2011 Mercedes CL-Class Preview

History

The first generation CL-Class was know as SEC and was produced between 1981 to 1991. It is the succesor of the W126-chassis SEC-class produced between 1981-1991. 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. The 1986-’91 editions had a 238-hp, 5.6-liter V8, whereas the prior years were underpowered with a 3.8-liter, 155-hp V8.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class begun its life as the 500SEC and 600SEC in 1993; its name was changed into the S-Class Coupe in 1994 and finally settling with today’s CL-Class moniker in 1998. It was offered with a 315-hp V8 and a new 389-hp V12 engine, neither of which changed during this generation’s lifespan.

2000 Mercedes CL-Class

The third generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000 to 2006. It is based on the 2000-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, thogh it rides on an 8-inch shorter wheelbase. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the 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.

Current generation CL-Class was launched in autumn of 2006. The new luxury Coupé is ready for any challenge on motorways and rural roads thanks to Mercedes’ most powerful engines to date. The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. As such the newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26 percent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque.

2007 Mercedes CL-Class

Equipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shifting camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the new V8 is among the most advanced, powerful engines in its displacement class. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).

An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous de-tails of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased out-put by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. The maximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved further by 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up to 3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). And despite the significant per-formance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.

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