- Powerful and refined drivetrains
- Comfortable ride, particularly with air suspension
- Quiet, well-insulated cabin
- High standard of fit and finish
- Front seats are overly firm and lack lateral support
- For M137 V12 engine , oil cooler O-rings susceptible to failure
- High running and maintenance costs
Review: Mercedes-Benz C215.I CL-Class (2000-02)
Overview
Released in February 2000, the Mercedes-Benz C215 CL-Class was a large, luxury coupe. Manufactured in Sindelfingen, Germany, the rear-wheel drive C215 Series (C215.I) CL-Class range consisted of the CL 500 and CL 600 models, powered by 5.0-litre V8 and 5.8-litre V12 engines, respectively.
Please note that the Mercedes C215 CL 55 and CL 65 AMG has been reviewed separately.
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 500 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5600 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700-4250 rpm |
| CL 600 | 5.8-litre petrol V12 (M137) | 5sp auto | 270 kW at 5500 rpm | 530 Nm at 4100 rpm |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the C140 CL-Class , the C215 CL-Class was 72 mm shorter (at 4993 mm), 55 mm narrower (1857 mm), 54 mm lower (1398 mm) and had a 60 mm shorter wheelbase (2885 mm). Notwithstanding its smaller dimensions, the C215 CL was also around 340 kg lighter due to the use of aluminium, magnesium and plastic materials.
Suspension
Like the Mercedes-Benz W220 S-Class on which it was based, the C215 CL-Class had four-link front suspension and multi-link rear suspension. The suspension included Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Active Body Control’ which combined hydraulic servo cylinders in the suspension struts, sensors and microprocessors to adjust suspension damping and minimise body movement. Furthermore, the driver could select from ‘Comfort’ and ‘Sport’ modes; according to Mercedes-Benz, ‘Sport’ mode reduced cornering roll by up to 27 per cent relative to ‘Comfort’ mode.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C215 CL-Class included dual front airbags (with two-stage deployment), front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, front and rear seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters.
Features: Mercedes-Benz C215 CL 500
Standard features for the Mercedes-Benz C215 CL 500 included 17-inch alloy wheels, COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data System) with an eleven speaker sound system, 10-disc CD changer, satellite navigation, TV tuner and car phone, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, leather upholstery, twelve-way power adjustable and heated front seats with memory settings, cruise control, bi-xenon headlights, front and rear fog lights, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, a multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power retracting mirrors, an automatically tilting passenger side mirror when reversing, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, speed-sensitive steering, a power-operated rear blind, a power glass sunroof, memory settings (front seats, steering wheel and mirrors), a trip computer and an immobiliser.
Features: Mercedes-Benz C215 CL 600
Compared to the CL 500, the Mercedes-Benz CL 600 was further equipped with Nappa leather upholstery (including the instrument panel), heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, keyless go and Alcantara roof lining.
The CL 600’s V12 engine also featured cylinder deactivation to reduce fuel consumption.
Review: Mercedes-Benz C215.II CL-Class (2002-06)
Overview
Released in October 2002, the Mercedes-Benz C215 Series II (C215.II) CL-Class could be identified by its revised front bumpers, clear-lens headlights and exit lighting for the door mirrors.
As part of the update, the CL 600 was fitted Mercedes-Benz’s 5.5-litre M275 biturbo V12 engine . From July 2003, the CL 500 was fitted with a seven-speed automatic transmission.
| Engine | Years | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL 500 | 5.0-litre petrol V8 (M113) | 2002-03 | 5sp auto | 225 kW at 5600 rpm | 460 Nm at 2700-4250 rpm |
| 2003-06 | 7sp auto | ||||
| CL 600 | 5.5-litre bi-turbo petrol V12 (M275) | 2002-06 | 5sp auto | 368 kW at 5000 rpm | 800 Nm at 1800-3500 rpm |
Safety equipment
Compared to its C215.I predecessor, standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz C215.II CL-Class was largely unchanged. However, the introduction of two front-mounted satellite sensors enabled earlier detection of the severity of an accident, enabling earlier deployment of the seatbelt tensioners and the appropriate inflation of the two-stage aiding front airbags. There was also a weight classification featured for the front passenger to assist airbag deployment.
Features
Features for the C215.II CL-Class were largely unchanged, though the COMAND system had a larger 6.5-inch display. From September 2003, the CL-Class was fitted with the DVD-based COMAND APS system.
Brochure
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