The Mercedes-Benz C216 is the last generation for the grand tourer with name Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. It replaced the C215 platform. In 2014 it was replaced by the C217 S-Class Coupe.
Initial release (2006–)
Like its predecessors, the C216 has no B-pillar interrupting the sleek curve of the side windows. The C216 body was designed by Gorden Wagener and Peter Pfeiffer.
The chassis is based on the W221 S-Class. The two-door coupé weighs , heavier than the equivalent S saloon, and rides on a full-size 116.3-inch wheelbase (albeit 8.2 inches less than the long wheelbase S-Class, which is the only S-Class sold in the U.S.). Despite its large size, rear seat legroom is limited in keeping in the tradition of 2+2 luxury coupés, though CL has more rear passenger space than its rivals. The CL's boot is as large as that of the Audi A8 flagship saloon.
The vehicle was unveiled in the 2006 Paris Motor Show, followed by the 28th Bangkok International Motor Show (in right-handed drive configuration).
The vehicle went on sale in Early-July 2006 in Europe (UK arrival spring 2007). Early models included CL 500 with 7G-TRONIC transmission, CL 600 with five-speed automatic transmission.
CL 65 AMG, "40th Anniversary" limited-edition (2006–) The CL 65 AMG is a version of the CL 600 with increased engine power to at 4,800-5,100 rpm and at 2,000-4,000 rpm, vented and cross-drilled 15.4 inches front and 14.8 inches rear brake discs, frame-type sliding rear brake calipers, 255/35 ZR 20 front and 275/35 ZR 20 rear tires, forged 20-inch AMG twin-spoke wheels (8.5 inches front and 9.5 in the rear), special AMG spring struts with firmer damping, reworked ESP stability control and ASR traction control.
The "40th Anniversary" edition CL 65 AMG is a limited (40 units) version of the CL 65 AMG commemorating the 40th anniversary of AMG, designed by the specialists of the AMG PERFORMANCE STUDIO. It included exclusive AMG Alubeam (Liquid Metal) body paint (from Vision GST and SL 400 CDI), AMG two-bar front grille, large under-bumper air intakes, air outlets on the front fenders and round fog lights, rear apron with a black air diffuser insert and twin V12-design tailpipes, two-tone EXCLUSIVE PASSION Nappa leather seats with new AMG V12 diamond pattern stitching, embossed V12 logos in the front head restraints, color-coordinated Alcantara roof lining, nappa leather upholstery at airbag unit of the AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, carbon fiber interior trim, "40th Anniversary" lettering on the center console and a "One Out of 40" badge on the handrest of the COMAND controller.
The 2008 model year Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG was unveiled in the 2007 New York International Auto Show.
CL 500 model "Trademark Centenary" (2009–) It is a version of the 2009 model year CL 500 and CL 500 4MATIC commemorating the 100th birthday of the Mercedes three-pointed star and the Benz emblem, when on 24 June 1909 Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft officially registered the design of the Mercedes star, and on 6 August Benz & Cie. registered the letters "Benz", enclosed by a laurel wreath, as a trademark with the Imperial Patent Office. Changes include historic trademarks dating from 1909 in gilded plate brass, which are inset into the centre console; designo metallic graphite body colour, AMG Sports package, exclusive high-sheen 20-inch 5 twin-spoke AMG light-alloy wheels in titanium grey, 255/35 R 20 front and 275/35 R 20 rear tyres, partly hand-stitched designo aniline leather with contrasting seams in a light sand colour, wood/leather steering wheel, interior trim in shining black piano lacquer, anthracite Alcantara roof lining and black floor mats with AMG lettering and sand-coloured edging.
The vehicle went on sale on 26 June 2009.
CL 550 4MATIC "100 Years of Mercedes-Benz Edition" (2009–) It is a limited version of the 2010 model year CL 550 4MATIC based on the CL 500 4MATIC model "Trademark Centenary", with 255/35 R 20 tires, Sahara Beige leather interior upholstery, an SD card slot in the center console, a USB interface in the glove compartment, a universal Media Interface for connecting mobile audio devices and all components of the Premium 2 package.
The US model went on sale in summer of 2009.
Engines
BlueEFFICIENCY models include ECO start/stop function.