Mercedes-Benz CL C216 CL 600 V12 (517 Hp) 5G-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 830 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. At around 2110 kg, it’s on the heavier side. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.6 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 600 V12 (517 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 5 stars

Performance Verdict

The twin-turbo V12 delivers immense, effortless power (517 Hp) and torque, propelling the CL 600 with incredible smoothness and rapid acceleration (4.6 sec 0-100 km/h). It's a true autobahn stormer.

Fuel Economy

As expected, the V12 is very thirsty, with a combined fuel consumption of 14.3 l/100 km. Running costs will be significantly higher than the V8 models.

Best Use Case: High-Performance Luxury Touring / Executive Transport

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(C215, facelift 2002: 2003 - 2006).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:CL
Generation:C216
Modification (Engine):CL 600 V12 (517 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Start of production:2006
End of production:2010
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:517 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:93.8 Hp/l [72mm more]
Torque:830 Nm @ 1900-3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 275.953 More details about the engine M 275.953
Engine displacement:5513
Number of cylinders:12
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:BiTurbo, Intercooler
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:9 l
Coolant:12.3 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82 mm mm
Piston Stroke:87 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:21.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:10 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):14.3 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):21.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):10 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:14.3 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:4.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:4.6 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:4.1 kg/Hp, 245 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:2.5 kg/Nm, 393.4 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:4.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:2110
Max. weight:2620
Max load:510
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:490 l
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:5065 mm mm [72mm more]
Width:1871 mm mm [14mm more]
Height:1419 mm mm [21mm more]
Wheelbase:2955 mm mm [70mm more]
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 the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears5
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesVentilated discs [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 suspensionHydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension
Rear suspensionHydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz CL?