Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: Downsizing!
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
A New, Compact Engine for Even More Exceptional Driving (1)
Mercedes-BenzMercedes-Benz Japan has updated the exterior design of its flagship luxury coupe, the CL-Class, and introduced a newly developed engine with significantly improved environmental performance. The new models went on sale nationwide on November 8th.
By Matsuo DaiPhotos by Mercedes-Benz Japan
Significant Downsizing!
The CL-Class has undergone major revisions. The most notable change is the engine. The new V8 engine in the CL 550 BlueEFFICIENCY has been downsized from 5.5 liters to 4.7 liters. By employing cutting-edge flagship technology such as a spray-guided gasoline direct injection system with piezo injectors for precise fuel delivery, multi-spark ignition capable of up to four sparks within one millisecond, and twin-turbochargers, Mercedes-Benz has achieved high performance with a maximum output of 320 kW and peak torque of 700 Nm, despite an engine displacement reduction of approximately 800 cc. This represents an approximately 12% increase in output and a 32% increase in torque compared to the previous model. Furthermore, fuel efficiency has improved by about 30%, and CO2 emissions have been reduced from 288 g/km to 224 g/km.
The engine in the high-performance CL 63 AMG has also seen significant changes. Developed by Mercedes AMG, the new engine has been downsized from 6.3 liters to 5.5 liters. Similar to the CL 550 BlueEFFICIENCY, it utilizes a spray-guided gasoline direct injection system, multi-spark ignition, and twin-turbochargers to achieve a maximum output of 400 kW and peak torque of 800 Nm, an increase of +14 kW/+100 Nm over the previous model.
Additionally, the inclusion of the ECO start/stop function and the AMG SPEEDSHIFT MCT transmission (a 7-speed electronic control transmission) with a wet multi-plate clutch has resulted in over 50% improvement in fuel efficiency compared to the previous model, with CO2 emissions of 244 g/km.
Enhanced Equipment and More Refined Design
Furthermore, the newly available AMG Performance package for the CL 63 AMG enhances not only the exterior and interior but also the engine performance to a maximum output of 420 kW and peak torque of 900 Nm (+20 kW / +100 Nm increase). For the top-tier CL 65 AMG, revisions to the 6.0-liter V12 engine's control system have resulted in increased output (450 kW to 463 kW) and compliance with EURO 5 emissions standards.
The front design is elevated with a larger, more three-dimensional grille, headlights with LED position lights that are sharper and brighter, and a front bumper incorporating chrome trim and LED daytime running lights, enhancing its luxury and presence. The rear view is made more stylish with a rear bumper that integrates the exhaust tips and distinctive, sparkling rear combination lamps separated from the brake lights. The CL 550 and CL 63 AMG also feature newly designed alloy wheels, refreshing their side profiles.
The vehicle is equipped with advanced, flagship-level technologies. Standard features include Adaptive Highbeam Assist, which automatically and continuously adjusts the headlight beam range to ensure maximum visibility at night without dazzling oncoming or preceding vehicles, and ATTENTION ASSIST, which analyzes the driver's behavior and alerts them to fatigue or drowsiness during long drives. The NIGHT VIEW ASSIST PLUS, also standard, uses an infrared camera to display images of the area up to 90 meters ahead, with a new pedestrian detection function that highlights pedestrians in a frame on the display. The optional "Driving Assistance Package" combines Active Lane Keeping Assist and DISTRONIC PLUS.
Active Lane Keeping Assist uses a camera mounted inside the windscreen to detect unintentional lane departures. It alerts the driver with steering wheel vibrations and applies the brakes on the opposite side of the lane departure to help the vehicle naturally return to its lane. DISTRONIC PLUS uses millimetre-wave (77 GHz) radar, which is less affected by adverse weather, to monitor vehicles ahead and maintain a set distance. It can automatically accelerate to a pre-set speed, follow the vehicle in front, and decelerate to a complete stop (0 km/h) in traffic jams or when the preceding vehicle stops. Additionally, it includes BAS PLUS (Brake Assist Plus), which prompts the driver with an audible and visual warning for sudden braking or when approaching an obstacle, and ensures maximum braking force is applied when the brake pedal is pressed.
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
A New, Compact Engine for Even More Exceptional Driving (2)
Agile and Stable Steering
Other notable features include Direct Steer, which varies the steering gear ratio based on the steering angle. At low speeds or when making large steering inputs, such as during parking or on winding roads, the gear ratio becomes smaller for agility and ease of handling. At higher speeds or when making small steering inputs, the gear ratio becomes larger to enhance stability. This system achieves an excellent balance of stability, agile handling, and maneuverability.
Torque Vectoring Brake controls individual wheels during high-speed cornering to precisely manage vehicle attitude without unsettling the driver, ensuring stable cornering. As part of the ABC (Active Body Control) function, a new crosswind stabilization system detects crosswinds during high-speed driving and adjusts the load distribution to each wheel, reducing the impact of crosswinds and maintaining straight-line stability.
Luxurious Interior Enhancements
The interior has been enhanced with generous use of semi-aniline leather and wood trim to heighten the sense of luxury. New color and wood trim options have been added, along with a new steering wheel design and, as standard on the CL 550, the Driving Dynamic Seat, which supports the front occupants' posture during cornering. The COMAND system, which centrally controls audio, visual, navigation, and hands-free telephony, now features a digital terrestrial broadcasting tuner (12-segment/one-segment automatic switching). An iPod® connection cable is also included, allowing song titles to be displayed on the instrument cluster and track selection or volume adjustment to be controlled via steering wheel buttons.
The optional "AMG Performance Package" for the CL 63 AMG includes the engine tuning mentioned earlier, along with the AMG Driver's Package (speed limiter adjustment), AMG carbon fiber engine cover, AMG Performance steering wheel, and 20-inch forged AMG 5-twin-spoke wheels painted in titanium grey. The CL 65 AMG also offers the optional AMG Driver's Package.
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Mercedes-Benz CL 550 BlueEFFICIENCY
Body: Length 5,100 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase: 2,955 mm
Vehicle Weight: 2,060 kg
Engine: 4.6-liter V8 DOHC
Max Output: 320 kW (435 ps) / 5,250 rpm
Max Torque: 700 Nm (71.4 kgm) / 1,800-3,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy: 8.0 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 224 g/km
Drivetrain: FR
Price: ¥16,300,000
Mercedes-Benz CL600
Body: Length 5,100 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase: 2,955 mm
Vehicle Weight: 2,130 kg
Engine: 5.5-liter V12 DOHC
Max Output: 380 kW (517 ps) / 5,000 rpm
Max Torque: 830 Nm (84.6 kgm) / 1,800-3,500 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy: 8.0 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 322 g/km
Drivetrain: FR
Price: ¥20,560,000
*Made to order
Mercedes-Benz CL63 AMG
Body: Length 5,110 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase: 2,955 mm
Vehicle Weight: 2,150 kg
Engine: 5.4-liter V8 DOHC
Max Output: 400 kW (544 ps) / 5,250-5,750 rpm
Max Torque: 800 Nm (81.6 kgm) / 2,000-4,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy: 8.3 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 244 g/km
Drivetrain: FR
Price: ¥22,750,000
Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG
Body: Length 5,110 x Width 1,870 x Height 1,420 mm
Wheelbase: 2,955 mm
Vehicle Weight: 2,170 kg
Engine: 6.0-liter V12 DOHC
Max Output: 463 kW (629 ps) / 4,600-5,000 rpm
Max Torque: 1,000 Nm (102 kgm) / 2,300-4,300 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
10-15 Mode Fuel Economy: 5.9 km/ℓ
CO2 Emissions: 334 g/km
Drivetrain: FR
Price: ¥30,200,000
*Made to order
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