The new Mercedes S-class is due in showrooms in 2013 – and the luxury limo will soon be joined by this sleek new two-door CL coupe version.
Codenamed C217, this is a straightforward full-size two-door version of the S-class, as depicted in our artist’s impression. It hunkers down lower to the tarmac, though this remains very much the gentleman’s coupe with refinement, ease of access and comfort paramount. You’ll have to wait for the £100,000+ AMG versions if you want outright sportiness.
Mercedes-Benz CL: more about the C217
Based on Daimler’s new MRA modular rear-wheel drive architecture, the new CL is bursting with the group’s latest technological know-how.
Lighter, more rigid and more flexible than the current platform, MRA introduces a reengineered state-of-the-art four-link front axle which separates the steering and braking forces from the spring and damper action, according to CAR’s sources.
Although the new 2013 S-class will offer four-cylinder power for the first time, the CL will stick with the higher-end engines, stretching from V6s through heartland V8s and up to the V12 in the CL600 and CL65 AMG. At the mid-life facelift, Daimler’s new straight six engine family will eventually replace the V6s.
Tech onboard the new 2014 Mercedes CL
Unlike Audi and BMW, Mercedes is keeping a relatively low carbonfibre profile, concentrating on steel, aluminium and magnesium instead. The one notable exception is the new CL63 AMG which sports a roof, lids and doors made of carbonfibre supplied by MB’s partner Toray of Japan.
Inside, the new Mercedes CL gets a completely redesigned dashboard with two large-format monitors, programmable instruments, extended voice and gesture control, head-up display, knee ‘bags and belt-integrated airbags.
The long list of innovative driver aids includes dynamic LED headlights, the so-called Magic Carpet Ride chassis featuring a clever camera-based damper adjustment system, an even more intelligent brake assistant with cross traffic recognition and a new active cruise control which can even execute lane changes and overtaking manoeuvres.
Where the new CL fits into Merc’s new S-class family
The CL is one of seven new S-class family members, as Merc stretches the range wider and higher in the wake of the collapse of Maybach.
There’ll be a variety of new saloons (now available in four wheelbases: SWB, LWB, XLWB and the planned Pullman stretch limo), the CL in coupe and convertible bodystyles and – eventually – a full-size four-door coupe, dubbed V217.