Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Coupé (C215) · CL

C215

Flagship two-door luxury for the new millennium.

Production
1999–2006
Built
48,039
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.

ModelLata modeloweZbudowanoPodwozieSilnikSkrzynia biegówRazem
CL 5002000–200208.1999–08.2002215.375113.96032,224
CL 5002003–200609.2002–02.2006215.375113.960uwzględnione powyżej
CL 55 AMG200009.1999–07.2000215.375113.9862,217
CL 55 AMG F1 Limited Edition20002000–2000215.373113.98655
CL 55 AMG2001–200208.2000–08.2002215.373113.986uwzględnione powyżej
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 AMG200209.2001–06.2002215.378137.980uwzględnione powyżej
CL 65 AMG2004–200603.2004–12.2005215.379275.980777

* Opublikowana liczba produkcji obejmuje każdą serię tego modelu; źródło nie rozbija jej dalej.

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 KM przy 5,600 obr./min

    460 N·m

    339 lb·ft przy 2,700 obr./min

  • 113.986 5.4 L · 5,439 cc

    360 PS

    265 kW · 355 KM przy 5,500 obr./min

    530 N·m

    391 lb·ft przy 3,150 obr./min

M275

V12
  • 275.950 5.5 L · 5,513 cc

    500 PS

    368 kW · 493 KM przy 5,000 obr./min

    800 N·m

    590 lb·ft przy 1,800 obr./min

  • 275.980 6.0 L · 5,980 cc

    612 PS

    450 kW · 604 KM przy 4,800 obr./min

    1000 N·m

    738 lb·ft przy 2,000 obr./min

M137

V12
  • 137.980 6.3 L · 6,258 cc

    444 PS

    327 kW · 438 KM przy 5,500 obr./min

    620 N·m

    457 lb·ft przy 4,400 obr./min