Mercedes-Benz CL C215, facelift 2002 CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

7.5 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 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)

C215, facelift 2002 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz CL (C215, facelift 2002). With 460 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1810 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.5 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.

CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers robust and smooth V8 power, providing effortless acceleration suitable for a luxury grand tourer. The 5-speed automatic is refined but less responsive than newer transmissions.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption is typical for a large displacement V8 of its time, acceptable for its class but not economical by modern standards.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising and comfortable long-distance travel.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Stunning and timeless design
  • • Opulent and comfortable interior with high-quality materials
  • • Exceptional ride comfort thanks to ABC (Active Body Control) suspension
  • • Powerful and refined engine options, including high-performance AMG variants
  • • Advanced technology for its era
  • • Strong performance across the range

Cons:

  • • Very high running costs (fuel, maintenance, parts)
  • • Complex ABC suspension system can be extremely expensive to repair
  • • Rapid depreciation from new, though this makes them affordable used
  • • Heavy vehicle, impacting agility despite powerful engines
  • • Potential for costly electronic issues due to age and complexity

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C215: September, 2001 - 2002).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:CL
Generation:C215, facelift 2002
Modification (Engine):CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Start of production:September, 2002
End of production:August, 2003
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:306 Hp @ 5600 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:61.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:460 Nm @ 2700-4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 113.960 More details about the engine M 113.960
Engine displacement:4966
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:3
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:11.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:97 mm mm
Piston Stroke:84 mm mm
Compression ratio:10:1
Maximum engine speed:6000 rpm.
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:18 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):11.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):18 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):8.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:11.9 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 4
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:6.5 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:6.5 sec
Maximum speed:250 km/h, Electronically limited
Weight-to-power ratio:5.9 kg/Hp, 169.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:3.9 kg/Nm, 254.1 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:6.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1810
Max. weight:2340
Max. roof load:100 kg
Max load:530
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Fuel tank capacity:88 l
Size:
Length:4993 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1857 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1398 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2885 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2104 mm
Front track:1577 mm
Rear (Back) track:1578 mm
Front overhang:922 mm
Rear overhang:1186 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.5 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
Front brakesVentilated discs, 330 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 size225/55 R17
Wheel rims size7.5J x 17
Front suspensionHydraulic elements, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionHydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

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