Mercedes-Benz CL C216 CL 550 V8 (382 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.2 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.6 / 5
Comfort 4.8 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz CL:

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was a line of grand tourers which are produced by German automaker Mercedes-Benz, produced from 1992 to 2014. The name CL stands for the German Coupé Luxusklasse. It was considered by Mercedes as their premier model.
In 2015 Mercedes officially ceased using the CL-Class designation, returning the vehicle's name back to the S-Class Coupe/Convertible, replacing it with the C217 S-Class Coupé.
The CL-Class was the coupé derivative of the S-Class full-size luxury saloon, upon which it shares the same platform. Formerly known as the SEC and later S-Coupé, it was spun off into its own, separate name in 1996 and in 1997 for North American markets. The CL continued 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 last generation of the CL was actually heavier than its corresponding S trim , due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar....(Read more on Wikipedia)

C216 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz CL (C216). With 530 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2035 kg, it’s on the heavier side. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 5.4 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz CL (C216) was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury coupe, it featured extensive passive and active safety systems for its era, including multiple airbags, ABS, ESP, and Mercedes' PRE-SAFE system, offering a high level of inherent safety.

CL 550 V8 (382 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

With 382 Hp and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, this V8 variant provides excellent traction and confident acceleration in all weather conditions, maintaining the CL's refined power delivery.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is comparable to the RWD CL 500, likely around 12.5-13.0 l/100 km due to the added weight and drivetrain losses of 4MATIC. It's a thirsty engine.

Best Use Case: All-Weather Luxury Touring / Highway Cruising

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Stunning, elegant design and road presence
  • • Luxurious, high-quality interior with advanced features
  • • Exceptional ride comfort and refinement
  • • Powerful and smooth V8 and V12 engine options
  • • Advanced safety and driver assistance systems for its time
  • • Strong depreciation makes used models a compelling value proposition

Cons:

  • • Very high fuel consumption across all engine variants
  • • Complex electronics and air suspension can lead to expensive repairs
  • • High maintenance and running costs, especially for AMG and V12 models
  • • Large size can make it cumbersome in city driving and parking
  • • Rear seats are cramped for adults on long journeys

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C216: 2007 - 2010).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:CL
Generation:C216
Modification (Engine):CL 550 V8 (382 Hp) 4MATIC 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:2008
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:382 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:70 Hp/l [25mm less]
Torque:530 Nm @ 3000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 273 More details about the engine M 273
Engine displacement:5461
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:11.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:98 mm mm
Piston Stroke:90.5 mm mm
Compression ratio:10.7:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:15.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:5.4 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:5.4 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:5.3 kg/Hp, 187.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.8 kg/Nm, 260.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:5.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2035
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:490 l
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:5065 mm mm [25mm less]
Width:1871 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1418 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2955 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2139 mm
Front track:1601 mm
Rear (Back) track:1607 mm
Front overhang:917 mm
Rear overhang:1193 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives permanently the four wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelAll wheel drive (4x4)
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs, 335 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs, 300 mm [Best for performance and cooling.]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 255/45 R18; 255/40 R19; 255/35 R20
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19; 8.5J x 20
Front suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Air suspension
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Air suspension

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