The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a full-sized grand tourer produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz, which stands for Comfort Leicht in German, or Comfort Light in English.
Originally derived from the SL-Class roadster, it has since been based on the S-Class sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupe, it was spun off into its own line and current name in 1998. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a slightly shorter wheelbase and offering smaller selection of engines, mostly tending towards the high-powered of the range. The main competitors of the CL-Class are the Bentley Continental GT and the Ferrari Scaglietti.
The first generation The CL-class can most directly trace its roots back to the W126-chassis SEC-class of 1981-1991. The SEC wasn't itself a replacement for the R107 series
SLC cars, which were essentially lengthened SL roadsters with a fixed roof and rear seat. The W126 SEC was more directly related to the S-Class sedans. The first generation SEC-Class came in four models: 380 SEC, 420 SEC, 500 SEC and 560 SEC. Like all subsequent models, the rear passenger volume of the SEC coupes was large enough to classify them as 2-door sedans by the SAE.
The second generation was the sleek, redesigned W140-chassis coupe of 1993-1999. Though the coupe’s physical appearance changed little over these years, the class
underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupes were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1993 only. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupe ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. From 1994-1997, the model names were changed to the S500 coupe and the S600 coupe. The name "CL" was adopted in 1998, and the W140 coupes were called the CL500 and CL600 from 1998-1999.
The third generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000-2006. It is based on the 1999-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600, a 2001 limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG, and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. All models seat four.
The W215 production hit 46,800 units worldwide, of which 90% were V8 engines.
Originally derived from the SL-Class roadster, it has since been based on the S-Class sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupe, it was spun off into its own line and current name in 1998. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a slightly shorter wheelbase and offering smaller selection of engines, mostly tending towards the high-powered of the range. The main competitors of the CL-Class are the Bentley Continental GT and the Ferrari Scaglietti.
The first generation The CL-class can most directly trace its roots back to the W126-chassis SEC-class of 1981-1991. The SEC wasn't itself a replacement for the R107 series
SLC cars, which were essentially lengthened SL roadsters with a fixed roof and rear seat. The W126 SEC was more directly related to the S-Class sedans. The first generation SEC-Class came in four models: 380 SEC, 420 SEC, 500 SEC and 560 SEC. Like all subsequent models, the rear passenger volume of the SEC coupes was large enough to classify them as 2-door sedans by the SAE.The second generation was the sleek, redesigned W140-chassis coupe of 1993-1999. Though the coupe’s physical appearance changed little over these years, the class
underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupes were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1993 only. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupe ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. From 1994-1997, the model names were changed to the S500 coupe and the S600 coupe. The name "CL" was adopted in 1998, and the W140 coupes were called the CL500 and CL600 from 1998-1999.The third generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000-2006. It is based on the 1999-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600, a 2001 limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG, and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. All models seat four.
The W215 production hit 46,800 units worldwide, of which 90% were V8 engines.
Engines
As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes electronically limits their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph), except for the AMG models (option).
The justification for having two models with the same power (CL600 and CL55 AMG) is that the CL55 AMG is sportier and more responsive, while the more expensive CL600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride and an exceptional comfort. The CL65 AMG is made to order in very small numbers, and is the most powerful CL to date.
 | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL500 | 5.0 L V8 | 225 kW (306 hp DIN) | 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) | 6.3 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL600 (2000) | 5.8 L V12 | 270 kW (367 hp DIN) | 531 N·m (391 ft·lbf) | 5.9 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL600 (2003) | Turbocharged 5.5 L V12 | 368 kW (500 hp DIN) | 800 N·m (590 ft·lbf) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL55 AMG (2001) | 5.5 L V8 | 265 kW (360 hp DIN) | 530 N·m (391 ft·lbf) | 5.7 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL55 AMG (2003) | Supercharged 5.5 L V8 | 368 kW (500 hp DIN) | 700 N·m (516 ft·lbf) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL63 AMG | 6.3 L V12 | 327 kW (444 hp DIN) | 738 N·m (544 ft·lbf) | 4.4 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
| CL65 AMG | Turbocharged 6.0L V12 | 450 kW (612 hp DIN) | 1000 N·m (737.6 ft·lbf) | 4.4 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph*) |
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