Review

Review: Mercedes-Benz C140 CL-Class (1996-98)

3 stars

  • Refined powertrains
  • Comfortable ride
  • Body feels solid and rigid
  • High standard of fit and finish
  • Steering lacks precision
  • Weight blunts agility
  • High running and maintenance costs
  • Dated styling

Overview

Released in August 1996, the Mercedes-Benz C140 CL-Class was a large, luxury coupe. Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive C140 CL-Class range consisted solely of the CL 500, which was powered by a 5.0-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The C140 CL-Class was the first time that the ‘CL’ prefix had been used for the coupe models that were based on Mercedes-Benz’s W140 S-Class sedans.

M119 V8 engine

The 5.0-litre M119 E50 V8 engine had a cast-iron block, an aluminium cylinder head, forged connecting rods, chain-driven double overhead camshafts (per cylinder bank), four valves per cylinder, variable intake valve timing (two-stage) and a compression ratio of 10.0:1.

The CL 500 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 7.2 seconds.

Mercedes-Benz C140 CL 500 specifications
  Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
CL 500 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M119) 5sp auto 235 kW at 5600 rpm 470 Nm at 3900 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

The Mercedes-Benz C140 CL 500 was 5065 mm long, 1912 mm wide, 1445 mm tall and had a 2945 mm long wheelbase; its tare mass was 2180 kg. Furthermore, the CL 500 had double wishbone front suspension and independent, multi-link rear suspension.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C140 CL-Class included dual front airbags, front side airbags, ABS and traction control.

For 1998, safety equipment was extended to include brake assist and airbags could be deactivated when a child seat was fitted (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘BabySmart’).

Features: Mercedes-Benz C140 CL 500

Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz CL 500 included 8.5J x 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/45 ZR18 tyres, a ten-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, power adjustable and heated front seats with memory settings, leather upholstery, cruise control, rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, a height adjustable steering wheel, power sunroof, a trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser.

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