Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a line of luxury coupés produced by the German automaker Mercedes-Benz. The name CL stands for the German Coupe Leicht.

The CL-Class is based on the S-Class fullsize luxury sedan. Known at first as the SEC and later S coupé, it was spun off into its own, current name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continues to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and sharing the same engines albeit with less choice as only the higher-output powertrains are offered. The current generation of the CL is actually heavier than the S.

The present generation of the CL-Class, C216, is currently available in four models: CL 500, CL 600, CL 63 AMG and CL 65 AMG. The CL 65 AMG is the most powerful model of the CL and the most expensive Mercedes-branded vehicle, slightly edging out its S-Class equivalent S65 AMG and the SLS. CL sales are the third-lowest of Mercedes-Benz in North America with under 1400 units sold in 2006, as only the G-Class four-wheel drive and two-seat SLS AMG sell smaller numbers; annual CL sales equal Ford pickup sales for one day. However, this degree of distinction is considered attractive to CL buyers.

Main competitors of the CL-Class in the luxury 2+2 coupe segment include the Aston Martin DBS, Bentley Continental GT, BMW 6 Series, and the Ferrari 612.The CL-Class has more rear legroom than these aforementioned competitors.

With the upcoming 2012 Mercedes-Benz W222 S-Class, an S Coupe is expected to replace the CL-Class for the 2013 model year, reuniting the fullsize sedan and coupe lines under the S-Class nameplate.

As with all major German manufacturers, Mercedes electronically limits its cars to 250 km/h.

The facelift version of the Mercedes CL-Class made its world debut in July 2010 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. The new CL-Class comes with an improved exterior and interior, but the biggest changes are found under the hood. The exterior gets a new grille, bi-xenon headlights with LED technology, LED fog lamps, revised fenders and hood, and new exhaust pipes. On the interior the biggest change is the addition of a new wood trim. The new CL-Class will also be offered with all the latest technologies including: Active Blind Spot Assist, Attention Assist, Active Lane Keeping Assist, Night View Assist Plus, and Active Body Control.

The model line-up starts with the entry-level CL 500 powered by the new 4.7 L V8 direct-injected engine that delivers 435 PS and 700 N·m of torque, paired to a new seven speed automatic transmission, which sprints the car from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. The CL 600 retains the same twin-turbo 5.5 L V12 engine and five-speed automatic with a total output of 517 PS and 830 N·m of torque. It sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. Both vehicles are limited to 250 km/h. The CL 63 AMG that is powered by a new direct injection, 5.5-litre V8 engine mated to a 7-speed MCT dual-clutch transmission with a total output of 525 PS and 800 N·m of torque. The CL 65 AMG's V12 engine has been tweaked to deliver 630 PS and 1,000 N·m of torque, mated to a 5-speed automatic with AMG speedshift.

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