Become a Member: Get Ad-Free Access to All Our Content
2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 600

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 600

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL 600

The CL-Class of Mercedes-Benz has in the past been a highlight of inovative technology and refined grand touring. With the next evolution of the CL comes the most powerfull version to date. For 2003 Mercede-Benz has opted to use thier Maybach V12 engine in the coupe. This powerplant will immediately launch the car to supercar status having 500 horepower on tap.

The newly developed V12 is twin turbocharged, a first for the CL range. The power figure of 500hp is an increase of 36% over its predecessor. Torque was increased 51% over the 2000 model.

In addition to the twin turbochargers the highlights of the new V12-engine include a special low-temperature circuit with two water intercoolers, three-valve technology and AC twin-spark ignition with constant ionic current measurement for optimal ignition. Thanks to this advanced engine technology and efficient emission control with two firewall-mounted catalytic converters the new Mercedes twelve-cylinder already meets the stringent EU-4 emission limits for the year 2005. says MB.

Much like the recent E-Class devlopment, the CL benfits from Adaptive Body Control. This system of active damping was premiered on the CL class back in 1999.

As you woud expect minor cosmetic updates both in and out of the car were performed by Mercedes-Benz. Such updates include newely formed switches, refined bumpers, new rear lights, seats and center console. Overall the designers at MB kept the car looking quite similar to the previous year’s CL.

In Detail

submitted by Richard Owen
engine V12
position Front Longitudinal
aspiration Twin-Turbocharged
valvetrain SOHC, 3 Valves per Cyl
displacement 5513 cc / 336.4 in³
bore 82 mm / 3.23 in
stroke 87 mm / 3.43 in
compression 9.0:1
power 372.9 kw / 500 bhp @ 5000 rpm
specific output 90.69 bhp per litre
bhp/weight 240.96 bhp per tonne
torque 800 nm / 590.0 ft lbs @ 1800-3500 rpm
redline 6050
body / frame Unit Steel
driven wheels RWD
front tires 245/45 R 18
rear tires 265/40 R 18
front brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, ESP
f brake size mm / in
rear brakes Vented Discs w/ABS, Power Assist, ESP
r brake size mm / in
front wheels F 45.7 x 20.3 cm / 18.0 x 8.0 in
rear wheels R 45.7 x 22.9 cm / 18.0 x 9.0 in
steering Rack & Pinion w/Variable Ratio Assist
f suspension 4-Link Multi-Link w/ABC acative damping system
r suspension Multi-Link w/ABC acative damping system
curb weight 2075 kg / 4575 lbs
wheelbase 2285 mm / 90.0 in
front track 1577 mm / 62.1 in
rear track 1578 mm / 62.1 in
length 4993 mm / 196.6 in
width 1857 mm / 73.1 in
height 1398 mm / 55.0 in
transmission 5-Speed Automatic
gear ratios 3.59:1, 2.19:1, 1.41:1, 1.00:1, 0.83:1, :1
final drive 2.82:1
top speed ~250 kph / 155.3 mph
0 – 60 mph ~4.7 seconds