Mercedes CL: When Gods Travel

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

Every few years the Mercedes superiors descend from the automobile Olympus to present their showpiece to the people. Around 50 years after the first luxury coupe, the 300 S, the Stuttgart-based company unveiled its new CL. An automobile close to perfection.

From Stefan Grundhoff

Many think that the flagship of Mercedes-Benz is the S-Class alone. Perhaps the high-volume E-Class or a power bolide like the SLR. But connoisseurs of the scene have known for years that only the respective S-Class Coupe has the best that the Swabians currently have to offer. Five decades ago it was no different than it is today. The CL classes of yore were called S 220, SLC or SEC and became the subject of conversation in many illustrious celebrity groups. The celebrities from business and high society have adorned themselves for many years with the sporty, elegant two-door cars from Mercedes-Benz. The luxury coupés have always been expensive, elitist and not just a visual temptation. This also applies to the new CL. It is a mighty 5.06 meters long and has a wheelbase of 2.96 meters. No question:here you can also stand it in the rear.

Inconspicuous face

But at first glance, the new CL-Class appears more inconspicuous than ever. The face of the coupé could also come from a disdainful Mercedes B-Class or a less emotional VW Phaeton. The mighty three-lamellar radiator grille in plastic look, the headlight units and the clasp of the front apron are undoubtedly harmonious. However, you can hardly stand out. Does such a common face fit a car that, as a CL 600, costs well over 140,000 euros?

While the unspectacular front should provide little discussion, the design team around star creator Peter Pfeiffer has achieved a great success. Compared to the filigree predecessor model, the new series with the internal designation C 216 is more powerful and muscular than ever.

Smooth transition of elegance

This is not only ensured by the emphasis on the shoulder, but also by the strikingly displayed wheel arches. While the front overhang of the CL has been kept noticeably short, the rear with the tail lights in Italo look extends far behind the wheel arches. The roof is stretched like an arch - that already looked great on the predecessor. The large window areas can be completely sunk as usual.

"The elegance of the exterior design goes straight into the interior," says Pfeiffer, "note the historical design of the C-pillar and the likewise typical panoramic rear window, which seems to merge into the roof."

Significant security improvements

But it's not just the design that has put the corporate crown on the S-Class Coupé for years. In the CL, drivers and passengers can experience what is technically feasible. What should be emphasized in the latest generation is the Active Body Control roll stabilizer, which, according to the Benz engineers, has once again been significantly improved. The two-ton luxury liner should not be unsettled even on winding mountain routes.

Also on board is the pre-safe brake, which automatically brakes the car in dangerous situations. But in addition to all the technical refinements, the large coupés are primarily considered to be superior motorized cruisers. That should be an understatement for the latest generation. The basic CL 500 model already has a 5.5 liter eight-cylinder with 285 kW / 388 hp. If that's not enough, you can go on a Porsche hunt in the CL 600 with 12-cylinder power. 380 kW / 517 PS and 830 Nm speak a clear language where the journey can go. Incidentally, Mercedes does without 4matic, diesel and hybrid versions of the CL - at least initially.

Starts from 105,850 euros

So much elegance and technology have their price. The small Mercedes-Benz CL 500 costs at least 105,850 euros. The large CL 600 lets its buyers soar to new automotive heights for a price of just under 150,000 euros. Then there is everything your heart desires. From the night vision device to a parking aid to the Linguatronic. The CL 600 obeys every word - guaranteed. From the beginning of October you can test it at your trusted Mercedes dealer.