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Mercedes-Benz CL C215 CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) Automatic
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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz CL (C215). With 460 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1795 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.
The Mercedes-Benz CL (C215) generation was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, as a flagship luxury coupe of its era, it featured advanced safety systems for the time, including multiple airbags, ABS, and ESP.
CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Provides ample power for comfortable cruising and confident overtaking, a refined V8 experience.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy for a large luxury V8, slightly better than the AMG 55.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior
- • Powerful and refined engine options (V8 and V12)
- • Advanced technology for its time (e.g., ABC suspension)
- • Elegant and timeless coupe design
- • Excellent highway cruising capabilities
Cons:
- • High maintenance costs, especially for ABC suspension
- • Complex electronics can lead to costly repairs
- • Significant fuel consumption for all engine variants
- • Rapid depreciation from new value
- • Rear seat space is limited for adults
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C140: 1996 - 1998).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | CL |
| Generation: | C215 |
| Modification (Engine): | CL 500 V8 (306 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1999 |
| End of production: | 2002 |
| 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 [72mm less] |
| Torque: | 460 Nm @ 2700 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: | OHC |
| 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 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 19.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 170.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.9 kg/Nm, 256.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1795 |
| Max. weight: | 2320 |
| Max load: | 525 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 88 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4993 mm mm [72mm less] |
| Width: | 1857 mm mm [55mm less] |
| Height: | 1398 mm mm [54mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2885 mm mm [60mm less] |
| Front track: | 1577 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1579 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 m [above average] |
| 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 | 225/55 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 7.5J x 17 |
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