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Mercedes-Benz CL C215, facelift 2002 CL 600 V12 (500 Hp) 5G-TRONIC
Overall Rating
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 800 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1930 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is excellent (0–100 km/h in 4.8 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 600 V12 (500 Hp) 5G-TRONIC Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The twin-turbo V12 delivers immense, effortless power and torque, providing incredibly smooth and rapid acceleration, characteristic of ultimate luxury.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption is expected for a powerful V12 engine, making it one of the less efficient options in the lineup.
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: 2000 - 2002).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CL |
| Generation: | C215, facelift 2002 |
| Modification (Engine): | CL 600 V12 (500 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production: | 2002 |
| End of production: | 2006 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 500 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 90.7 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 800 Nm @ 1800-3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 275.950 More details about the engine M 275.950 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 10 l |
| Coolant: | 12.2 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: | 23 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 14.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 4.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 4.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.9 kg/Hp, 259.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 2.4 kg/Nm, 414.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 4.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1930 |
| Max. weight: | 2500 |
| Max load: | 570 |
| 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 |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 245/45 R18; 265/40 R18 |
| Wheel rims size | 18 |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz CL rank in your book?