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A CLass of its own. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.

A CLass of its own
Whatever way you look at it, the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a remarkable car. We got behind the wheel of all three models, including the new CL 63 AMG.

   



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#03#It's not often that we test a car where its direct competitors are not immediately obvious. Mercedes-Benz talked us though potential rivals for its new range-topping CL-Class coupé. Included were such diverse cars as the Jaguar XK, BMW 6 Series, Bentley Continental GT and Maserati's GranSport (this was before Maserati revealed the new GranTurismo in Geneva), yet it's difficult to align many of the CL models with those cars.

Available since the CL-Class went on sale in the UK on March 1st are the CL 500 (£79,550), CL 63 AMG (£103,540) and the CL 600 (£107,085). We were lucky enough to get behind the wheel of an example of each for a few hours on a mixed selection of roads in Leicestershire.

We started with the entry-level CL 500. I'm uncomfortable with attaching the 'entry-level' tag to a car that costs nigh on 80 grand, but buyers won't feel short-changed. Thanks to the 5.5-litre naturally-aspirated V8 under the bonnet, power is up 82bhp over the outgoing CL to 388bhp at 6000rpm, while maximum torque of 391lb.ft is available between 2800 and 4800rpm. By any standards, the 0-62mph sprint time of 5.5 seconds and the electronically-limited top speed of 155mph are rapid. When you take into consideration this car's kerb weight of 1995kg, it seems all the more impressive.

Out on the road, the CL 500 feels distinctly lighter on its feet than its more powerful siblings, although it's only 90kg lighter than the AMG model. Another bonus of reduced weight is of course lower fuel consumption and the CL 500 manages an acceptable 23.3mpg on the Combined Cycle. At 'moral' road speeds, it feels the most willing to have a bit of fun too, whereas the more expensive models feel like they're not even trying unless the speedometer reads into three figures.

Though the CL 600 is a little more expensive than the CL 63 AMG, it sits closer to the CL 500 in concept, being a cosseting luxury coupé first and foremost; albeit one with a surfeit of power. The CL 600 shares its predecessor's twin-turbocharged 5.5-litre V12 engine, though naturally Mercedes has upped its output and somehow dropped its fuel consumption. The maximum power figure (517bhp at 5000rpm) is mighty impressive, but the key to this car's performance is its prodigious torque. Up to 612lb.ft of the stuff can be summoned up from as little as 1900rpm. That goes some way to explaining the 4.6 second sprint from rest to 62mph, despite carrying 190kg more weight than the CL 500. #p##03# Standing start acceleration is largely irrelevant for a car like the CL-Class and in-gear shove is far more important. Consequently, the CL 600's mid-range grunt is simply breathtaking. No on-paper figures could illustrate the 600's ability to reach a point in the distance quicker than your eyes can comprehend. In this respect it even blows its AMG-badged brother away.

Yet, the CL 600 is a luxury coupé and its chassis is designed to cocoon its occupants. Like all versions of the CL, the 600 features the latest development of Active Body Control (ABC), which should provide the best of both worlds in the eternal ride/handling compromise. As well as adjusting the damping according to needs (with emphasis on a smooth ride), Mercedes-Benz claims that the new system reduces body roll by 60% more than the previous iteration managed. Additionally, above 60mph, the whole car is lowered 10mm in a bid to reduce drag and enhance stability. On the move, the operation of the system cannot be detected, but suffice to say that body roll, dip and dive are kept well in check. The 600 is no sports coupé though, with little in the way of steering feel, but it is still an enjoyable drive and perfectly capable of stringing a series of corners together. In the slippery conditions of our test route, the traction control could be felt doing its job occasionally, but really only if it was provoked.

The CL 63 AMG replaces the 55 AMG model and with it a new philosophy for the AMG brand. Gone are the turbo and supercharged engines in favour of an advanced, naturally aspirated V8 that thrives on revs. Mercedes-Benz claims that the 6.2-litre (why is it badged as "6.3" when it is of 6208cc capacity?) is the world's most powerful naturally aspirated V8 production engine with 525bhp produced at 6800rpm. Peak torque of 425lb.ft is produced at 5200rpm. The higher engine speeds of this unit in comparison to the V12 in the CL 600 give a very clear indication as to the engine's character and the target market.

Indeed, there is no getting away from the more aggressive, driver-focused nature of the CL 63. AMG has completely overhauled the body styling, with new panels and details everywhere, including a diffuser-like rear apron. The menacing look is topped off by 19-inch alloys (the test car pictured is fitted with the sensational, and sadly optional, 20-inch items) and two chromed twin exhausts. It is dripping with intent. #p##02# Although the CL 600 is pretty much as quick in a straight line, the AMG car is intended to entertain the driver, not just cosset him. An AMG-specific calibration of the ABC suspension is standard, with a firmer grip on body control and damping and a bias towards fast cornering rather than out and out comfort. Saying that, the CL 63 AMG is quite capable of soaking up bumps too, but a keen driver will appreciate the sharper reactions. Huge brakes are fitted as standard to the CL 63 AMG, which we found well up to the task of hauling the big coupé down from high speed.

Speaking of high speed, buyers of the AMG model can specify the Drivers' Package, which not only provides a day's advanced driver training at a major European race circuit, but also raises the speed limit from 155mph to 186mph. Not that most British buyers will ever see such speeds, but regulars on Germany's Autobahns will appreciate the ability to keep up with the traffic...

The 63 AMG's interior is suitably upgraded too; featuring heavily contoured sports seats and bespoke instruments (reading up to 200mph) amongst other touches. Not that the less sporting cars' interiors are anything other than special. It is the single most outstanding feature on this car, with flawless fit and finish accompanied by the use of a wealth of really high quality materials. Memorable items include the metallic electric window switches and the real wood trim. The latter may not be to all tastes, but it feels fantastic to touch, with real texture.

Though modern in appearance, the interior's traditional use of leather and wood in part masks the massive amount of technology underneath. We used the optional Distronic Plus (£1,235) system extensively and would recommend buyers opt for the system if they spend any time on busy British roads. The driver basically sets a desired speed and then lets the radar-controlled system keep a safe distance from traffic in front, braking the car if needs be to a complete standstill. It's useful on the motorway, but perhaps more so in stop-start traffic.

PRE-SAFE Brake makes its debut on the CL-Class, detecting a possible collision and warning the driver to take action. If the driver still ignores the danger, the system will apply up to 40% braking force automatically, in a bid to prompt the driver into braking for himself, or at worst reduce the severity of the collision. It's a very clever system that you would hope never to need, but could be thanking your lucky stars for if you ever did. #p##06# Other technological highlights include the Intelligent Light System (which adapts the lighting pattern to a range of different situations) and optional Advanced Parking Guidance (£240 in addition to Distronic Plus), which has the ability to measure parking spaces as you drive by and then offers accurate guidance into the slot. Another interesting option, which we didn't get to try for ourselves, is Night View Assist. By the use of infra-red lights and an infra-red camera, it affords drivers a much greater view of obstacles on the road ahead at night. At £1,200 it may sound expensive, but again it could be invaluable.

That brings us back to the CL's rivals. The BMW 650i compares well with the CL 500 and is a lot cheaper, but it is smaller and not quite as rammed with technology as the CL; the CL is also distinctly more luxurious. Likewise, the BMW M6 takes on the CL 63 AMG, but they really are very different cars. Bentley, Aston Martin and Maserati, in our opinions, offer the only real rivals for the new CL-Class and that is quite a rarefied atmosphere indeed.

Despite such lofty positioning, Mercedes-Benz is hoping to emulate the previous car's incredible sales success (with about 46,800 units sold worldwide). Our first impressions suggest that could be a pessimistic target.
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class range overview

ModelUK (£ on-the-road)Ireland: (€ on-the-road)
Mercedes-Benz CL 500£79,640€163,385
Mercedes-Benz CL 600£107,085€223,330
Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG£103,540€216,500


Shane O' Donoghue - 26 Mar 2007



  www.mercedes-benz.co.uk    - Mercedes-Benz road tests
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2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class specifications:
Technical specifications for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 500
Technical specifications for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600
Technical specifications for 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.



2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 

2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG. Image by Shane O' Donoghue.
 






 

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