Mercedes-Benz CL600

You can’t make a bigger statement: a Mercedes CL600 with naturally aspirated V12 power, timeless qualities and pure class. The luxury of the star among the classic coupes is also from another level: the electrically adjustable seats (with memory function) can be cooled and heated. Don’t forget the GT dates from an era in which the new millennium was actually really new. Even then it was common to include an AMG version with a mechanical compressor in the Mercedes line-up. However, this high-performance CL couldn’t match the good old V12 in terms of power, comfort and driving experience…

History
At the end of 1998, Mercedes-Benz launched a successor to the CL-Class. The 2nd series was internally called C215. Just like its predecessor, the large coupe is based on Mercedes’ top class limousine: the S-Class. Technically, the CL is leading with innovations such as the hydraulic “Active Body Control” suspension that keeps the car as flat as possible under all circumstances when cornering. A new type of Bi-Xenon HID headlights was also introduced. The absolute top of the range was the CL600, initially with a non-turbo 12-cylinder engine. The gentlemen and genuine fans will always prefer a naturally aspirated Mercedes V12, as the smooth character fits the iconic grand tourer perfectly.

Exterior
Unlike the 1st generation Mercedes CL, the C215 was easy to distinguish from the S-Class. The 4 separate headlight units in particular made the stretched 2-door coupe significantly different from the more conventional units of the 4-door S-Class sedan. Logically the latter is a lot more traditional in terms of configuration. The CL stands for exclusivity and distinction. The car is too chic to classify it among the exotics and too exotic to call it a classic GT. So the model virtually invented the niche market. In timeless silver grey, the elegant DNA of the Mercedes CL600 really comes into its own. A long front, an even larger rear and a uniquely designed C-pillar give the CL-Class a unique appearance. Of course it helps that the condition of this particular one is fantastic too…

Options & extra’s
No top-class Mercedes without a top-class level of luxury. Inside the CL600 you’ll find a full leather interior, including the dashboard. The black cockpit shows strong similarities with the S-Class, has a super chic grey velour headliner and a classy wooden finish on the steering wheel, door panels and center console. The CL600 is built to last. In other words: after so many years, the quality still makes a pristine impression. The seats can be electrically adjusted, heated and cooled. With the seat ventilation turned off, it’s still possible to get some extra fresh air by opening the integrated, electric roof. You thought today’s infotainment systems are full of gadgets? In the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 type C215 this includes a navigation system, radio with cassette (!) and CD player, hands-free telephone preparation and even watching television is possible in the German classic. In short, next to a star like this, a modern car is no longer innovative.

Technique & performance
It’s all about comfort in the original CL600, rather than performance. Nevertheless, this doesn’t alter the fact that our 5.8 liter Benz is quite quick: accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h only takes 6.1 seconds. It makes the naturally aspirated V12 pretty much equal to the CL55 AMG in terms of performance. However, the 600 has a little more power and significantly more cylinders. The 530 Nm torque is exactly the same, as is the electronically controlled top speed of 250 km/h. We think that limiter can be removed, although a 12-cylinder Mercedes CL-Class has absolutely nothing left to prove. Have you ever been in the Netherlands before?

Kind regards,
team Prins.