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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  Proud owner of a CL600 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Ron Tridico - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I Have owned many cars. I usually trade every 3-5 months, this is my forth mercedes 3 prior were SL500s As i said priors. This car will stay in garage and actually get washed it is a pure adrenaline rush to drive. Once you put your foot into the pedal the car responds, and your off an running with the 490+ ponies under the hood and dont forget about the Twin turbchargers. The only down side is the turbo lag at first But the cars overall performance, handling, interior features, comfort and exterior styling make it the best car I have ever owned, I wish every body could at least experience Driving it once in their life. Not my car though, get your own

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  mercedes 2002 cl500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By greg - December 27 - 2:30 pm

  Fun car. Lots of power. Reliable. Purchased extednded warranty. I do think its needed and we have used it. Car is very comfortable & quiet. Excellent safety features abound. Very solid performer. Enjoy

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  Love that CL500 - 2002 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By easthamptonhunk - December 27 - 2:00 am

  The car is a dream. Beautiful and a true driving experience! Power, smoothness of acceleration, hugs curves at 8o mph!!!

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  I love my car - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By angel smith - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I love my CL. There is no car Id rather have. (besides a lambo....:-)

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  how good it is - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By badboy aka bm - December 15 - 10:00 am

  it has a great performance and fast good mileage but is a gas guggler

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  My CL600 - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Michael E. - December 15 - 10:00 am

  This is my third CL600; I have had a 2001, 2002, 2003- I love these cars, I dont know what Id drive if they didnt exist!

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  way overpriced - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By mercedes fanatic - November 20 - 12:23 am

  Bought the car for my mom, who liked the styling. Paid $117K. Later bought a 2009 S550 4Matic for myself. $102K. The sedan is miles better than the CL550 in comfort, ride and value. The CL is essentially a short wheel based SClass with a differt body. It should NOT cost more than the sedan; and resale values show this. The CL has the worst resale of any Mercedes. Dont get me wrong; the CL is a great car. But it should be priced $40k less.

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  Elegence or Performance? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Merc.55 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The CL Merc. takes credits to both of these descriptions. Mercedes brings the best of both worlds out with this World Class automobile. There is no competitor the has even come close or even competed to rival the CL models. All of the Merc. equiptment is the best of quatliy and integrity. Plus the brlliant design team that made this car possible. Plus for 2003 new body kit, new power trains for 55 and 600 models and GPS.

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  Elegence or Performance? - 2003 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By Merc.55 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  The CL Merc. takes credits to both of these descriptions. Mercedes brings the best of both worlds out with this World Class automobile. There is no competitor the has even come close or even competed to rival the CL models. All of the Merc. equiptment is the best of quatliy and integrity. Plus the brlliant design team that made this car possible. Plus for 2003 new body kit, new power trains for 55 and 600 models and GPS.

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  Loved it and love it still - 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
  By pinkfloyd1962 - August 20 - 10:13 am

  I have my car since new. It has been a nice experience and I have decided to keep it, instead of trading it in for the new 500. I like the styling of my car much better. It is dark blue with light grey interior. I have not had any trouble with it. The only thing now that I miss, is the right connection to my IPOD which I have to do with the FM transmitter, which is not stylish and unreliable. My car is pretty, fast and chic and I would not change it. The only things I have done are the regular mantainence programm and not at the MB dealership, but with a specialist for european cars, cheaper and better.