In the last decades, the large Mercedes Coupes embodied the very definition of automotive style and exclusivity. They were considered the benchmark no matter if the criterion was the exterior design, the level of equipment or the subtle blend between ideal safety and a terrific level of comfort. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 is the fruit of this incredible legacy and a new chapter in the history of the automobile. The technological features and the first time novelties on this incredible coupe are a straight look into the future, showing us what regular cars will feature in ten years from now. For a select few, those that can afford a Mercedes-Benz CL 600, the future is already here.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 AMG Sport Package

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 AMG Sport Package
  • Engine/Motor: V8 DOHC 24 valves
  • Horsepower: 517 @ 5000
  • Torque: 612 @ 1800-3500
  • Transmission: 5-Speed Automatic
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

The competition gets harder every day on the automobile markets. Hierarchies are changed every day in the fight for the widest clientele. Some cars just do not fit into this routine, as they just are in a class of their own, with other hardly daring to oppose them. Such a vehicle is the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class that remains the best-selling coupe in the luxury segment, even after five years of production. More than 160,000 units of this refined coupe were sold worldwide since this car was officially launched. Consequently, the CL-Class undoubtedly surpasses its main opponents, the Jaguar XK Coupe and the Bentley Continental GT.

“The CL is fascinating not only by virtue of its sporty yet elegant design, but also because of its pioneering technological concept,” says Dr. Joachim Schmidt, Executive Vice President Sales and Marketing, Mercedes Car Group. “The many Mercedes-Benz innovations found in the S-Class coupe are a reflection of our brand’s extensive technological expertise.”

The 2007 CL 600 AMG Sport Package is the culmination of a Mercedes-Benz luxury coupe heritage going back over half a century. This elegant model blends unequalled exclusivity and magnetic design with cutting-edge innovative technology unmatched by any manufacturer worldwide. The new luxury Coupe sets new standards for any vehicle with the PRE-SAFE brakes (that automatically brakes the car before an imminent collision), the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, the Intelligent Light System with five light-ing functions and the PRE-SAFE anticipatory occupant protection. The new 12 cylinders engine available for the CL 600, delivers a notable increase in output and torque. Thanks to its commendable smoothness, it also lives up to the Mercedes heritage of superb motoring refinement.

For the 2007 CL-Class, the ultimate luxury Coupe, Mercedes-AMG has now developed two AMG optional extras: a powerful AMG body styling package and expressive 19-inch AMG light-alloy wheels with mixed-width tyres. These distinctive AMG components are now available for CL 600.

History

The 2007 CL-Class is the seventh generation of large Mercedes Coupes. This new model replaces the best-seller outgoing model, which set a new standard for this category with around 46,800 units sold. The story of the luxury Mercedes Coupes goes as far back as 1952, when Mercedes-Benz launched the legendary 300 S Coupe. In 1956, the 220 S Coupe followed as part of the W 180 model series, which excited the public’s imagination with its unitized “Pon-toon” body in particular. In addition, in 1961 the 220 SEb Coupe (W 111 model series) succeeded with its stylish elongated body.

In 1981, the SEC Coupes based on the C 126 model S Class were produced for not less than 10 years in over 74,000 units. In 1992 the Geneva Motor Show was host to the launch of the successor model (C 140 model series), powered for the first time by a 394 bhp 12-cylinder engine. The predecessor to the new CL-Class Coupe celebrated its world premiere in March 1999, setting new standards with leading edge Mercedes innovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and bi-xenon headlamps.

The great-grandfather of the 2007 CL 600, the 1952 300 S Coupe, was the crowning glory of several promising indications that the German economy was back in business. Not only was Mercedes-Benz showing that it was worthwhile to invest creative potential in the future, the 300 S Coupe also demonstrated that there was a market for exclusive products even in difficult times.

This was by no means ordinary at the time. While sumptuousness was not unknown, it was far out of reach for most people. In 1952, the road surfaces and network were perfect, and communications technology was still in its infancy. In this environment, the Mercedes-Benz 300 S Coupe represented a cultural phenomenon, combining a successful design, exclusive appointments and the best vehicle technology of its day into a style-defining whole. In a sense, it was a window on the future of the automobile, and it also marked the birth of a new Mercedes-Benz tradition, which has remained alive to this day: the tradition of large Coupes with their visionary symbiosis of perfectionism and emotion.

Mercedes-Benz has built over 178,000 luxury Coupes since 1952.

Body & chassis

The 2007 CL 600 features familiar Mercedes features with a contemporary twist, producing a harmonious blend of the classic and contemporary. Such elements are the traditional Mercedes radiator grille with its wide chrome bars and the design of the C-pillar. The unique, slightly downwards-tapering pillar configuration is a typical feature of the large Mercedes Coupes whose roots go right back to the 1950s. In 1956 the 220 S/SE Coupe (W 180/W 128 model series) first captured attention with this striking C-pillar design, and a few years later the concept was further refined in the successor model, the 220 SE Coupe (W 111/112).

Other design features, which were already acclaimed back, then have also been reinterpreted for the CL-Class, keeping alive the large Coupe tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand: the fully retractable side windows, for instance, whose continuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large, curving panoramic rear window. In the early days this was a typical styling feature of the Mercedes Coupes, and in its stylistically evolved form for the new CL-Class it is just as appealing as in the 220 SE Coupe of 1961.

In addition to the noise configuration and sound insulation of the engine, exhaust system and chassis of the new CL-Class, it is the car’s good aero-acoustics in particular that make it a very quiet driving experience for drivers and passengers. As early as the conceptual phase, Mercedes engineers took pains to ensure that the body shell was optimally streamlined so that wind noise was reduced.

 

It was with this in mind that they designed the airflow-efficient A-pillars, developed a more rigid body shell with reinforced outer surfaces and achieved a new sealing concept for the doors, which is acoustically even more efficient than in the preceding model. This exemplary noise insulation is also helped by the side windows, which have a thickness of six millimeters in the new CL-Class Coupe.

The AMG body styling for the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comprises a front and rear apron and side skirts. The redesigned front bumper with enlarged air intakes and chrome-ringed circular fog lamps is lithe and athletic in appearance. Typical AMG styling, with two slanted struts and a smooth transition to the prominent wheel arches, gives a strong air of confidence and emphasizes the sense of width.

The AMG side skirts carry the muscular lines seamlessly through to the AMG rear apron. The rear bumper with its black insert and chrome trim strip flanked by tailpipes on either side creates a dynamic and exclusive impression.

Vehicle Dimensions

Wheelbase 113.58 in

Track front/rear 62.08/62.12 in

Length 199.8 in

Width 73.11 in

Height 55.03 in

Kerb weight/payload/perm. gross vehicle weight (acc. to EC) lbs 4155/1000/5158

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Engine & transmission

The new CL 600 AMG Sport Package is prepared for any challenge on motorways and rural roads thanks to one of the best Mercedes’ engines to date. The ultra-modern biturbo V12 engine under the bonnet generates an impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous details of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased out-put by 17 hp to 517 hp. The maximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved further by 22 lb/ft to 612 lb/ft and remains constant up to 3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). Moreover, despite the significant performance boost the V12 engine consumes less fuel than the previous CL 600.

Mercedes-Benz has combined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the new DIRECT SELECT gearshift: the driver can select the transmission settings “P”, “N”, “R” and “D” by nudging a lever on the steering column. Operating commands are transmitted electronically by wire.

Specs

No. of cylinders 8 in V

Valvetrain DOHC 3 valves per cylinder

Displacement cc 5513

Bore x stroke (in) 3.22 x 3.42

Compression ratio : 9.0

Fuel feed Microprocessor-controlled injection system

Aspiration two turbochargers

Rated output bhp @ rpm 517 @ 5000

Rated torque lbft @ rpm 612 @ 1800–3500

Gearbox 5-speed automatic

Gear I 3.59

Gear II 2.19

Gear III 1.41
Gear IV 1.00

Gear V 0.83

R 3.16

Final drive 2.65

0-60 mph 4.5 s

Top speed 155 mph

Suspension

Front axle Four-link suspension, Active Body Control (ABC)

Rear axle Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control (ABC)

The Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which in its latest, even more sophisticated guise delivers unprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciable improvement in ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and using specially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all but entirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-second speed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to any situation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to ten millimeters to reduce drag and improve handling stability.

Brakes

The hydraulic dual-circuit braking system features vacuum booster and Brake Assist,

stepped master brake cylinder, internally ventilated and perforated front

discs, internally ventilated rear discs, foot-operated parking brake and ABS.

 

As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE brake system also utilizes state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation in front of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radar sensors with a range of 30 meters and a scanning angle of 80° are located behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additional long-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 meters.

 

The PRE-SAFE brake system goes one step further: if the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE brake system triggers automatic partial braking where an accident is imminent and slows the CL-Class down at a rate of up to 0.4 g (around 4 m/s²), corresponding to around 40 per cent of the total braking power. In addition to the visual and acoustic warning, the automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear warning to act. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is available and the accident can - depending on the situation - be averted at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE brake system reduces the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

Steering

Rack and pinion power steering with variable power assist

Turning circle 11.5m

Tires & wheels

With the AMG Sport Package available for the new CL-Class as the complement to the AMG body styling, are 19-inch five-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels with embossed AMG lettering. The high-sheen rim flange and spokes are always eye-catching, whether the vehicle is standing still or on the move. The 8.5/9.5-inch-wide wheels carry 255/40 (front) and 275/40 (rear) tires. The wide AMG wheels fill out the prominent wheel arches perfectly, giving the side view a sporty appearance.

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Interior

Style finds its way into the interior too: the large side window aperture draws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and soft leather upholstery. In an instant, you realize that everything in the interior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat and enjoy. Five stylish colour combinations are available; automatic climate control, COMAND with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as a glass sunroof are all part of the standard specification, elements that come together to deliver a unique motoring and comfort experience.

In the top-of-the-line CL 600 the Exclusive PASSION leather appointments, specially selected poplar wood and an Alcantara roof liner with quilted seams provide the finishing touches to an exquisite first-class ambience, a look and feel also echoed in the seats with their designo styling, the chromed door sill panels and floor mats with leather edging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontour seats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-disc navigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7 surround sound system with DVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.

A newly developed control system, which has already been successfully implemented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehicle interaction even further. Above all, it provides convenient, rapid access to frequently used functions such as car radio, DVD player, car phone or navigation system. Depending on the driver's own preference, these systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console, pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using the COMAND controller on the centre console. This central control unit is linked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to the instrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main and sub-menus that activate the various functions.

The standard-fit automatic climate control with four independently adjustable temperature zones is also integrated into the new control system. The driver and front passenger can select temperature, air distribution and other settings either using the COMAND controller and menu-based control, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath the air vents. The COMAND system allows other individual climate settings to be adjusted such as air distribution and the footwell temperature.

With individually adaptable backrest and cushion contours, active ventilation and an innovative massage function, the integral seats of the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class increase the personal well-being of the occupants on long journeys. The seal of approval by an independent jury representing the AGR - “Aktion Gesunder Rücken” (healthy back campaign) - a German organization, which tests products for spine-friendly design, confirms the high quality of the newly developed multi-contour seat and its health-promoting effects.

The front seats of the CL-Class are designed as integral seats. All the components of the seat belt system are mounted directly on the seat: the inertia-reel mechanism with belt force limiter, automatic comfort-fit, belt buckle and the upper reversing point for the belt. This ensures that the seat belt is in the best possible position for any seat adjustment, and can therefore carry out its protective function to best effect. Accordingly, the seats are important components of the occupant protection system. Thanks to robust seat rails of extruded aluminum sections and their sophisticated, weight-optimized welded construction using high-strength steel, they are able to withstand even the most extreme forces during a crash.

Like active seat ventilation, the multi-contour seat is a very successful Mercedes invention, which greatly contributes to the high level of long-distance comfort in cars bearing the Mercedes star. Multi-contour means that the occupants are able to adapt the contours of the seat to their individual anatomical or comfort requirements. This is made possible by air chambers within the seat padding.

A new-generation multi-contour seat is used in the CL-Class. This has even more functions - and therefore provides even greater comfort. While the previous multi-contour seat featured seven air chambers, the driver and front passenger are now able to adjust four zones in their seats with the help of nine air chambers.

Safety features

Mercedes-Benz is the world's first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupant protection system that recognizes a potential accident situation in its early stages and takes anticipatory occupant protection measures: PRE-SAFE is standard-fit on the new CL-Class. During emergency braking or when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat into the most favorable position so that seat belts and airbags have maximum effect on impact. It also inflates air cushions in the dynamic multicontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and support the driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE also closes the side windows and the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics are generated.

The Intelligent Light System, which makes driving even safer in the dark, is equally unique. Together with bi-xenon headlamps, it forms part of the standard specification for the new CL-Class and provides five different lighting functions that are activated to match driving and weather conditions: the new country road mode illuminates the driver’s-side edge of the road more widely and brightly than the existing low-beam headlamps.

TopSpeed artists tuning recommendation

This one car we just can’t comment upon. The exterior styling is so elegant and harmonious we just don’t want to change anything about it. Everything about this car comes natural and it is by far the best looking Mercedes we have seen to date. Maybe not as good-looking as the 300 SL “Gull-Wing”, but definitely the next best thing. Any customization wish regarding this car can be satisfied in Mercedes’ Designo department as far as interior/exterior colors and trims are involved. Our personal advice: Leave it as it is! Don’t change a thing about it! You just bought one of the most beautiful cars on Earth…