2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600

Stuttgart, Sep 11, 2006 – In autumn 2006 Mercedes-Benz is launching the culmination of more than 50 years of coupe tradition with the new CL-Class. The new two-door model combines peerless exclusivity and charismatic design with trailblazing technology which no other car brand is able to offer.

The new CL-Class ushers in the seventh generation of the large Mercedes Coupes. The two-door model replaces the world-beating outgoing model, which joins the ranks of the best-selling luxury coupes with around 46,800 units sold. The history of the large Mercedes Coupes stretches back to 1952 when Mercedes Benz launched the legendary 300 S Coupe – a ”car for the world’s elite” was the verdict of the motoring press in its day. In 1956 it was followed by the 220 S Coupe as part of the W 180 model series, which fired the public’s imagination with its unitised “Pontoon” body in particular. And in 1961 the220 SEb Coupe (W 111 model series) took up the baton with its stylish elongated body.

Other design features which were already acclaimed at that time have also been reinterpreted in the new CL-Class, keeping alive the great coupe tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand: for example the fully retractable side windows, whose continuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large, curving panoramic rear windscreen. In the early years this was a typical styling feature of Mercedes Coupes, and in its stylistically evolved form it is just as appealing as in the 220 SE Coupe of 1961.

The luxury coupe enters new dimensions in vehicle safety with PRE-SAFE Brake, a unique system which automatically brakes the Coupe when a rear-end collision threatens. Standard equipment also includes Mercedes innovations such as an active ABC suspension (Active Body Control), the Intelligent Light System with five lighting functions and the anticipatory occupant protection system PRE-SAFE. There is a choice of two powerful engines with eight or twelve cylinders.

In the new top-of-the-line model CL600, an interior in PASSION leather, specially selected poplar wood trim and an Alcantara roof liner with quilted seams contribute to a luxurious, first-class atmosphere which is also echoed by designo seats, chromed door sill panels and deep-pile floor mats with leather edging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontour seats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-disc navigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7 surround sound system with DVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.

The standard specification in the new Mercedes Coupe features technological innovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world. First and foremost is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which in its latest, even more sophisticated guise delivers unprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciable improvement in ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and using specially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all but entirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-second speed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to any situation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to ten millimetres in the Sport programme to reduce drag and improve handling stability.

An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous details of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased output by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. The maximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved further by 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up to 3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). And despite the significant performance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.

In Detail

submitted by	Richard Owen
price $	$ $148 775
engine	Aluminum V12
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Borg Warner Twin Turbo
valvetrain	SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
fuel feed	Fuel Injection
displacement	5513 cc / 336.4 in³
bore	82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke	87 mm / 3.43 in
compression	9.0:1
power	385.5 kw / 517 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output	93.78 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	236.61 bhp per tonne
torque	830 nm / 612.2 ft lbs @ 1900-3500 rpm
redline	5750
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	RWD
wheel type	Cast Aluminum
front tires	255/40R-19 Continental Sport Contact 2
rear tires	275/40R-19 Continental Sport Contact 2
front brakes	Inner Vented Discs w/ABS, Brake Assist, ESP
f brake size	x 351 mm / x 13.8 in
rear brakes	Inner Vented Discs w/ABS, Brake Assist, ESP
r brake size	x 305 mm / x 12.0 in
front wheels	F 45.7 x 21.6 cm / 19 x 8.5 in
rear wheels	R 48.3 x 24.1 cm / 19 x 9.5 in
steering	Rack & Pinion w/Speed Sensitive Power Assist
f suspension	Four-Link Axle w/Active Body Control
r suspension	Multi-Link Axle w/Active Body Control
curb weight	2185 kg / 4817 lbs
wheelbase	2955 mm / 116.3 in
front track	1601 mm / 63.0 in
rear track	1607 mm / 63.3 in
length	5065 mm / 199.4 in
width	1871 mm / 73.7 in
height	1419 mm / 55.9 in
transmission	5-Speed Automatic
gear ratios	3.60:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1
final drive	2.65:1
top speed	~250 kph / 155.3 mph
0 – 60 mph	~4.5 seconds