Overview & Reviews

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is that rare animal in the automotive kingdom, a large luxury coupe capable of accommodating two rear passengers in comfort while simultaneously shoving them into their seatbacks with abundant power. Other two-doors tend to offer either opulence or power, but the CL manages both and features a sumptuous leather-adorned interior to boot. Spanning four generations, the CL has seen a few name changes over the years, but has steadfastly maintained its status as perhaps the quintessential large luxury coupe.

Most recently, though, Mercedes-Benz has decided to completely drop the CL badge, instead calling its big two-door luxury coupe the S-Class coupe. From a used car standpoint, though, there's nothing quite like the CL.

Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Models
The fourth-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class luxury coupe was produced from 2007 through 2014. The CL was crammed full of the latest and greatest safety, comfort and entertainment technologies that the engineering wizards from Stuttgart could craft. This generation of the CL ventured farther from the S-Class sedan than past generations in terms of exterior styling, featuring curvier, more muscular lines than its subdued predecessor. This girth made the CL much larger and hundreds of pounds heavier than its closest competitors.

From 2011-'14 the CL came in four trim levels with corresponding engines: CL550 (429-horsepower twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8), CL600 (510-hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12), CL63 AMG (536 hp twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8) and CL65 AMG (621-hp twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12). The CL63's output could be further boosted to 563 hp and 664 pound-feet of torque via the AMG Performance package. The V8s had a seven-speed automatic transmission, while the V12's abundant torque required a more robust five-speed. The CL550 came standard with all-wheel drive, while the rest were rear-wheel drive.

Standard feature highlights included highly adjustable power front seats with heating, ventilation and memory functions, a navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity and a surround-sound audio system. There was also a full array of Mercedes' latest high-tech safety features such as Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control. The latter, which automatically accelerated and braked even in stop-and-go traffic, came standard on higher trims. The AMG models focused on performance with their more powerful engines, sport-tuned suspensions, high-performance brakes, unique exterior enhancements and leather sport seats.

In reviews, our editors were impressed by the CL's top-quality interior, competent handling and awesome performance regardless of trim level. Even the base CL550 is hard to fault, though its more powerful siblings are a league apart. In particular, the CL65's 738 lb-ft of torque seems sufficient to alter the Earth's rotation. One complaint is that the CL's long doors make it difficult to get in and out of the car in small parking spaces. But that will likely be a non-issue, as chances are you'll be parking this swanky Mercedes coupe as far away from other vehicles as possible.

CL models from 2007-'10 featured softer, less aggressive styling and different engines than those later CLs. But we can't say these are significant detractors when springing for a used CL. Initially there were just two models: CL550 and CL600. The CL550 had a 5.5-liter V8 that produced 382 hp and was rear-wheel-drive only -- all-wheel drive became standard for '09. The CL600 had the same V12 throughout this generation's run. The AMG models joined the lineup for 2008, though until 2011 the CL65's engine produced 604 hp, while the CL63 featured a 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 good for 518 hp.

The third-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was produced from 2000-'06. It was lighter, less expensive and much sleeker than its massive, brick-shaped predecessor. The CL500, powered by a 302-hp V8, was the only model offered initially, with the 362-hp, V12-powered CL600 and the 354-hp, V8-powered CL55 AMG arriving in 2001. As usual, Mercedes used the CL to showcase its latest technologies such as Active Body Control, Distronic adaptive cruise control and PreSafe (for 2003). Mercedes also used '03 to introduce the turbocharged CL600 and supercharged CL55 AMG, both pumping out 493 hp. The CL500 added a seven-speed automatic transmission in 2004, while an AMG Sport Package was added to the CL500 and CL600 as standard equipment for this generation's last year.

At the time, our editors were impressed with the powerful engine choices, dizzying array of high-tech features, classic styling and comfortable long-distance cruising ability. We weren't fond of its complex COMAND navigation and audio system, however, and found the rear seat to be cramped.

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CL-Class had a slight identity crisis, beginning its life as the 500SEC and 600SEC in 1993, changing into the S-Class Coupe in 1994 and finally settling on today's CL-Class moniker in 1998. Its sturdy, boxlike body changed very little during its run, giving it a strong resemblance to the S-Class/500SEL. It was offered with a 315-hp V8 and a new 389-hp V12 engine, neither of which changed during this generation's lifespan. As with today's generation, our editors couldn't find much to fault about this coupe's impressive combination of size, luxury and power. Its blocky styling is polarizing, however, and its huge price tag led us to suggest taking a look at cheaper alternatives.

The original flagship-sedan-based Mercedes-Benz luxury coupe was known as the SEC, which lived from 1981-'91. The 1986-'91 editions had a 238-hp, 5.6-liter V8, whereas the prior years were underpowered with a 3.8-liter, 155-hp V8. With its especially commodious rear seat, the 560SEC was actually considered a two-door sedan. This generation was also one of the first vehicles to offer airbags, antilock brakes, traction control and a self-leveling suspension.

User Reviews:

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  The Definition of an Automobile - 2005 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By PetLife - May 22 - 3:30 pm

  This is flat out, undeniably, the definition of fantastic motoring. Ive owned BMWs, Audis, Porsches, Japans best, Italys best, and even other Mercedes, but the CL55 takes the cake. The whole cake and all the frosting. Even the frosting flowers. Its great looking, comfortable, sporty, safe, easy to drive slow or fast, and goes like a hell cat with its tail on fire when summoned. If you have the cash and youre looking for the complete package, look no further than this car. No excuses and dissapointments here. Youll thank me later.

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  buy with caution - 2004 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By linda wine - March 13 - 10:00 am

  love car and beauty. parktronic keeps getting knocked out. had a rough start with audio system...not fixed....recommend only if u can spare time to take it into being repaired

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  overpriced coupe - 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By mercedes fanatic - March 6 - 5:23 am

  The CL550 is not a bad car. But it is vastly overpriced. In reality, it is nothing more than a short wheelbase S Class (sold in Europe), with a different body (which look just like the diminutive C Class) The rear seats are a joke as they are hard to access and fit small children only. I later traded up to a 2009 S550 for the added comfort, practicality and ride quality. I found out quickly how much these things depreciate. WOW. 40% in one year. That the CL costs more than the S class is unrealistic. The sedan is actually worth more than the coupe; Ive owned both.

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  Sexy Mercedes for the Family Guy - 2006 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Jim Radcliffe - February 11 - 2:59 am

  I love this car. When I first saw one pull along side in a traffic jam back in 2002 it took my breath away. A year later I bought one, and loved it. I sold the car a few years later after being downsized (I already had an S500 that I kept), but I missed it terribly and thought it was a bad decision to let it go. So when I had the chance to buy my current one (2006 CL500 with AMG trim), with extremely low miles, I jumped at the chance. Im a fanatic about my car and keep it garaged, only drive it locally, and keep it clayed , polished, waxed and super clean. So much so that last weekend I entered the car in the Street category at the 2016 Concours dElegance at Chateau Elan north of Atlanta. I had my super clean S500 entered as well, and it was sitting right next to it on the fairway. The crowds absolutely loved the CL500, especially the older guys. I always called the car a 2 door S class, because thats what it was/is. The styling is epic, and loved by everyone. People who want an SL sports model but hesitate because it is too small love the CL. It is a big 2 door coupe, and super fun to drive. Mercedes equipped the car with a really throaty sounding exhaust system. I love to go into the north Georgia mountains in the fall, roll the windows down, put the 7 speed transmission into manual shift control, and go through the windy roads shifting, turning, and listening to the mellow tones of the exhaust sounds. This is a very comfortable, very fun, eye turning drive. I dont expect to ever sell the car!

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  cl 500 test drives - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By big Ben - January 4 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car ,I love the suspension system on it, especialy the options of sport and normal driving I also like the fact you can raise the car 2 dif levels. the comfort in the cl is great the seats are wide and offer great support. I also enjoy the tip shift trans I use this mode all the time. The one thing I wish it had was a little more power off the line and and a more agresive sounding exhaust system.