Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

From Free net encyclopedia

Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Image:Mercedes Benz CL55 W203.jpg
Manufacturer:	DaimlerChrysler AG
Production:	2000 – present
Body style:	Coupé
Engines:	5.0 L V8 5.5 L V12 5.5 L V8 6.3 L V12 6.0 L V12
Length:	4989 mm (196.4 in)
Width:	1857 mm (73.1 in)
Height:	1408 mm (55.4 in)
Curb weight:	2029 kg (4473 lb)

Image:600sec.JPG Image:W140 CL500.jpg Image:CL500.jpg Image:CL63.jpg

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a 2-door luxury coupe. It is currently available in four variants: the CL500, CL600, CL55 AMG, and CL65 AMG.

1 W126
2 W140
3 W215
4 W216
5 External links

[edit]

W126

The CL-class can most directly trace its roots back to the W126-chassis SEC-class of 1981-1991. The SEC was 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.

[edit]

W140

The next 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.

[edit]

W215

The current generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupe of 2000 to present. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the bi-turbo V12-powered CL600 and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG. The limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG was sold in 2001 only. All models seat four.

The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and the CL is always the first model to receive new technological features (it introduced the revolutionary Active Body Control fully-active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights, both as world firsts).The CL-class has among the most popular luxury coupes in the world, outselling rivals such as the Jaguar XK8 coupe and the Bentley Continental GT.

The CL-class has a lengthy list of available features. The following features come standard: climate control, all-leather interior, wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated and cooled seats, power moonroof. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone.

Exclusive “designo” packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic burl walnut trim. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver.

As with all major German manufacturers (except Porsche) Mercedes limit their cars to 250 km/h (155 mph). 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 CL600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride. The CL65 AMG is made to order in very small numbers, and is the most powerful CL to date.

The CL63 AMG is the rarest CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001, and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. The V12-powered CL63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the CL63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG with a base price of £110,000 (~US$200,000).

From 1999 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars feature a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 493hp biturbo V-12 was introduced.

	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	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	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	Naturally aspirated 6.3 L V12	326 kW (444 hp DIN)	620 N·m (457 ft·lbf)	5.5 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)
CL65 AMG	Turbocharged 6.0 L V12	450 kW (612 hp DIN)	1000 N·m (737.6 ft·lbf)	4.4 seconds	250 km/h (155 mph)