New Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Hussein Al-Attar
Contributing Editor
edited 07-14-2004

Hidden behind the development abbreviation C216, the next generation of Mercedes’ largest coupe is being tested and prepared for its world premiere at the Geneva Auto Salon in March 2006.

DESIGN
The 6th generation of Mercedes' top-of-the-line model will grow in length, width as well as sporty and elegant character. The design will be similar to the next S-class with some touches from the new CLS model recently unveiled at Geneva in March. The side profile with the curved roof line and the frameless windows give the car a very dynamic appearance especially with the so-called "Character Line" which runs across the profile of the car into the rear lights. Another new design element that will be exclusively used for the next CL- and S-classes are the large, wide front fenders that run towards the front of the car.



Photo Credits: Created by Hussein Al-Attar CL-Class Artist Rendering

ENGINES
The “smallest” CL engine in the CL 500 will be replaced with a new V8 550 engine with 5.5 liter capacity and a power of 388hp. The CL 600 remains unchanged (V12 bi-turbo - 500hp) as well as the AMG model CL 65 AMG with 612hp. The new CL 63 AMG will get a power boost to 500hp, and so it will replace the CL 55 AMG. Rumors say that a diesel hybrid engine could find its way into the next CL-class although not confirmed by Mercedes yet.

TECHNOLOGY
Being a technical twin of the S-class, the CL will share many new features. The new CL will feature cutting-edge technology systems that were partly presented in the Concept F500 Mind research vehicle at the Tokyo Motor Show last year. The technical highlights of the next CL include:

Through infrared technology a new night vision system will help drivers get a better view.
In response to BMW’s iDrive and Audi’s MMI a new central mounted control system is being developed and tested.
Lane departure warning system will alert the driver if the vehicle wanders from its lane.
Improved Active Body Control (ABC)
Parking assistant equipped with small cameras in the side mirrors and bumpers.
Unfortunately, not all of the mentioned highlights will be offered with the first models. Some of them are still in development and may be ready in 5-10 years from now as features of the safety package, PRESAFE III.

Mercedes may also give up using SBC braking system for the next S/CL and replace it with hydraulic brakes which are cheaper and equally effective. This comes in an effort to reduce costs in addition to minimizing electronic faults. For example, recent software problems caused a recall of about 700,000 E and SL class vehicles.

The new CL-Class platform could be a test mule for 2 new future models: A CL-Class Cabriolet and a Maybach Coupe with the number of doors still to be decided. It could come as a typical coupe with 2 doors or as a 4-door coupe like the CLS-Class. Since the CLS-Class was originally intended to be a Maybach we might see DaimlerChrysler continuing with this project and present its third model.







Wiedermann

 

Hope it doesn't look like that. Yuck.

 

That **** is Ugly... Looks like a Ford.

Hop they dont make it.

 

i like the back , looks like SLK

 

i like it.

 

LOL... I know that for some the look is fugly as hell and for others the look may be better appealing... all the new MB chasis will be more and more a blend of what the new CLS is with the rear/back of the car is blended more with the lines of the cabin rather than the current designs

I am overdue to go back home to see my family in Europe and I have for sure plans to spend at least 4 days at the MB plants and Volksburg where many of the test cars can currently be seen with weird colors lol..

Mr awiner!!!!:

I can "see" you driving one of those man! ( )

Cheers!

Wiedermann

 

A wider and longer CL, but one apparently the same height as the current model could carry the more extreme styling of the pictures reasonably well. the styling looks good to me, although the final version may not look so chopped from the waistline up. The current CL seems to have been the styling benchmark for other MB models, although this time the CLS has supplanted that role a bit. Although I am not too sure about the front fender flares, as they look Mazda-like to me and stuck on, not integrated, the rest of the design cues will convey the power and elegance that should be prominent characteristics of the CL.

 

i was just at AMG's private lounge meeting in manhattan, and i spoke to the head of AMG and he told me that those pics from gremancarfans.com were made by them and not MB. when i asked him if the headlights will look similar to the new CLS he told me no and when i ask if they are keeping the dual headlight he didnt realy want to ansewer that. so you know what that means right. he did tell me that if you think the current CL or S are hot cars wait till you see the new ones, quote " the new CL and S is a world of a difference" he also said that the design will be more agresive and sporty the n the current one and the AMG will have some nice body work similar to the new SLK's agresive look.

 

Maybe people should just stop posting these pre production concept drawing anytime anyone does its always omfg that is horrible doesnt matter if its a Ferrari, MB, Lambo its always ugly. STFU until you see it in person on the street and in different trim levels.

 

Been watching this forum for a while and finally feel like I might have something to contribute. Not sure if any of you have seen these or not, thought I would throw them out there anyways...

 

Those pics are kinda old. There was a 6 page thread on them either in this forum or the Cl500 forum not too long ago.. Good job anyway

 

BlackH2's pictures are likely much closer to the final design. To me, it is not a radical departure from the current model and has cues that seem to borrow from a variety of other manufacturers. I am not moved by the new model, if it will resemble that in the puctures.

 

they never end up looking like that when they hit the assembly line

 

that mess looks a bit like a 6 series bimmer

 

pretty cool thanks for the pix

 

TOTALLY TRUE. Go check out gcc.com, all they do is Photoshop random MBZ's and try to predict the future. Truth is, their work is discraceful and no one should accredit it. MBZ isn't stupid, don't worry, you won't be seeing this "CL" driving anywhere anytime soon.
P.S. - I might be going to NY soon, what's the AMG private lounge? VIP thing only? AMG owners only? PM info please

 

Cutting edge technology. heh.

 

When is the new CL due to launch, it must be at least 12 months after the new S class as there are no spypics at all for the car. It remains a complete mystery to everyone at the moment.

 

Car and driver is now saying the s class will still realease o n schedule but the CL may slip to 2008.

http://www.caranddriver.com/?section...=&strFPIModel=