Mercedes launches new CL coupé

More technology, more power, more weight...

By PH Staff / Monday, 26 June 2006 / Loading comments

2006 Mercedes CL-class coupé

Mercedes is to launch the new version of the upmarket CL-class coupé in autumn 2006, with cars due to arrive in the UK in spring 2007.

It will be, burbles the Mercedes press release, "the culmination of a Mercedes-Benz coupé tradition going back over 50 years. The two-door model combines peerless exclusivity and charismatic design with the sort of cutting-edge technology that no other manufacturer can match worldwide."

It includes all the technology Mercedes can deploy these days, much of it first seen in the S-class, including its Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, the automatic light system including corner illumination, and anticipatory occupant protection as standard, such as the brakes that activate automatically before an imminent rear-end collision. There's also the now established systems such as park assist and night view assist with infra-red headlamps.

Two engines are available, a V8 and a V12. The V8 powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 388bhp and generates a maximum torque of 391lb-ft from 2,800 rpm, outperforming the existing V8 unit by 26 per cent in terms of output and 15 per cent when it comes to torque. It's equipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shifting camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 62.5 mph in a creditable 5.4 seconds, 0.9 seconds faster than the outgoing model.

The biturbo V12 under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates 17bhp more, with output now 517bhp and maximum torque on tap is up 22lb-ft to a stonking 612lb-ft from 1,900 rpm up to 3,500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 62.5 mph in 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). Despite the performance boost, the V12 engine is claimed to be 0.6 mpg more efficient than the outgoing model.

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.

It weighs 2,185Kg, some 200Kg more than the current model.

Interior

Mercedes aims for a club atmosphere. Five colour combinations are available; automatic climate control, the COMAND system with car radio, a CD/DVD player and a glass sunroof are standard.

In the top-of-the-line CL 600, the cabin is trimmed with leather, poplar and an Alcantara roof liner with quilted seams. The standard specification includes dynamic multi-contour seats with a massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-disc navigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7 surround sound system with DVD changer and the keyless access and drive authorisation system.

The car's bigger than its predecessor: 75 mm longer, 14 mm wider and 20 mm higher and boot capacity grows by 40 litres to 490 litres.

It also looks different. For the rivet counters, the exterior gets the hallmark Mercedes radiator grille with wide chrome louvers, fully retractable side windows, a panoramic rear window, and the new headlight cluster shape.

Want one? Mercedes hasn't confirmed UK prices and specs yet but the outgoing model starts at £73,700 for the CL500 and continues on up to an eye-watering £98,795 for the CL55 AMG. That's before options...