New CL’s grand entrance
New CL’s grand entrance Luxury two-door gets facelift, new V8 boosts economy and power
Economy meets opulence in Mercedes’ facelifted CL coupé. Radical changes under the bonnet mean the S-Class-based CL500 now returns a respectable 30mpg, while at the same time increasing power and performance.
Key to the CL’s new frugality is an all-new 4.6-litre twin-turbo V8 that hikes power from 388bhp to 435bhp, and produces a huge 700Nm of torque – up 32 per cent. Mercedes has confirmed that this engine will also appear in the S-Class and E-Class.
The new V8 pushes the two-tonne CL from 0-62mph in less than five seconds, but BlueEFFICIENCY tweaks – including direct injection and a stop-start system – mean it produces CO2 emissions of 224g/km. That shaves £200 off the owner’s tax bill.
For buyers more concerned with power than frugality, the CL600, CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG will all be available as a special order. The 600’s 5.5-litre V12 delivers 517bhp, pushing it from 0-62mph in 4.1 seconds.
As before, the CL brims with technology, getting the latest in active safety devices linked to a network of cameras and radar devices. The blind spot detection system not only flashes a warning if you’re in danger of straying into the path of another car, but will brake the opposite wheels if you don’t react, which steers the car to safety. Headlights automatically dip in the dark, while the standard intelligent light system offers five different modes, depending on the weather or type of road.
Radar cruise control keeps a set distance to the car ahead, braking to a standstill if need be without driver input, while active body control can reduce the effect of crosswinds.
External changes include a more pronounced V-shaped grille, new air intakes in the front bumper and LED driving lights.The CL500 will cost roughly £90,000 when it goes on sale in October, with the 5.5-litre V12 twin-turbo CL63 AMG around £100,000.
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