Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was a line of grand tourers which are produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1992 to 2014. The name CL stands for the German Coupé Luxusklasse. It was considered by Mercedes as their premier model.
In 2015 Mercedes officially ceased using the CL-Class designation, returning the vehicle's name back to the S-Class Coupe/Convertible, replacing it with the C217 S-Class Coupé.

History

The CL-Class was the coupé derivative of the S-Class full-size luxury saloon, upon which it shares the same platform. Formerly known as the SEC and later S-Coupé, it was spun off into its own, separate name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continued to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and sharing the same engines albeit with less choice as only the higher-output powertrains are offered. The last generation of the CL was actually heavier than its corresponding S trim, due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar.

First generation (C140; 1992–1998)

The first generation CL-Class was the sleek but hard-lined and redesigned W140-chassis coupé of 1992–1999. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the C140's final design was approved between late 1987 and early 1988. Though the coupé's physical appearance changed little over these years, the class underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupés were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1992 and 1993. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupé ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. For 1994, the model names were changed to the S500 Coupé and the S600 Coupé. The name CL-Class was adopted in June 1996, and the W140 coupés were called the CL500 and CL600. Production ended in August 1998.
The M119 5.0 L V8 engine was regarded as one of the best engines ever produced by the German manufacturer. Being much lighter at the front, the CL500 tended to have better handling characteristics than the heavier V12 flagship. The CL600 powered by the M120 48-valve twelve cylinder engine, developed and of torque.
Twelve cylinder variants are easily identified by the "V12" emblems at the base of each C pillar, placed immediately behind the passenger windows. An entry-level model, the CL420, was available with a 4.2 L V8 engine and since it was not available at all markets, it had very low sales compared to its larger-engined siblings. Production ended September 1998 with 26,022 Coupés produced.

Engines

Specifications for European model.

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h	Top speed
CL 420	4.2 L V8 M119			7.9 seconds
CL 500	5.0 L V8 M119			6.8 seconds
CL 600	6.0 L V12 M120			6.1 seconds
CL 600 AMG	6.0 L V12 M120			5.6 seconds
S/CL 70 AMG	7.1 L V12 M120			5.2 seconds
S/CL 72 AMG	7.1 L V12 M120			5.0 seconds
S/CL 73 AMG	7.3 L V12 M120			4.9 seconds

* All are electronically limited

Second generation (C215; 1998–2006)

The second generation CL was the C215-chassis four passenger coupé of 1998–2006, with development 1993 to 1999 and final design approved in 1996. It was based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class , though it rides on an shorter wheelbase. Upon release, it was the only pillarless hardtop in production, until the CLK also became pillarless in 2001. The CL's front fascia of four oval headlights was similar to the headlights used of the W210 and W211 E-Class.
The CL model variants included the:

CL 500 with a naturally aspirated V8
CL 55 AMG with an NA V8
CL 55 AMG with a supercharged V8
CL 600 with an NA V12
CL 600 with a 5.5 litre V12 Bi-Turbo
CL 63 AMG
CL 65 AMG with a 6.0 litre V12 Bi-Turbo
CL 55 AMG F1 Edition with an NA V8

The C215 CL coupés introduced the Active Body Control. Active Body Control uses four hydraulic suspension rams that use three pressure regulators connected to a combination power steering and suspension pump, pushing fluid at a pressure of through the system that, along with several intermediate computers and master CPU, keeps this car flat through the corners. The W220 S-Class sibling had standard Airmatic air suspension across the range with ABC as an option, although ABC was included on top-performing trims, S 600. Other drivetrain differences from the W220 included no availability of 4Matic, and no diesel engines nor V6 petrol engines on the C215.
Standard equipment on the C215 includes active suspension, climate control, all-leather interior, designer wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated seats, power moonroof, as well as power door and trunk closing assist. The CL also features double hinged doors, which move forward slightly as they open to allow for a larger opening in tight spaces. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone, as well as, front fan-cooled and heated seats.
The CL63 AMG was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were sold. The engine produced 438 bhp and 390 lb-ft of torque between 2,500 - 5,800 rpm, with a peak of 457 at 4,400 rpm. The V12-powered CL63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the C215 CL63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.
Only 55 examples of thee 2000 CL55 AMG F1 Edition were manufactured, as a tribute to the modified Safety Car version used in Formula One during the and seasons. The engine was a naturally-aspirated 5.4-liter V8 producing 354 bhp at 5,500 rpm, and 391 ft lbs of torque at 4,100 rpm. It was reportedly the first production road car to feature carbon ceramic brakes, using ceramic Brembo vented and cross drilled disc brakes.
From 2000 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars featured a cylinder deactivation system marketed as Active Cylinder Control. The deactivation feature allowed improved fuel economy for the CL 600, compared to the CL 500, notably during highway driving where six-cylinder operation could activate. The V12 engine was not unlike two Mercedes six-cylinder series engines mated to a common crank with appropriate engine monitoring systems. However, cylinder deactivation was dropped with the introduction of the bi-turbo V12.
Exclusive “Designo” packages featured custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic wood trims, in three variants: Designo Cashmere, Designo Espresso and Designo Silver. Additional variants can be found on rarer models. An optional granite trim could be specified in lieu of wood trim.
In 2003, the engine options changed. The naturally aspirated V8 in the CL 55 AMG was replaced with a supercharged V8, allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.27 seconds according to Motor Trend, while the CL 600's V12 had 2 turbochargers added and a slight displacement reduction, from 5980 cc to 5513 cc. Both cars produced, with the distinction being the quietness of the CL 600. The CL 600 was conservatively rated by Mercedes-Benz as not to take sales away from the CL 55 AMG. A dyno tested stock CL 600 was closer to 540 hp. Car and Driver's acceleration test delivered a 0-60 mph time of 4.3 seconds. The more powerful CL 65 AMG produced. These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the CL 65 AMG.

Engines

As with all major German manufacturers, Mercedes electronically limits most of its cars to.

	Engine	Power	Torque	0–100 km/h	Top speed
CL 500	5.0 L V8 M113			6.5 seconds
CL 600	5.8 L V12 M137			6.3 seconds
CL 600	Turbocharged 5.5 L V12 M275			4.8 seconds
CL 55 AMG	5.4 L V8 M113			5.5 seconds
CL55 AMG	Supercharged 5.4 L V8 M113			4.8 seconds
CL 63 AMG	6.3 L V12 M137			5.5 seconds
CL 65 AMG	Turbocharged 6.0L V12 M275 AMG			4.4 seconds

* All are electronically limited

Third generation (C216; 2006–2014)

After 6 years of development, the new model was officially unveiled at the end of June 2006 and was presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show. Like its predecessors, the C216 has no B-pillar between the front and rear side windows.
The W216 was offered in four models, each with its own engine and transmission, the 5.5L V8-powered CL 550, the high-performance 6.2L V8-powered CL 63 AMG and the ultra-luxury twin-turbo 5.5L V12-powered CL 600 and, lastly, the top-of-the-line CL 65 AMG with a twin-turbo 6.0L V12 engine. The CL 500 was sold as the CL 550 in some markets. The W216 Cl-Class is based on the chassis of the W221 S-Class, which shares the same powertrains, although there are V6 and hybrid engines for the W221 not available for the W216.
The two-door CL coupé weighs, being heavier than the equivalent S saloon, and rides on a full-size 116.3-inch wheelbase. Despite its large size, rear seat legroom was limited in keeping in the tradition of 2+2 luxury coupés, though CL has more rear passenger space than its rivals. The CL's trunk was as large as that of the Audi A8 flagship saloon.
The C216 makes use of the Distronic Plus cruise control, which debuted on the 2007 S-Class. This system was 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 generation of CL also debuted with the new Active NightVision program that enables drivers to view the conditions in front of the car despite the dark surroundings.
In 2007, 40 C216 CL 65 AMG units were sold as the 40th Anniversary Edition, to celebrate AMG's founding 40 years earlier. The '40th Anniversary Edition' was based on the CL 65 AMG. Changes included a 'ONE OUT OF 40' badge near the COMAND controller, special upholstery and rooflining, and a special 'AMG Alubeam' paint finish. Apart from the CL 65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition, only a small selection of showcars got an Alubeam finish, a special paint designed to gleam like liquid metal.