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 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.
These generate significantly more output and torque, while exhibiting an exemplary smoothness which lives up to the Mercedes heritage of superb motoring refinement.
The large Mercedes Coupes have been the epitome of elegance and exclusivity in automotive engineering for many decades. They set standards in design and equipment, combining outstanding safety with the greatest comfort and a superior driving experience. In short, Mercedes Coupes are dream cars of a very special kind automotive classics.
The new CL-Class is yet another masterpiece by Mercedes-Benz. Just as this luxury coupe points the way into the future with its innovative technology, its design is a protagonist for a new aesthetic appearance a new Mercedes style.
This is characterised by an interplay between taut, striking lines and large, tranquil surfaces. This design idiom lends the Coupe a very special presence, underlining the unruffled calm and strength of its unique character.
Familiar Mercedes characteristics are reinterpreted and incorporated into the design concept to form a harmonious composition of tradition and modernity. Examples are the typical Mercedes radiator grille with its wide chrome louvres and the design of the C-pillar.
This unique, slightly downwards-tapering pillar configuration is a typical feature of the large coupes whose roots go right back to the 1950s: in 1956 the Model 220 S/SE Coupe (model series W 180/W 128) first captured attention with such a C-pillar design, and a few years later it was further perfected in the succeeding model, the 220 SE Coupe (W 111/112).
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.
Interior: appointments for even the most discerning
The same elegance is found in the interior: the large window aperture draws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and soft leather upholstery. It is immediately apparent that everything in the interior is designed for comfort and relaxation.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat and enjoy. There is a choice of five stylish colour combinations, while automatic climate control, COMAND with a car radio and CD/DVD player and a glass sliding sunroof are other standard equipment items which contribute to the uniquely comfortable driving experience.
In the top-of-the-line model CL 600, 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.
Compared with the outgoing model, the new Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-range coupe has grown slightly in every dimension. 5065 millimetres long, 1871 millimetres wide and 1418 millimetres high, the body is 75 millimetres longer, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres higher than before, providing even more comfort and space on all four seats. The boot capacity has been increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (VDA measuring method).
Control system: fewer switches for more functions
A newly developed control system, which has already been successfully imple-mented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehicle interaction even further. Its main advantage is that it provides convenient, rapid access to frequently used functions such as the radio, DVD player, car phone or navigation system.
Depending on the driver’s own preference, these systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console, pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using the COMAND controller on the centre console.
This central con-trol element is linked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to the instrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main and sub-menus that activate the various functions.
The standard automatic climate control with four independently adjustable temperature zones is also integrated into the new control system. The driver and front passenger can select temperature, air distribution and other settings either using the COMAND controller and menu-based control, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath the air vents.
The COMAND system allows other individual climate settings to be adjusted, such as air distribution and the footwell temperature.
The newly developed integral seats in the CL-Class provide maximum individual seating comfort. Integral means that all components of the seat belt system are incorporated directly into the seat; hence the seats form an important component in the occupant protection system.
The standard specification already provides electric adjustment of the longitudinal setting, inclination of the seat and backrest, seat height, head restraint and length of the front seat cushions. Pneumatic lumbar supports allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the backrest contour to suit their build and consequently reduce the strain on the back muscles.
Optional extras include luxury seats with active ventilation (standard in the CL 600) that provide even more individual comfort, along with the further enhanced multicontour seats with nine air cushions, and dynamic multicontour seats with massage function (standard in the CL 600).
The driver and front passenger seats with multicontour function have been awarded the AGR (healthy back campaign) seal of approval.
Active Body Control: superb combination of dynamism and comfort
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.
Another special feature of Active Body Control is its variable distribution of body roll between the front and rear axles according to vehicle speed, which combines agile handling with outstanding stability.
Intelligent Light System: five lighting functions to match driving and weather conditions
The Intelligent Light System, which makes driving even safer in the dark, is equally unique. Together with bi-xenon headlamps it forms part of the standard specification for the new CL-Class and provides five different lighting functions that are activated to match driving and weather conditions: the new country road mode illuminates the drivers-side edge of the road more widely and brightly than the existing low-beam headlamps.
Motorway mode, which comes on automatically when driving above 90 km/h, delivers a uniform cone of light that illuminates the entire road width. In the centre of this cone the driver is able to see around 50 metres further.
The enhanced fog lamps are also new, which Mercedes-Benz uses to provide better orientation in adverse weather conditions. The active light function and cornering light function are also part of the standard-fit Intelligent Light System on the CL-Class.
PRE-SAFE: automatic partial braking before an impending accident
Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupant protection system that recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages and initiates appropriate occupant protection measures: PRE-SAFE is standard in the new CL-Class.
During emergency braking or when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat into a more favourable position so that seat belts and airbags have maximum effect on impact.
It also inflates air cushions in the dynamic multicontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and support the driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE also closes the side windows and the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics are generated.
Mercedes-Benz has just made this multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system even better in the CL-Class with the newly developed PRE-SAFE Brake system. This operates in tandem with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which warns the driver of an imminent rear-end collision via visual and audible signals and automatically calculates the required braking pressure to prevent an accident.
This braking-power support is available as soon as the brake pedal is operated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE Brake system triggers automatic partial braking where an accident is imminent and slows the CL Class down using around 40 percent of the total braking power.
The automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear warning to act. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is available and the accident can – depending on the situation – be averted at the last moment.
If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE Brake system reduces the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.
As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE Brake system also utilises state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation in front of the car and detect a potential accident.
Two short-range radar sensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80 are located behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additional long-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres.
Mercedes-Benz also offers BAS PLUS and the PRE-SAFE Brake system in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.
Driver-support systems: radar sensors make parking childs play
The newly developed parking guidance system (optional extra, available from December 2006) also works on the basis of radar technology: the sensors measure the length of a parking space when driving past and show on the cockpit display whether there is sufficient space to park.
Once reverse gear is engaged, the display includes a symbolic representation of the parking manoeuvre; guide lines show the required steering angle and indicate the path into the parking space.
Night view assist with infrared headlamps, a reversing camera, voice control for car radio, a DVD changer and navigation as well as a tyre pressure monitoring system are other optional Mercedes assistance systems for increased handling safety and comfort.
Engines: eight and twelve-cylinder powerplants with noticeably more power
The new luxury Coupe is ready for any challenge on motorways and rural roads thanks to the most powerful Mercedes engines to date. The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm.
As such the newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26 percent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque. Equipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shifting camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the new V8 is among the most advanced and powerful engines in its displacement class.
The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).
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.
Mercedes-Benz has combined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the new DIRECT SELECT gearshift: the driver can select the transmission settings P, N, R and D by nudging a lever on the steering column. Operating commands are transmitted electronically by wire.
Tradition: seven generations of the Mercedes-Benz Coupe
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 publics 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.
In 1981 the SEC Coupes from the C 126 model series were based on the then S Class and remained in the Mercedes-Benz line-up for 10 years with over 74,000 units produced. In 1992 the Geneva Motor Show was host to the launch of the successor model (C 140 model series), powered for the first time by a 290 kW/394 hp twelve-cylinder engine.
The predecessor to the new CL-Class Coupe celebrated its world premiere in March 1999, setting new standards with leading edge Mercedes innovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and bi-xenon headlamps.
Mercedes-Benz has built over 178,000 luxury coupes since 1952.
