Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C215)

Mercedes-Benz C215
Overview
Manufacturer Mercedes-Benz
Production 1999–2006
Assembly Sindelfingen, Germany
Designer Peter Arcadipane , Bruno Sacco (1995)
Body and chassis
Class Full-size luxury grand tourer (S)
Body style 2-door coupe
Layout FR layout
Related Mercedes-Benz W220
Powertrain
Engine

5.0L V8
5.4L V8
5.5L V12
5.8L V12
6.0L V12

6.3L V12
Transmission 5-speed automatic
7-speed automatic
Dimensions
Wheelbase 113.6 in (2,885 mm)
Length 196.6 in (4,994 mm)
2003-06 CL500, CL55 AMG & CL600: 196.4 in (4,989 mm)
Width 73.1 in (1,857 mm)
Height 2000-02: 56.0 in (1,422 mm)
2003-06: 55.4 in (1,407 mm)
CL65 AMG: 55.0 in (1,397 mm)
Chronology
Predecessor Mercedes-Benz C140
Successor Mercedes-Benz C216

The second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is the C215-chassis coupé of 2000–2006. It is based on the 1999–2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220), though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. Sales in Germany started in August 1999 for the CL 500 V8.

The C215 exterior design and active suspension was previewed by the Mercedes-Benz F200 concept in 1996.

The CL is offered as five models: the V8-powered CL 500, the supercharged V8-powered CL 55 AMG, the V12-powered CL 600, a limited-edition V12-powered CL 63 AMG, and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL 65 AMG. All models seat four.

The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and along with the S-Class sedans the CL coupes receive new technological features.[1] It was the second car, (after the W220 S-Class), with Distronic: the first worldwide radar-assisted Autonomous cruise control system.

It was the first car in the world with both low beam and high beam (Bi-Xenon) High Intensity Discharge headlamps.[2]

It introduced the refined Active Body Control fully active suspension system. 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 2,960 psi (20,400 kPa) through the system that, along with several intermediate computers and master CPU, keeps this car absolutely flat through the corners. The CL-class has a lengthy list of custom available features. The following features are standard: climate control, ABC (hydraulic) suspension, 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. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone, as well as, front fan-cooled and heated seats.

The CL 63 AMG is the rarest W215 CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. Some UK examples were registered in March 2002. The V12-powered CL 63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the W215 CL 63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.

From 1999 through 2003, the V12-equipped cars featured a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) bi-turbo V12 was introduced. This disactivation feature allowed the CL 600 to get better fuel economy than the comparable CL500 (when not equipped with ACC itself, an option for the V8), especially on the road where the six-cylinder operation could be effectively used. Basically this engine is two Mercedes six-cylinder series engines mated to a common crank with appropriate engine monitoring systems.

In 2003, the cars were upgraded with Pre-Safe precrash system and a newer electronics package that included a DVD-based navigation system instead of the CD-based COMAND system. Also, the engine options changed. The CL55 AMG became supercharged allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.27sec according to Motor Trend and the V12 CL 600 had turbochargers added and a slight engine reduction, from 5980 cc to 5513 cc. Both cars produced 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) the distinction, again, was the quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The more powerful CL 65 produced 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp). The top speed of the car was limited to 250 km/h (160 mph).

Safety

A model year 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL55 AMG, equipped with a supercharged V8 engine

Comfort and convenience

Drivetrain technologies

Engines

As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes electronically limits their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph).

Engine Power Torque 0–100 km/h (62 mph) Top speed
CL 500 5.0 L V8 239 kW (325 PS; 321 hp) 460 N·m (339 lb·ft) 6.1 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 600
(2000)
5.8 L V12 270 kW (367 PS; 362 hp) 530 N·m (391 lb·ft) 5.8 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 600
(2003)
Turbocharged
5.5 L V12
368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) 800 N·m (590 lb·ft) 4.7 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 55 AMG
(2001)
5.4 L V8 265 kW (360 PS; 355 hp) 530 N·m (391 lb·ft) 5.8 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL55 AMG
(2003)
Supercharged
5.4 L V8
368 kW (500 PS; 493 hp) 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) 4.6 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 63 AMG 6.3 L V12 327 kW (445 PS; 439 hp) 730 N·m (538 lb·ft) 4.8 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)
CL 65 AMG Turbocharged
6.0L V12
450 kW (612 PS; 603 hp) 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft) 4.2 seconds 250 km/h (155 mph)

External links

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