Mercedes-Benz CL500
The third generation of the CL is the W215-chassis coupé of 2000 to 2006. It is based on the 2000-2004/5 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, though it rides on an 8-inch shorter wheelbase. The CL coupes come equipped with the very latest in Mercedes-Benz technology, and the CL was the first model to receive new high-tech features such as the revolutionary Active Body Control fully-active suspension system and Bi-Xenon HID lights, both of which debuted as world firsts. It is offered as four models: the V8-powered CL500, the supercharged V8-powered CL55 AMG, the V12-powered CL600 and the rare bi-turbo V12-powered CL65 AMG - the limited-edition V12-powered CL63 AMG was sold in 2001 only - all of which seat four.
The CL-class is one of the most popular luxury coupes in the world, outselling rivals such as the Jaguar XK8 and the Bentley Continental GT. It has a lengthy list of available features, including the classics such as climate control, all-leather interior, wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated and cooled seats, and power moonroof, as well as optional features such as a heated steering wheel and a voice-activated telephone. Exclusive "designo" packages are also available, adding custom color metallic paint, custom color Nappa leather interior, and exotic burl walnut trim in three different variants: designo Cashmere, designo Espresso and designo Silver.
German manufacturers (except Porsche) usually limit their cars to a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph). The absence of this restriction for the CL series is justified by the fact that the CL55 AMG (which has the same power as the CL600) is sportier and more responsive while the CL600 is more luxurious with a smoother ride, and the rare and special order CL65 AMG is the most powerful of them all. The CL63 AMG was produced in only 26 examples for sale in November 2001, and was only available in Europe and Asia, never being offered for sale - all were sold exclusively through AMG at a base price of £110,000 (~US$200,000).
From 1999 through 2002, the V12-equipped cars featured a cylinder deactivation system called Active Cylinder Control. The feature was dropped when the 493hp biturbo V-12 was released. The engine specifications are presented in the table below.
| | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-100 km/h (62 mph) | Top speed |
| CL500 | 5.0 L V8 | 225 kW (306 hp DIN) | 460 N·m (339 ft·lbf) | 6.3 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL600 | Turbocharged 5.5 L V12 | 368 kW (500 hp DIN) | 800 N·m (590 ft·lbf) | 4.8 seconds | 250 km/h (155 mph) |
| CL55 AMG | Supercharged 5.5 L V8 | 368 kW (500 hp DIN Show off your love for the classic Mercedes-Benz CL500 2000 with a collection of stylish merchandise - posters, mouse pads, t-shirts, calendars - to suit any fashionista's needs. Get yours today and show everyone your appreciation of classic vehicles!
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