Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupé (C215) · 2nd Generation CL

C215

Flagship two-door luxury for the new millennium.

Production
1999–2006
Built
47,984
Body
Coupé
Chassis
C215
Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupé (C215) (C215)

After the massive C140, Mercedes-Benz's next flagship coupé chose elegance over excess — the C215 CL-Class was lower, sleeker, and powered by a new generation of V8 and V12 engines that matched its more contemporary silhouette.

The C215 CL-Class debuted in 1999 on a dedicated platform distinct from the W220 S-Class sedan, with frameless side glass and a range of engines from the 4.0-liter V8 through the 5.8-liter and 6.0-liter V12s. Active Body Control suspension, Distronic adaptive cruise control, and the COMAND navigation system placed the CL at the forefront of Mercedes-Benz technology; AMG variants including the CL 55 and CL 65 offered supercharged and twin-turbocharged performance in a grand-touring body.

Produced from 1999 to 2006, the C215 CL-Class bridged the hand-built C140 era and the more integrated C216 generation — a technological flagship that proved Mercedes-Benz could make a large coupé feel agile as well as opulent.

C215 interior
Cabin details of the C215, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

9 model designations across 1999–2006 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the C215.

ModelloModel yearProduzioneTelaioMotoreCambioTotale
CL 5002000–200208.1999–08.2002215.375113.96032,224
CL 5002003–200609.2002–02.2006215.375113.960incluso sopra
CL 55 AMG200009.1999–07.2000215.375113.9862,217
CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition20002000–2000215.373113.98655
CL 55 AMG2001–200208.2000–08.2002215.373113.986incluso sopra
CL 55 AMG2003–200609.2002–12.2005215.374113.9914,163
CL 6002000–200201.2000–08.2002215.378137.9706,348
CL 6002003–200609.2002–12.2005215.376275.9502,255
CL 63 AMG2001–200209.2001–06.2002215.378137.980incluso sopra
CL 65 AMG2005–200603.2004–12.2005215.379275.980777

* Il dato di produzione pubblicato copre tutte le serie di quel modello; la fonte non lo scompone ulteriormente.

C215 side profile
Studio profile of the C215 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

Year by year.

ABC, ceramic brakes and twin-turbo AMG power — the material changes across the C215 CL-Class.

  1. 2000
    • The CL 500 launched the C215 in the US with pillarless four-seat bodywork and standard Active Body Control hydraulic suspension.
    • The CL 600 added the naturally aspirated 5.8-litre M137 V12; early V12 cars are mechanically distinct from the later twin-turbo model.
    • The 55-car CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition introduced carbon-fibre-reinforced ceramic brake discs to a production road car, with 19-inch wheels and F1-specific trim.
  2. 2001
    • The CL 55 AMG joined with a naturally aspirated 5.4-litre M113 V8.
  3. 2003
    • The facelift brought clear-lens twin headlamps, a reshaped front bumper, revised mirrors with entry lighting, brighter tail lamps and a 6.5-inch widescreen COMAND display.
    • The CL 600 changed to the 493-hp twin-turbo M275 V12; the CL 55 AMG gained a supercharger and 493 hp.
    • Revised ABC control and PRE-SAFE occupant preparation distinguished the post-facelift cars technically as well as visually.
  4. 2005
    • The CL 65 AMG arrived in the US with a 604-hp 6.0-litre twin-turbo V12, 738 lb-ft of torque, larger AMG brakes and model-specific wheels and body trim.
  5. 2006
    • Final model year for the C215; production ended after 47,984 cars before the C216 replacement.
C215 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the C215.

Engines.

The M113, M137 and M275 as fitted to the C215.

M113

V8
  • 113.960 5.0 L · 4,966 cc

    306 PS

    225 kW · 302 hp a 5,600 giri/min

    460 N·m

    339 lb·ft a 2,700 giri/min

  • 113.986 5.4 L · 5,439 cc

    360 PS

    265 kW · 355 hp a 5,500 giri/min

    530 N·m

    391 lb·ft a 3,150 giri/min

M275

V12
  • 275.950 5.5 L · 5,513 cc

    500 PS

    368 kW · 493 hp a 5,000 giri/min

    800 N·m

    590 lb·ft a 1,800 giri/min

  • 275.980 6.0 L · 5,980 cc

    612 PS

    450 kW · 604 hp a 4,800 giri/min

    1000 N·m

    738 lb·ft a 2,000 giri/min

M137

V12
  • 137.980 6.3 L · 6,258 cc

    444 PS

    327 kW · 438 hp a 5,500 giri/min

    620 N·m

    457 lb·ft a 4,400 giri/min