Mercedes-Benz CL-Class - W215

W215

The second generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000–2006. It is based on the 2000–2006 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase. The CL's front fascia of four oval headlights is shared with the W210 and W211 E-Class. The CL is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL 500, the supercharged V8-powered CL 55 AMG, the NA V12-powered CL 600 (2000-2002), the limited production (about 200 per year world wide), 5.5 litre V12 bi-turbo CL600 (2003-2006), the very rare limited-edition NA CL 63 AMG (26 examples only), and the limited production (196 total) 6.0 litre V12 bi-turbo CL 65 AMG (2004-2006). All models seat four. Development took place from 1993 to 1999, with final design being approved in circa 1995-1996.

The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and along with the S-Class sedans the CL coupes receive new technological features (it introduced the refined Active Body Control fully active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights). Active Body Control uses four hydraulic suspension rams that use three pressure regulators connected to a combination power steering and suspension pump, pushing fluid at a pressure of 2,960 psi (20,400 kPa) through the system that, along with several intermediate computers and master CPU, keeps this car absolutely flat through the corners. The CL-class has a lengthy list of custom available features. The following features are standard: climate control, ABC (hydraulic) suspension, all-leather interior, designer wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated seats, power moonroof, as well as power door and trunk closing assist. Optional features include a heated steering wheel and voice-activated telephone, as well as, front fan-cooled and heated seats.

The CL 63 AMG is the rarest W215 CL of all. It was produced only in November 2001 and just 26 examples were ever built for sale. Some UK examples were registered in March 2002. The V12-powered CL 63 AMG was only sold in Europe and Asia. Mercedes-Benz never offered the W215 CL 63 for sale; all were sold exclusively through AMG.

From 2000 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars featured a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) bi-turbo V12 was introduced. This disactivation feature allowed the CL 600 to get better fuel economy than the comparable CL500, especially on the road where the six-cylinder operation could be effectively used. Basically this engine is two Mercedes six-cylinder series engines mated to a common crank with appropriate engine monitoring systems.

Exclusive “designo” packages are also available. These packages add custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior and exotic wood trims. They are available in three variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver. Additional variants can be found on rarer models. There was even an optional granite trim that took the place of wood.

In 2003 the engine options changed. The CL55 AMG became supercharged allowing the car to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.27sec according to Motor Trend and the V12 CL 600 had 2 turbochargers added and a slight engine reduction, from 5980 cc to 5513 cc. Both cars produced 500 PS (368 kW; 493 hp) the distinction, again, was the ghost like quietness of the CL 600 as compared to rather noisy CL 55 AMG. The CL 600 hp was conservatively rated as not to take sales away from the AMG CL 55. A dyno tested stock CL 600 was closer to 525 hp. Car & Drivers acceleration test delivered a 0-60 time of 4.3 seconds. Re-programming the ECU to remove the governing restrictions of the CL 600 bi-turbo would increase output by 100 hp, and torque by 100 lf/ft. The top speed would improve to the 200 MPH range, and a 0-60 acceleration in less than 4 seconds. The more powerful CL 65 produced 612 PS (450 kW; 604 hp). The top speed of the car was limited to 250 km/h (160 mph). These numbers are the stock performance ratings for the AMG CL 65.