Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
---|---|
Production | 1996–2013 |
Assembly | Sindelfingen, Germany |
Class | Grand tourer |
Body style | 2-door Coupé |
Layout | FR layout |
The CL-Class is based on the S-Class fullsize luxury sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupé, it was spun off into its own, current name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continues 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 current generation of the CL is actually heavier than the S (considering equivalent trims, due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar)
The present generation of the CL-Class, C216, is currently available in four models: CL 500 (CL 550 in some markets, with standard 4MATIC in Canada and the USA), CL 600, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. The CL 65 AMG is the most powerful model of the CL and the most expensive Mercedes-branded vehicle, slightly edging out its S-Class equivalent S65 AMG and the SLS. CL sales are the third-lowest of Mercedes-Benz in North America with under 1400 units sold in 2006, as only the G-Class four-wheel drive and two-seat SLS AMG sell smaller numbers; annual CL sales equal Ford pickup sales for one day. However, this degree of distinction is considered attractive to CL buyers.
Main competitors of the CL-Class in the luxury 2+2 coupe segment include the Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GT, BMW 6 Series (particularly the M6), and the Ferrari 612. The CL-Class has more rear legroom than these aforementioned competitors.
With the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class, an S Coupe is expected to replace the CL-Class for the 2013 model year (similar to how the 2010 E-Class Coupe succeeded the CLK-Class), reuniting the fullsize sedan and coupe lines under the S-Class nameplate
W140
Main article: Mercedes-Benz W140
Production | 1992–2000 |
---|---|
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W140 |
Engine | 4.2L V8 5.0L V8 6.0L V12 |
Transmission | 4- or 5-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 115.9 in (2,944 mm) |
Length | 199.4 in (5,065 mm) |
Width | 75.3 in (1,913 mm) |
Height | 56.9 in (1,445 mm) |
W215
Main article: Mercedes-Benz C215
Production | 1999–2006 |
---|---|
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W215 |
Engine | 5.0L V8 5.5L V8 5.5L V12 5.8L V12 6.0L V12 6.3L V12 |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 113.6 in (2,885 mm) |
Length | 196.6 in (4,994 mm) 2004-06 CL500, CL55 AMG & CL600: 196.4 in (4,989 mm) |
Width | 73.1 in (1,857 mm) |
Height | 2001-03: 56.0 in (1,422 mm) 2004-06: 55.4 in (1,407 mm) CL65 AMG: 55.0 in (1,397 mm) |
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 (it introduced the refined Active Body Control fully active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights). 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 2000 through 2002, 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, 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.
Exclusive “designo” packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic wood trims. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver. Additional variants can be found on rarer models. There was even an optional granite trim that took the place of wood.
In 2003 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 2 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 ghost like quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The CL 600 hp was conservatively rated as not to take sales away from the AMG CL 55. A dyno tested stock CL 600 was closer to 525 hp. Car & Drivers acceleration test delivered a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Re-programming the ECU to remove the governing restrictions of the CL 600 bi-turbo would increase output by 100 hp, and torque by 100 lf/ft. The top speed would improve to the 200 MPH range, and a 0-60 acceleration in less than 4 seconds. 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). These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the AMG CL 65.
W216
Main article: Mercedes-Benz C216
Production | 2006–2013 |
---|---|
Platform | Mercedes-Benz W216 |
Engine | 4.7 V8 5.5 V8 6.2 V8 5.5 V12 6.0 V12 |
Transmission | 5-speed automatic 7-speed automatic |
Wheelbase | 116.3 in (2,954 mm) |
Length | 199.4 in (5,065 mm) AMG: 200.2 in (5,085 mm) |
Width | 73.7 in (1,872 mm) |
Height | 55.8 in (1,417 mm) |
The C216 makes use of the Distronic Plus cruise control, which debuted on the 2007 S-Class. This system is 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 Mercedes-Benz CL has 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 have been sold as 40th Anniversary Edition, to celebrate AMG's founding 40 years earlier, including one sold to Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich. Performance wise, the '40th Anniversary Edition' was a custom CL 65 AMG. Changes to the car included a 'ONE OUT OF 40' badge near the COMAND controller, special upholstery and rooflining, and a special 'AMG Alubeam' paintfinish. 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.
Mid-generational refresh
The facelift version of the Mercedes CL-Class made its world debut in July 2010 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new CL-Class comes with an improved exterior and interior, but the biggest changes are found under the hood. The exterior gets a new grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED technology, LED fog lamps, revised fenders and hood, and new exhaust pipes. On the interior the biggest change is the addition of a new wood trim. The new CL-Class will also be offered with all the latest technologies including: Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, and Active Body Control.The model line-up starts with the entry-level CL 500 powered by the new 4.7 L (4,663cc) V8 direct-injected engine that delivers 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) and 700 N·m (516 lb·ft) of torque, paired to a new seven speed automatic transmission, which sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The CL 600 retains the same twin-turbo 5.5 L V12 engine and five-speed automatic with a total output of 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) and 830 N·m (612 lb·ft) of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both vehicles are limited to 250 km/h. The CL 63 AMG that is powered by a new direct injection, 5.5-litre V8 engine (a larger displacement version of the CL 550's) mated to a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission with a total output of 525 PS (386 kW; 518 hp) and 800 N·m (590 lb·ft) of torque. The CL 65 AMG's V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver 630 PS (463 kW; 621 hp) and 1,000 N·m (738 lb·ft) of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic with AMG speedshift.
No comments:
Post a Comment