What’s under the hood

Irrespective of whether a CL 500 or CL 600 badge is affixed to the body, the petrol-burning monster under the hood can be considered immensely powerful. The so-called “base” CL 500, weighing in at 4,400 pounds, is home to a 5.5-liter, 32-valve V8 pushing 388 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 391 lb.-ft. of torque at 2,800 rpm. Fuel economy is rated at 19.4 mpg in mixed driving, though that figure likely requires leaving many of those ponies corralled. Mercedes-Benz estimates 0-62 mph in 5.4 seconds with a top speed of 155 mph.

Move up to the 4,800-lb. CL 600 and be rewarded with a bi-turbo 5.5-liter, 36-valve V12 cranking out 517 horsepower at 5,000 rpm and 612 lb.-ft. of torque from 1,900 to 3,500 rpm. Anyone need a city block moved? A combined fuel economy rating of 16.4 mpg might be difficult to achieve with so much temptation under foot. The all-important 0-62 mph run takes all of 4.6 seconds, suggesting that it won’t take long for the CL 600 to reach its electronically-limited top speed of 155 mph.

All CL-Class models feature a seven-speed automatic transmission, as well as Mercedes-Benz’s Active Body Control suspension, featuring a four-link axle system up front and a multi-link setup on the rear. Vented disc brakes work with ABS and electronic brake assist to slow down the beefy rubber – 235/55R17 on the CL 500 and 255/45R18 (front) and 275/45R18 (rear) on the CL 600.