PKW4741 216 series CL Coupés, 2006 - 2010

216 series CL Coupés, 2006 - 2010

At the end of June 2006, the Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, Dr Dieter Zetsche, and Peter Pfeiffer, Chief Designer of the Mercedes Car Group, presented the CL-Class from model series C 216 in the Mercedes-Benz Museum. In the tradition of the Stuttgart brand's large coupés, the two-door car combined the highest level of exclusivity with ground-breaking technology, and its design language was the model for a new Mercedes-Benz style. Characteristic was the interplay of taut lines with large calm surfaces, which in combination with a contemporary interpretation of familiar Mercedes-Benz design features created a harmonious accord between tradition and modernity. Examples of this were the radiator grille typical of the brand with its wide chrome louvres and the design of the C-pillar, which with its slight top-to-bottom taper was a characteristic feature of the large Mercedes-Benz coupés.

Compared to the predecessor model, the new coupé model series had increased in dimensions. With a length of 5065 millimetres, a width of 1871 millimetres and a height of 1418 millimetres, the body was 75 millimetres longer, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres taller than its predecessor. The growth benefited both the passengers and the boot capacity, which was increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (according to the VDA measurement method).

At the market launch, the two production models CL 500 and CL 600 with powerful V8 and V12 engines, respectively, were available. Compared to the predecessor models from model series 215, they offered significantly more power and torque and were characterised by exemplary smoothness. The further optimised acoustic behaviour of the luxury coupé matched this: The Mercedes-Benz engineers had made the CL-Class by far the quietest car in its class through extensive development work.

The CL 500's eight-cylinder engine, with a displacement of 5461 cc, produced 285 kW/388 hp and a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. The newly developed engine of the M 273 series thus surpassed the previous V8 engine by 26% in terms of power and by 15% in terms of torque. Equipped with four-valve technology, variable camshafts, two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the new V8 was one of the most modern and powerful engines in its displacement class. Accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h took the CL 500 just 5.4 seconds.

The CL 600 was powered by the well-known biturbo twelve-cylinder engine of the M 275 series, which was further developed in many details and, compared to the predecessor model, had an increase in output by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. The maximum torque of 830 Newton metres – an increase of 30 Newton metres – was constantly available between 1900 and 3500 rpm. Thanks to this enormous power volume, the CL 600 completed the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. Mercedes-Benz combined the standard 5-speed automatic transmission with the new DIRECT SELECT gearshift system: The individual transmission modes could be engaged by lightly tapping a selector lever on the steering column.

A wealth of technical innovations were used as standard in the coupés from model series C 216. Among other things, the PRE-SAFE® preventive protection system was included in the scope of equipment, which was completed for the first time in the new CL Coupé by the newly developed PRE-SAFE® brake. It worked in conjunction with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which gave visual and audible warning of an impending rear-end collision when required and calculated the necessary brake pressure in advance to avoid a crash. When stepping on the pedal, this brake servo assistance was instantly available. If the BAS PLUS warnings were ignored, the PRE-SAFE ®brake automatically carried out autonomous partial braking in the event of an acute risk of an accident and decelerated the vehicle with around 40% of the maximum braking power. If the brake was then immediately applied, the maximum braking force was instantly available. Depending on the driving situation, this prevented accidents or at least reduced the severity of the impact and thus the risk of injury to the passengers.

The active suspension system Active Body Control ABC was used in the vehicles from model series C 216 in an even more capable version. The further development resulted in a plus in driving dynamics with a simultaneous increase in ride comfort. In terms of driving safety in the dark or in poor visibility conditions, the introduction of the Intelligent Light System brought significant progress. Combined with bi-xenon headlamps, it also came as standard and offered five different light functions that were activated depending on the driving and weather situation: Country road mode, motorway mode, extended fog light function as well as active light function and cornering light.

In keeping with their position in the passenger car range, the CL coupés offered luxury-class comfort at the highest level in the interior. Automatic climate control with four independently adjustable temperature zones, the COMAND infotainment system with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as a glass sliding sunroof were standard equipment elements. The top model CL 600 was equipped, among other things, with the PASSION EXCLUSIVE leather interior, poplar wood trim and a quilted Alcantara roof lining. In addition, the newly developed integral seats of the CL-Class offered maximum seating comfort. The dynamic multicontour seats with massage function and seat ventilation, which were standard in the CL 600, represented a further improvement and could also be specified for the CL 500 as an option, in addition to other seat variants with different levels of equipment. In addition, the COMAND APS hard disk navigation system, the "Logic7" surround sound system with DVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO functionality were part of the standard equipment. A newly developed operating concept, which had already proven itself in the S-Class, allowed quick access to frequently used functions such as the car radio, DVD player, car phone or navigation system; the automatic climate control was also integrated.

Another convenience feature made its production début in the CL-Class: the newly developed parking aid. With the help of radar sensors in the front and rear bumpers, the electronics assisted both in recognising a suitable parking space and in the parking process itself. The assistance was visualised on the display of the instrument cluster.

At the time of the market launch of the CL 500 and CL 600 models, which were initially only available in two versions, their gross list prices were 105,850.00 euros and 149,640.00 euros, respectively.

At the Paris Motor Show at the end of September 2006, Mercedes-Benz presented the CL 63 AMG as the new top model in model series C 216; this was followed the next year at the New York International Auto Show 2007 by the CL 65 AMG equipped with a V12 engine. At the heart of the CL 63 AMG was the 6.3-litre V8 engine developed in-house at AMG. From a displacement of 6208 cc, the high-revving naturally aspirated engine developed an output of 386 kW/525 hp at 6800 rpm and a maximum torque of 630 Nm at 5200 rpm. This made the AMG power pack the naturally aspirated, eight-cylinder production engine with the highest power-to-swept-volume and torque-to-swept-volume ratios in the world. The achievable driving performance was accordingly impressive: The CL 63 AMG reached 100 km/h from a standstill after 4.6 seconds, while the maximum speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.

Visually, the CL 63 AMG was as a high-performance coupé with a sportily accentuated yet discreet appearance. The equipment included distinctive AMG bumpers with round fog lamps with chrome surrounds, large cooling air vents and side air outlets. While the coupé shared these details with the S 63 AMG Saloon, the chrome surrounds around the cooling air intakes and the striking AMG radiator grille with two horizontal chrome louvres and numerous vertical black bars were reserved exclusively for the CL 63 AMG. At the rear, the two chrome-plated twin tailpipes of the AMG sports exhaust system acted as a typical eye-catcher. Further distinguishing features were the "6.3 AMG" lettering on the front wings.

The sporty, exclusive style continued in the interior. PASSION leather upholstery was part of the extensive standard equipment, as were the AMG sports seats with their own seat upholstery layout and multicontour and massage functions. The special AMG instrument cluster offered a RACETIMER via the AMG main menu. An attractive detail was the analogue clock in the centre console, whose design was inspired by the IWC Ingenieur men's wristwatch . AMG brushed stainless-steel door sills added the finishing touch.

The CL 65 AMG, the new top model in model series 216, was even more exclusive in 2007. The performance coupé was powered by the AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine. Thanks to a maximum output of 450 kW/612 hp and a peak torque of 1000 Nm, outstanding driving performance was possible: The CL 65 AMG accelerated from a standstill to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds and reached the 200-km/h mark after 13.3 seconds. Here, too, the maximum speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h.

The standard equipment of the CL 65 AMG included AMG Bodystyling, 20-inch AMG forged wheels and the discreet interior. Added to this were high-tech systems such as the AMG sports suspension based on Active Body Control (ABC) and the AMG high-performance brake system with composite brake discs, dual-piston floating callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear, which ensured maximum deceleration values and absolute stability even under maximum stress.

At their market launch, the gross list prices of the AMG versions ranged from 144,406.50 euros for the CL 63 AMG to 219,555.00 euros for the absolute top-of-the-range model CL 65 AMG.

To mark the forthcoming 40th anniversary of Mercedes-AMG in 2007, a "40th Anniversary" limited edition of the CL 65 AMG was also launched. The extraordinary status of the special model, of which only 40 cars were offered worldwide, was reflected in its novel AMG alubeam silver paint finish. This was applied in a new, globally unique process that made the paint, which was mixed with nano-pigments, shimmer like liquid metal and accentuated the design lines of the CL Coupé even more. Additional accents were set by the exquisitely finished two-tone all-nappa-leather PASSION EXCLUSIVE interior in the new AMG V12 diamond design, colour-coordinated Alcantara interior roof lining and embossed V12 logos in the front head restraints.

Later in 2007, the CL-Class was optionally also available with the newly developed radar-based Blind Spot Assist, which provided assistance when changing lanes by lighting up a red warning symbol in the outside mirror glass when necessary. If the indicator was nevertheless operated for a lane change, the red symbol in the mirror glass began to flash and a warning tone also sounded in the cockpit.

From summer 2008, Mercedes-Benz also offered the high-performance luxury coupé as an all-wheel-drive version. The CL 500 4MATIC provided a noticeable increase in traction and driving stability, particularly in difficult road conditions. The latest generation of the 4MATIC permanent all-wheel-drive system was used. The core of the system was a transfer case with central differential, which was integrated into the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. From here, the drive torque was distributed to the front and rear axles in a ratio of 45:55 %. A new feature was the double-disc clutch mounted on the central differential, which generated a basic locking effect of around 50 Nm between the two axles and thus enabled a variable torque shift between the axles.

The 4MATIC model featured the same highly extensive scope of safety and comfort equipment as the rear-wheel-drive version, but also came with PASSION leather upholstery, a ski bag, multicontour front seats and 18-inch 9-spoke light-alloy wheels as standard. Other innovative features such as the radar-based Brake Assist PLUS or Night View Assist were available as optional extras.

A gross list price of 117,096.00 euros was set for the all-wheel-drive version in the launch year.

In 2009, Mercedes-Benz celebrated the 100th anniversary of its trademarks – the Mercedes star and the Benz badge. To mark the occasion, a limited-edition model of the CL Coupé was launched with a particularly high level of equipment. The "100 Years of Trademarks" equipment package, which was only available for the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC, included faithful badges of the two original trademarks that Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz & Cie. had registered as trademarks one hundred years earlier, recessed in the centre console. Also included were front and rear aprons as well as side skirts and 20-inch light-alloy wheels featuring AMG Bodystyling. In the interior, leather upholstery, trim and an Alcantara® roof lining, all from the designo range, created a decidedly classy atmosphere. The equipment package, offered at a gross list price of 17,850.00 euros, was rounded off by a designo graphite metallic paint finish.

Also in 2009, an AMG Sports Package for the CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC was added to the range of optional extras for the first time. It focused on visual features and included, for example, a front apron with large cooling air openings, a rear apron with black insert and firmly integrated dual rectangular tailpipe trim in polished stainless steel, AMG side sills and 19-inch AMG 5-spoke light-alloy wheels. The interior was upgraded with wood trim, a wood/leather steering wheel in black ash wood, velour floor mats with AMG lettering and brushed stainless-steel sports pedals.

Quasi in anticipation of the launch of the in particular technically updated CL Coupés scheduled for July 2010, Mercedes-Benz included an "AMG Driver's Package" in the options list of the AMG Performance Studio for the two AMG versions at the beginning of the year. It was available for 2700.00 euros and included an increase in the maximum speed to (a likewise governed) 300 km/h as well as participation in a driving training course at the AMG Driving Academy.

Blind Spot Assist: The Blind Spot Assist system developed by Mercedes-Benz uses radar technology to monitor the area directly next to and behind the car. It warns the driver if changing lane was too dangerous.
New in the S-Class and CL-Class, W/V 221 and C 216 - Blind Spot Assist for even greater safety when changing lanes
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Blind Spot Assist
Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG: 
The AMG 6.0-litre V12 biturbo engine with 450 kW/612 hp output and 1000 Nm torque guarantees outstanding driving performance.
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CL 65 AMG, Coupé - C 216
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