around 2500 digital music files in the MP3, AAC or WMA format. These can be loaded from PC memory cards. Optional as part of the Navigation package (standard for CL 600)

*Selection
** Not for CL 500 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY
*** Not available in all countries

dnkiii

love the CL600

feels nice driving my '08 down the road knowing there's only 19 others like it .... supposedly only 20 sold in US, 40 in Europe

they turn heads - particularly mine

2014CL600

Before the facelift they made over 2,800 and only 55 from 11-14 for the US market.