Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

The CL-Class is a Grand Tourer produced by Mercedes-Benz. The CL stands for Comfort Leicht in German. The CL-Class is built on the chassis of the S-Class and is currently the most expensive vehicle of Mercedes-Benz.Before the CL appeared, it was known as the S-Class Coupe. Where the sedans were known as SE or SEL, the coupe was known as SEC.
The First Generation CL was the coupe built on the chassis of the W140. This coupe was sleek and sporty. However, it was still large and heavy. It combined the supreme luxury of the S-Class with a mix of sportiness. The W140 was the bridge between the two naming systems. This was the time when Mercedes-Benz switched the order of numbers and letters for vehicle classification. This was when the name changed from 500SEC to S500 Coupe. A 5Litre and a 6Litre engine was offered. Production was from 1993-1999.
The Second Generation CL was based on the W220 chassis of the S-Class. However, it has been modified to shorten the wheelbase. The new chassis was named C215. The new CL featured an even sleeker design. It possessed elegant flowing lines. It also uses the quad headlamps first used on the CLK-Class. The C215 was the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to receive technological advancements. It included COMAND APS, fully automatic climate control, air suspension, ventilated and heated seats, powered seats, powered moonroof, etc as standard. New features also includes Bi-Xenon headlamps. The C215 CL-Class was so successful that it outsold rivals such as the Jaguar XK8 and even the Bentley Continental GT. The C215 featured two stock engines. The CL500 featured a 5Litre V8 with 306hp while the CL600 used a 5.5Litre V12 Biturbo with 500hp. Early CL600s used a 6Litre V12 capable of producing 367hp. Also featured was a CL55 AMG and a CL65 AMG. The CL55 used a supercharged 5.5Litre V8 capable of producing 500hp. The CL65 used a 6Litre V12 Biturbo capable of producing 612hp. Production was from 2000-2006.
The current generation of the CL-Class is the C216. The C216 is based on the chassis of the W221 S-Class. The CL-Class combines supreme luxury and elegance with aggressive styling. The exterior features elegonted front headlamps flowing from the grille to the sides almost touching the fender curves. On top of the wheels are large arches forming the fenders. Clean sweeping lines form the roof, windows and the other curves on the body. The absence of a B-Pillar along with a window slanting to the rear enhances flow and elegance. The interior also features supreme elegance. Cues of the S-Class can be seen. The COMAND APS is housed in the same way. The centre console is equally clean. The air conditioning vents are highlighted by an aluminium casing. In the centre is a beautiful IWC analog clock. Instead of the sweeping dashboard of the S-Class, the wood trim centred in the console enhancing the sporty feel. On the door panel, the wood trim is inserted beneath the armrest, making the door clean and sporty. With the two tone leather upholster, the interior is sporty and elegant. Fibre optics streams light around the cabin enhancing flow and elegance. A soft glow appears in the footwell to enhance the atmosphere in the car. Leather is standard on the CL500. Exclusive Passion Leather is standard on the CL600. AMG Passion Leather is standard on the CL63 AMG. Exclusive AMG Passion leather is standard on the CL65 AMG. Passion leather is the finest Nappa leather used by Mercedes-Benz on the most prestigious vehicles such as the S600 and the CL600. Special features include Distronic Plus, COMAND APS, Dynamic Multicontour Seats, powered rear windows with window shades and many more. Special packages include an AMG Interior Carbon Fibre Package, AMG Exterior Carbon Fibre Package, AMG Drivers Package(increases the electronically limited top speed). many other packages and options are available. Currently, 2 standard engines and 2 tuned engines are available. The CL500/CL550 uses a 5.5Litre naturally aspirated V8 engine producing 338hp. The CL600 uses a 5.5Litre V12 Biturbo capable of producing 517hp. The CL63 AMG uses a 6.2Litre V8 engine capable of 525hp. At the top, the CL65 AMG uses a 6Litre V12 Biturbo capable of producing 612hp. Currently, the CL65 AMG is the most expensive vehicle in the Mercedes-Benz lineup, with the SL65 AMG and the S65 AMG following closely behind. The CL65 AMG is considered a direct competitor to the Bentley Continental GT, even though the latter costs 1/3 more. This proves that the elegance of Mercedes-Benz is present and the quality can be compared with vehicles more expensive and "prestigious" than itself. The CL-Class will thrive in the years to come.