Mercedes CL: Saving In The Luxury Coupé

2023 Author: Eric Donovan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 09:36

Mercedes has brought the CL into shape for the second phase of life. The developers placed particular emphasis on more efficient engines.

Nowadays no one can ignore the topic of saving. Not even a luxury coupe beyond the 100,000 euro limit. Mercedes-Benz knows that too and is therefore sending the CL into the next round with a more fuel-efficient engine, automatic start-stop and the in-house eco-label "Blue Efficiency" as a nickname.

Two-door coupés have a long tradition at Mercedes, which begins with the large supercharged cars of the 20s and 30s. The oldest ancestor of today's CL is the 300 S Coupé, which celebrated its world premiere at the Paris Motor Show in 1951 and went into series production a year later.

On the market since 2006

The current CL has been on the market since September 2006 and has now been spruced up for the second half of its life. The visual innovations are limited to polished bumpers with integrated LED strips, a modified radiator grille and new bi-xenon headlights. The two-door model based on the S-Class also appears a bit refreshed at the rear with new lights.

The luxury coupé, which weighs more than two tons, can be ordered with a V8 or V12 biturbo gasoline engine. The CL 500 Blue Efficiency has a 4.6 liter engine with 320 kW / 435 hp and a maximum torque of 700 Nm, which is available from 1,800 rpm. The standard seven-speed automatic transmission takes care of the power transmission to the rear wheels, with permanent 4Matic all-wheel drive available as an option, which sends 45 percent of the power to the front axle.

A start-stop function, braking force recovery and tires with optimized rolling resistance contribute to a fuel consumption of 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers that is more than 20 percent lower than that of the predecessor. The all-wheel drive, which increases the already quite ample curb weight by 50 kilograms, also turns the consumption screw and increases the average consumption specified by the manufacturer to 9.9 liters. Rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles reach 100 km / h in just 4.9 seconds, and acceleration is over at 250 km / h due to the electronic lock.

In 4.6 seconds to 100 km

Those who want to do the standard sprint a little faster can choose the CL 600 with a 5.5-liter V12 engine. The unit with unusual three valves per cylinder whips the luxury vehicle to 100 km / h in 4.6 seconds. But here too the end of the propulsion is reached at 250 km / h. The thirsty V12 engine has no economy measures and, according to the manufacturer, allows itself 13.8 liters per 100 kilometers. But in a luxury coupé with a starting price of 118,346 euros, savings measures are only decorative accessories anyway. And there are more than enough of them for the CL. The equipment list of the upper graders seems to be endless and includes such unusual extras as stone trim parts for upgrading the interior. In addition to powerful engines and gadgets, the CL also wants to score with extensive safety features.

The standard equipment already includes an adaptive high beam assistant, a drowsiness warning as well as active lane keeping and blind spot assistants, which not only warn the driver, but also support them by means of steering wheel vibrations and brake intervention. Comfort elements such as leather upholstery and 18-inch alloy wheels are also included. Somewhat incomprehensible is the fact that in such an expensive car the navigation system is not part of the basic equipment of the CL 500. With the modified "Active Body Control" chassis with crosswind stabilization, the wheel load distribution is varied by means of the suspension struts depending on the direction and strength of the wind so that the influence of the wind can be almost compensated.

The CL is an expensive piece of jewelery that will be up against Aston Martin DB9, Maserati Gran Turismo and Co. from autumn. The most important market for the coupe is the USA, followed by Germany and Great Britain. (mid)