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Stuttgart, Jun 26, 2006

The launch of the new CL-Class in autumn 2006 will be the culmination of a Mercedes-Benz coupé tradition going back over 50 years. The two-door model combines peerless exclusivity and charismatic design with the sort of cutting-edge technology that no other manufacturer can match worldwide. The luxury Coupé raises the bar in terms of vehicle safety with the PRE-SAFE® brakes: the unique system automatically brakes the Coupé before an imminent rear-end collision. Furthermore, Mercedes innovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, the Intelligent Light System with five light-ing functions and PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection all come as standard. Two powerful engines with 8 or 12 cylinders are available, delivering a notable increase in output and torque. Thanks to their exemplary smoothness they also live up to the Mercedes heritage of superb motoring refinement.

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The large Mercedes Coupés have been synonymous with style and exclusivity in the automotive industry for decades. They set the standard in terms of design and equipment, combine exemplary safety with an outstanding level of comfort and assured handling. In short, Mercedes Coupés are extraordinary dream cars - automobile classics.

The new CL-Class is another Mercedes-Benz masterpiece. Just as the luxury coupé points the way to the future with its innovative technology, the design has also set the mould for a new Mercedes style. Its hallmark is the interaction between distinctive tightly drawn lines with large, unruffled surfaces. This design idiom lends the Coupé its own particular expressive power, emphasising the calm and power of its powerful, self-confident nature.

Familiar Mercedes features have been given a contemporary twist, resulting in a harmonious blend of the classic and contemporary. Examples include the hallmark Mercedes radiator grille with its wide chrome louvres and the design of the C-pillar. The unique, slightly downwards-tapering pillar configuration is a typical feature of the large Mercedes Coupés whose roots go right back to the 1950s: in 1956 the 220 S/SE Coupé (W 180/W 128 model series) first captured attention with this striking C-pillar design, and a few years later the concept was further refined in the suc-cessor model, the 220 SE Coupé (W 111/112).

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Other design features which were already acclaimed back then have also been reinterpreted for the CL-Class, keeping alive the large coupé tradition of the Mercedes-Benz brand: the fully retractable side windows, for instance, whose continuous aperture is not interrupted by a B-pillar, and the large, curving panoramic rear window. In the early days this was a typical styling feature of the Mercedes Coupés, and in its stylistically evolved form for the new CL-Class it is just as appealing as in the 220 SE Coupé of 1961.

Interior: equipment for even the most discerning driver

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Style finds its way into the interior too: the large side window aperture draws the eye to the stylish dashboard, exquisite wood trim and soft leather upholstery. In an instant you realise that everything in the interior of the new CL-Class is designed for comfort and relaxation. The atmosphere is reminiscent of an exclusive club: take a seat and enjoy. Five stylish colour combinations are available; automatic climate control, COMAND with car radio and CD/DVD player as well as a glass sunroof are all part of the standard specification, elements that come together to deliver a unique motoring and comfort experience.

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In the top-of-the-line CL 600 the Exclusive PASSION leather appointments, specially selected poplar wood and an Alcantara roof liner with quilted seams provide the finishing touches to an exquisite first-class ambience, a look and feel also echoed in the seats with their designo styling, the chromed door sill panels and floor mats with leather edging. The standard specification also includes dynamic multicontour seats with massage function and seat ventilation, the hard-disc navigation system COMAND APS, the LOGIC7® surround sound system with DVD changer and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system.

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Compared with the outgoing model, the new Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-range coupé has grown slightly in every dimension. 5065 millimetres long, 1871 millimetres wide and 1418 millimetres high, the body is 75 millimetres longer, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres higher than before, providing even more comfort and space on all four seats. The boot capacity has been increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (VDA measuring method).

Control system: fewer switches for more functions

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A newly developed control system, which has already been successfully implemented in the S Class worldwide, refines driver-vehicle interaction even further. Above all, it provides convenient, rapid access to frequently used functions such as car radio, DVD player, car phone or navigation system. Depending on the driver’s own preference, these systems can be controlled using switches in the centre console, pressing a button on the multifunction steering wheel or using the COMAND controller on the centre console. This central control unit is linked to the large, pivoting COMAND colour display next to the instrument cluster, providing access to the user-friendly main and sub-menus that activate the various functions.

The standard-fit automatic climate control with four independently adjustable temperature zones is also integrated into the new control system. The driver and front passenger can select temperature, air distribution and other settings either using the COMAND controller and menu-based control, or by means of an attractively styled switch array beneath the air vents. The COMAND system allows other individual climate settings to be adjusted such as air distribution and the footwell temperature.

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The newly developed integral seats in the CL-Class provide maximum individual seating comfort. “Integral” means that all components of the seat-belt system are in-corporated directly into the seat; hence the seats form an important component in the occupant protection system. The standard specification already provides electric adjustment of the fore-aft setting, inclination of the seat and backrest, seat height, head restraint and length of the front seat cushions. Pneumatic lumbar supports allow the driver and front passenger to adjust the backrest contour to suit their build and consequently reduce the strain on the back muscles.

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Optional extras include luxury seats with active ventilation (standard in the CL 600) that provide even more individual comfort, along with the further enhanced multi-contour seats with nine air cushions, and dynamic multicontour seats with massage function (standard in the CL 600).

The driver and front passenger seats with multicontour function have been awarded the AGR (“healthy back campaign”) seal of approval.

Active Body Control: the perfect combination of dynamism and comfort

The standard specification in the new Mercedes Coupé features technological innovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world. First and foremost is the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which in its latest, even more sophisticated guise delivers unprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciable improvement in ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and using specially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all but entirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-second speed to ensure the body damping is adjusted instantly to any situation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to ten millimetres to reduce drag and improve handling stability.

Intelligent Light System: five lighting functions to match driving and weather conditions

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The Intelligent Light System, which makes driving even safer in the dark, is equally unique. Together with bi-xenon headlamps it forms part of the standard specification for the new CL-Class and provides five different lighting functions that are activated to match driving and weather conditions: the new country road mode illuminates the driver’s-side edge of the road more widely and brightly than the existing low-beam headlamps. Motorway mode, which comes on automatically when driving above 90 km/h, delivers a uniform cone of light that illuminates the entire road width. In the centre of this cone the driver is able to see around 50 metres further. The enhanced fog lamps are also new, which Mercedes-Benz uses to provide better orientation in adverse weather conditions. Active light function and cornering light function are also part of the standard-fit Intelligent Light System on the CL Class.

PRE-SAFE®: automatic partial braking before an impending accident

Mercedes-Benz is the world’s first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupant protection system that recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages and takes anticipatory occupant protection measures: PRE-SAFE® is standard-fit on the new CL-Class. During emergency braking or when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat into the most favourable position so that seat belts and airbags have maximum effect on impact. It also inflates air cushions in the dynamic multicontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and support the driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE® also closes the side windows and the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics are generated.

Mercedes-Benz has just made this multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system even better in the CL-Class with the newly developed PRE-SAFE® brakes. They operate in tandem with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which warns the driver of an imminent rear-end collision with visual and audible signals and automatically calculates the required braking pressure to prevent an accident. This braking-power support is available as soon as the brake pedal is operated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE® brakes trigger automatic partial braking where an accident is imminent and slow the CL Class down using around 40 percent of the total braking power.

The automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear warning to act. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is available and the accident can - depending on the situation - be averted at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® brakes reduce the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

As with Brake Assist PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE® brakes also utilise state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation in front of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radar sensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80° are located behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additional long-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres.

Mercedes-Benz also offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with the optional DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

Assistance systems: radar sensors make parking child’s play

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The newly developed parking guidance system (optional extra) also works on the basis of radar technology: the sensors measure the length of a parking space when driving past and show on the cockpit display whether there is sufficient space to park. Once reverse gear is engaged, the display then includes a symbolic representation of the parking manoeuvre; guide lines show the required steering angle and indicate the path into the parking space.

Night view assist with infrared headlamps, reversing camera, voice control for car radio, DVD changer and navigation as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are other optional Mercedes assistance systems for increased handling safety and comfort.

Engines: eight and twelve-cylinder powerplants with noticeably more power

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The new luxury Coupé is ready for any challenge on motorways and rural roads thanks to Mercedes’ most powerful engines to date. The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW/388 hp and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2800 rpm. As such the newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26 percent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque. Equipped with four-valve technology, variably adjustable shifting camshafts, a two-stage intake module and tumble flaps in the intake ducts, the new V8 is among the most advanced, powerful engines in its displacement class. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).

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An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous de-tails of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased out-put by 12 kW/17 hp to 380 kW/517 hp. The maximum torque, already on tap from 1900 rpm, has been improved further by 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up to 3500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). And despite the significant per-formance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.

Mercedes-Benz has combined the standard-fit automatic transmission with the new DIRECT SELECT gearshift: the driver can select the transmission settings “P”, “N”, “R” and “D” by nudging a lever on the steering column. Operating commands are transmitted electronically by wire.

Tradition: seven generations of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé

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The new CL-Class ushers in the seventh generation of the large Mercedes Coupés. The two-door model replaces the world-beating outgoing model, which joins the ranks of the best-selling luxury coupés with around 46,800 units sold. The history of the large Mercedes Coupés stretches back to 1952 when Mercedes Benz launched the legendary 300 S Coupé - a “car for the world’s elite” was the verdict of the motoring press in its day. In 1956 it was followed by the 220 S Coupé as part of the W 180 model series, which fired the public’s imagination with its unitised “Pon-toon” body in particular. And in 1961 the220 SEb Coupé (W 111 model series) took up the baton with its stylish elongated body.

In 1981 the SEC Coupés from the C 126 model series were based on the then S Class and remained in the Mercedes-Benz line-up for 10 years with over 74,000 units produced. In 1992 the Geneva Motor Show was host to the launch of the successor model (C 140 model series), powered for the first time by a 290 kW/394 hp twelve-cylinder engine. The predecessor to the new CL-Class Coupé celebrated its world premiere in March 1999, setting new standards with leading edge Mercedes innovations such as the Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system and bi-xenon headlamps.

Mercedes-Benz has built over 178,000 luxury coupés since 1952.

At a glance

Equipment and technical highlights of the new

CL-Class*

Active Body Control: The active suspension is even more sophisticated than before, delivering superb comfort and dynamic handling.	Standard
Cornering light function: This lighting function in the Intelligent Light System provides enhanced safety at junctions or when driving slowly around tight bends.	Standard
ADAPTIVE BRAKE: The newly developed braking system provides driver assistance functions to make hill-starts and driving in heavy traffic easier.	Standard
Adaptive brake lights: Flashing brake lights warn drivers behind in emergency braking situations.	Standard
Adaptive front airbags: The front airbags are deployed in two stages depending on impact severity.	Standard
Active light function: The headlamps in the Intelligent Light System follow the driver’s steering movements.	Standard
Motorway mode: From a speed of 56 mph the entire width of the road is illuminated and the driver’s range of vision is increased by around 50 metres.	Standard
Bi-xenon headlamps: Gas-discharge lamps for main and low beam improve safety when driving at night.	Standard
Brake Assist PLUS: The radar-based system identifies critical situations involving a rear-end collision and calculates the required braking power to prevent a possible accident. The optimum braking pressure is available immediately when braking.	Optional in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS
COMAND APS: This system integrates the radio, DVD player and telephone operation. The navigation system data is stored on a hard disc — making it even faster to plan the route.	Standard
DISTRONIC PLUS: The enhanced proximity cruise control brakes the CL-Class in stop-and-go traffic down to a standstill.	Optional
Enhanced fog lamps: This function in the Intelligent Light System means the external headlamp swivels outwards to provide better illumination of the edge of the road.	Standard
ESP®: This driver safety system can reduce the risk of skidding when cornering and alerts the driver to any loss of tyre pressure.	Standard
Dynamic multicontour seat: Thanks to new piezoelectric valves the seat responds even faster to steering movements and provides superb lateral support.	Optional, standard in the CL 600
Headlamp Assist: A sensor on the windscreen detects low light conditions and automatically switches on the vehicle lights.	Standard
Electric parking brake: Thanks to the electric motor, the parking brake can be activated comfortably and conveniently.	Standard
Pedestrian protection: Mercedes-Benz has designed the bonnet, wings, bumpers and other components so they absorb the impact energy in the event of an accident involving a pedestrian.	Standard
Belt force limiters: This technology reduces the belt forces acting on the occupants during a crash.	Standard for all seats
Belt tensioners: Any slack in the seatbelt is instantly taken up in a crash.	Standard for all seats
Integral seats: The seatbelt system along with the pneumatic lumbar supports are integrated into the front seats.	Standard
Intelligent Light System: The new headlamp technology provides five lighting functions that are activated to match the driving and weather conditions (see also cornering light function, country mode, motorway mode, active light function and enhanced fog lamps).	Standard
KEYLESS-GO: The doors and boot can be opened without using a key.	Optional, standard in the CL 600
Child seat recognition: A transponder system automatically detects whether a rear-facing child seat is installed and deactivates the front passenger airbag if this is the case.	Standard
Automatic climate control: The newly developed system operates with four temperatures zones and provides numerous settings for individual climate control.	Standard
Paintwork: Nano-technology makes the standard metallic paint finish more scratch-resistant and ensures a higher sheen.	Standard
Country mode: This function in the Intelligent Light System replaces the low-beam headlamps and illuminates the left-hand edge of road more brightly and widely.	Standard
LINGUATRONIC: The voice control system can be used to operate the radio, navigation system and telephone.	Optional, standard in the CL 600
Massage function: Seven air chambers in the backrest, which fill and empty alternately, massage the back muscles.	Optional in conjunction with dynamic multicontour seat, standard in the CL 600
Memory function: Three different settings can be saved for the driver and front passenger seat respectively. The settings for steering wheel and exterior mirrors are also saved.	Standard
Multifunction steering wheel: The radio, telephone, navigation system and other units can be operated from the steering wheel.	Standard
Multicontour seat: Air cushions enable the seat contours to be individually adjusted to suit the occupant’s body.	Optional for the CL 500; standard in the CL 600
Night view assist: Infrared headlamps and a display in the cockpit significantly increase the driver’s range of vision in the dark.	Optional
Parking Assist system: The system assists with parking and warns if there is a risk of a collision when reversing.	Optional in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS
PARKTRONIC: Ultrasound sensors assist the driver when parking.	Standard
Parking guidance system: Radar sensors measure the size of a parking space when driving past and a cockpit display helps the driver park inch perfect.	Optional
PRE-SAFE®: Anticipatory occupant protection measures are taken before an impending collision.	Standard
PRE-SAFE® brakes: The system initiates automatic partial braking when a rear-end collision appears imminent.	Optional in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS
Reversing camera: The area behind the car can be seen on the display to aid reversing.	Optional
Sidebags: The side-mounted airbags (front and rear) reduce the risk of injury in a lateral collision.	Standard
7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission: The world’s only automatic car transmission with seven gears works in tandem with DIRECT SELECT, the electronic control system.	Standard in the CL 500
Seat ventilation: The further improved technology is based on six mini fans in the seat cushion and backrest.	Optional, standard in the CL 600
Sound system: Multi-channel system with innovative digital technology provides surround sound for every seat.	Optional, standard in the CL 600
TV reception: The tuner receives both terrestrial digital TV (DVB-T) and analogue programmes.	Optional
Windowbags: The large curtain-type airbags drop down from the A-pillar to the C-pillar in the event of a side impact.	Standard

*Selected items only; UK specification will be confirmed nearer spring 2007 launch

 

Mercedes-Benz CL 500

Engine

No. of cylinders/arrangement		8/V, 4 valves per cylinder
Total displacement	cc	5461
Bore x stroke	mm	98.0 x 90.5
Rated output	kW/hp	285/388 at 6000 rpm
Rated torque	Nm	530 at 2800-4800 rpm
Compression ratio		10.7 : 1
Mixture preparation		Microprocessor-controlled petrol injection with hot-film mass airflow sensor

Power transfer

Drive system		Standard drive
Transmission		Seven-speed automatic transmission
Ratios	Final drive 1st gear 2nd gear 3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear 6th gear 7th gear Reverse	2.65 4.377 2.859 1.921 1.368 1.000 0.820 0.728 -3.416/-2.231

Suspension

Front axle	Four-link axle, Active Body Control suspension system
Rear axle	Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control suspension system
Braking system	Disc brakes all-round, internally ventilated, perforated at the front, electrically operated drum-type parking brake at rear, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP®
Steering	Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, steering damper
Wheels	8 J x 17 ET 43
Tyres	235/55 R 17

Dimensions and weights

Wheelbase	mm	2955
Track front/rear	mm	1601/1607
Overall length	mm	5065
Overall width	mm	1871
Overall height	mm	1418
Turning circle	m	11.6
Boot capacity*	l	490
Kerb weight acc. to EC**	kg	1995
Payload (basis ff acc. to EC)	kg	515
Gross vehicle weight	kg	2510
Tank capacity/reserve	l	90/11

Performance and fuel consumption

Acceleration 0-62.5 mph Acceleration 37-74 mph	s s	5.4 5.9
Max. speed	mph	155
Fuel consumption***	mpg	23.3

*Acc. to VDA measuring method; **Incl. 75 kg for driver and luggage; ***Combined

Mercedes-Benz CL 600

Engine

No. of cylinders/arrangement		12/V, 3 valves per cylinder
Total displacement	cc	5513
Bore x stroke	mm	82 x 87
Rated output	kW/hp	380/517 at 5000 rpm
Rated torque	Nm	830 at 1900-3500 rpm
Compression ratio		9.0 : 1
Mixture preparation		Microprocessor-controlled petrol injection with hot-film mass airflow sensor, biturbo system

Power transfer

Drive system		Standard drive
Transmission		Five-speed automatic transmission
Ratios	Final drive 1st gear 2nd gear 3rd gear 4th gear 5th gear Reverse	2.65 3.60 2.19 1.41 1.0 0.83 -3.17/-1.93

Suspension

Front axle	Four-link axle, Active Body Control suspension system
Rear axle	Multi-link independent suspension, Active Body Control suspension system
Braking system	Disc brakes all-round, internally ventilated, perforated at the front, electrically operated drum-type parking brake at rear, ABS, Brake Assist, ESP®
Steering	Speed-sensitive rack-and-pinion power steering, steering damper
Wheels	front: 8.5 J x 18 ET 43; rear: 9.5 J x 18 ET 43
Tyres	front: 255/45 R 18; rear: 275/45 R 18

Dimensions and weights

Wheelbase	mm	2955
Track front/rear	mm	1601/1607
Overall length	mm	5065
Overall width	mm	1871
Overall height	mm	1419
Turning circle	m	11.6
Boot capacity*	l	490
Kerb weight acc. to EC**	kg	2185
Payload (basis ff acc. to EC)	kg	435
Gross vehicle weight	kg	2620
Tank capacity/reserve	l	90/11

Performance and fuel consumption

Acceleration 0-62.5 mph Acceleration 37-74 mph	s s	4.6 4.8
Max. speed	mph	155
Fuel consumption***	mpg	19.8