2014 Mercedes-Benz CL Flagship Coupe
Model year 2014 marks the final year for this generation premium coupe. One of the signature vehicles that Mercedes-Benz offers without competition amongst key competitors such as G, GL, and SL, its customers are amongst the most sought-after.
Overall, the company’s premium two-door coupe line offers a choice of V8 or V12 power, plus high-performance AMG versions of each. The biturbopowered CL550 4MATIC coupe (429 hp, 516 lb.-ft. of torque) has standard allwheel drive, and the CL63 AMG model comes with a high-performance 5.5-liter AMG version of the biturbo V8 (536 hp, 590 lb.-ft.) and AMG’s award-winning MCT transmission. The V12-powered CL600 (510 hp, 612 lb.-ft.) and the CL65 AMG (621 hp, 738 lb.-ft.) round out the CL coupe line.
Fuel-Efficient Transmission
The 2014 CL line features a transmission with an advanced torque converter lock-up clutch that provides optimal fuel mileage, responsive driving, quiet operation and increased durability.
The transmission is designed to work best with a new type of low-viscosity ATF transmission fluid – colored blue instead of the usual red. Together with special planetary gears, bearings and internal seals, the "FE-ATF" fluid provides less friction and improved fuel mileage. Lower hydraulic pressure and enhanced electronic software helps provide even smoother shifting.
Advanced COMAND
Inside the cabin, the COMAND system comes with an eight-inch color display, GPS navigation, a ten-gigabyte music storage hard drive, an SD card slot, voice control and a six-disc CD/DVD changer. The system includes a Bluetooth interface for wireless audio streaming and hands-free phone operation,
HD/AM/weatherband radio, an FM phase-diversity twin tuner, Sirius-XM
satellite radio and a USB port in the center console. The powerful navigation
system offers many new features, including a 3D city-map display, a compass
overlay and the ability to show alternate routes.
Smaller Engine with Twin Turbos
Under its refined skin, the all-wheel-drive CL550 4MATIC coupe is powered by a V8 that features direct fuel injection, twin turbochargers and multi-spark ignition. The 4.6-liter V8 generates 429 horsepower and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.
Direct Injection with Piezo Injectors
The V8 makes use of industry-leading piezo-electric fuel injectors that spray gasoline directly into the combustion chambers. Featuring a piezo-ceramic crystalline element that changes shape when electrical current is applied, blazingly fast piezo injectors make it possible to design very sensitive and precise injection systems, including the ability to program several small injections with each piston stroke. This is especially impressive, considering that engines idle around 20 strokes per second and at high speeds, run at about 200 strokes every second.
Multi-Spark Works with Multi-Squirt
Working together with the spray-guided direct injection, a rapid multi-spark ignition system begins combustion with the first spark, but has the capability to recharge and deliver up to three more sparks within a single millisecond, creating a gas plasma with more expansion than conventional ignition. The time lapse between sparks is adjustable, so combustion duration can actually be controlled, resulting in two percent better fuel economy, and a total of four percent improvement in combination with its companion direct fuel injection system.
A Showcase of Safety and Convenience Features
Available in 47 states, the innovative SPLITVIEW dual-content viewscreen allows the driver and front passenger to view two different programs at the same time. For example, the driver can be viewing the navigation system, while on the very same display screen, the passenger (from a different angle) is watching a movie.
CL coupes equipped with optional DISTRONIC PLUS also come with Active Blind Spot Assist, which monitors both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver gets visual and audible warnings.
The optional Active Lane Keeping Assist recognizes lane markings (thanks to a multi-purpose camera in the windshield and a computer that analyzes the images) and alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel if the car drifts from its lane without the turn signals on.
Both Active Lane Keeping Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist incorporate an intervention feature, in which ESP braking automatically helps correct the car’s course if the driver doesn’t heed the initial warning.
ATTENTION ASSIST Cautions "Time For A Rest?"
Standard equipment on all CL coupes is ATTENTION ASSIST, which can alert drivers to the first signs of drowsiness, a factor that causes more than 100,000 accidents a year in the U.S. A steering sensor is coupled to smart software that uses more than 70 parameters to establish a unique driver profile during the first minutes of driving. These parameters include steering inputs, use of controls, speed, time of day, duration of drive etc. This profile then is constantly compared against driving behavior. The system identifies the erratic driving characteristics drivers show as they begin to get drowsy and triggers an audible warning, and a "Time for a rest?" message with a coffee cup icon appears in the instrument cluster.
Among other available options, Night View Assist PLUS allows a driver to see pedestrians up to 300 feet earlier than before. When the system recognizes pedestrians, they appear in the display with an outlined frame highlighting each person.
In contrast to passive systems that rely on thermal imaging, this active system bathes the road ahead with invisible infra-red light from two beams mounted in the headlights. Extending the driver’s ability to see ahead to nearly 500 feet, Night View Assist PLUS uses an infra-red camera in the windshield and displays the reflected images as highly detailed black & white video images in the instrument cluster.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses the same camera to detect both headlights and taillights, then softly and automatically transitions between high and low beams to avoid dazzling other drivers. With this system, the range of the headlights can be infinitely varied from 220 feet to up to 1,000 feet.
PRE-SAFE® Brake Can Automatically Apply Full Braking in
Emergencies
Standard on all CL coupe models, the "basic" PRE-SAFE® system moves the front passenger seat to provide better protection during those valuable seconds just before a possible impact. Side windows also close to provide better support for the window curtain air bags, and special seat cushions can inflate to provide greater lateral support and to help the side air bags provide even better protection. If the system senses an impending rollover, the sunroof closes as well.
The launch of the current-generation CL coupe marked the debut of another revolutionary Mercedes-Benz safety feature – PRE-SAFE® brake, which automatically applies braking in certain types of emergencies. Any CL coupe fitted with the radar-based DISTRONIC PLUS system can reap the benefits of PRE-SAFE Brake. The latest system sounds three warning tones when it senses an impending collision. About 1.6 seconds before impact is likely, partial braking is automatically initiated, and the PRE-SAFE occupant protection system is activated. If the driver still fails to react, full-power braking is initiated about 0.6 seconds before the collision, reducing the impact and acting as an "electronic crumple zone."
DISTRONIC PLUS Helps in Stop-and-Go Traffic
The optional DISTRONIC PLUS adaptive cruise control system uses radar sensors to help maintain a pre-set following distance behind the vehicle ahead.
DISTRONIC PLUS works at speeds up to 125 mph and can be especially helpful in stop-and-go traffic. Short-range 24-gigahertz radar sweeps the first 33 yards in a fan-shaped 80-degree pattern, working in tandem with a narrower ninedegree beam of longer-range radar. The two radar frequencies complement each other to cover a full range of more than 160 yards – more than 1½ football fields. During approval of the new radar frequency, government agencies cited its potential to improve traffic safety, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives.
DISTRONIC PLUS utilizes six ultrasonic sensors mounted behind the front and rear bumpers – eliminating the need for the visible "portholes" of the previous ultrasonic-based system. At low speeds, the system scans available parking spaces and displays a "P" in the dash if the car will fit in the space. When reverse gear is engaged, the parking system superimposes guidance lines on the rear-view camera display, and the guidance lines actually change with steering input to make parking easier.
Non-AMG CL models come with Direct Steer, which uses variable-ratio gearing in the steering rack to provide impressive on-center steering feel, with even higher responsiveness beyond the first five degrees of steering angle. In contrast to the electronics of ATTENTION ASSIST, Direct Steer is purely mechanical, minimizing steering effort during cornering and in low-speed maneuvers such as parking.
Torque-Vectoring Brake
Standard on all CL coupes, a Torque Vectoring feature within the ESP stability control system is specifically designed to sharpen steering response during spirited driving. When sharp, aggressive steering inputs from the driver are sensed, brief braking pulses at the inside rear wheel help pivot the vehicle and improve active handling response.
CL63 AMG Fitted with 536-Horsepower V8 Engine
The CL63 AMG features a larger, 5.5-liter version of the twin-turbo, directinjection V8 that produces 536 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque. In addition, the high-performance premium coupe is fitted with AMG’s awardwinning MCT (for multi-clutch technology) transmission.
With an innovative start-up clutch that replaces a conventional torque converter and runs in an oil bath, the seven-speed MCT transmission combines the direct connection of a manual gearbox with the lightning-quick automatic gear shifts of a Formula 1 race car.
Exclusive AMG Styling, Inside and Out
The CL63 AMG can be identified by unique body styling, alloy wheels, sports suspension and high-performance brake system – all designed by AMG specifically for this model. A muscular front bumper with large air intakes houses round fog lights ringed in chrome, and a "V8 Biturbo" badge marks each front fender. Contoured side skirts carry the aggressive lines of the front bumper to the rear, where an AMG rear apron emphasizes the width of the vehicle. A pair of twin tailpipes completes the exclusive look and sound of the AMG model. When equipped with the optional AMG Performance Package, the CL63 can achieve an electronically-limited top speed of 186 mph on 20-inch twin-spoke alloy wheels.
Inside the CL63 AMG, drivers are greeted by an AMG sport steering wheel with distinctive aluminum shift paddles and AMG multi-contour leather sport seats finished in special piping. A Sport-Comfort-Manual button on the center console allows the driver to choose between the three different transmission shift programs that also fine-tune accelerator pedal response and sportsuspension spring and shock absorber settings. Finishing the interior is an exclusive analog clock based on the design of the "IWC-Ingenieur" series in the center of the dashboard.
Active Suspension and Powerful Brakes
The CL63 AMG suspension and brake systems are designed for highperformance driving. AMG makes good use of the Mercedes-Benz ABC active suspension, tuning it for even flatter cornering and less body movement when accelerating and braking.
The AMG twin sliding calipers on the front brakes combine the performance of a large fixed caliper with the distinct advantages of a floating caliper – primarily lower heat transfer to the brake fluid. Large compound brake discs -- 15.4 inches in diameter up front and 14.4 inches in the rear – help ensure short stopping distances even during high-speed driving.
The CL63 AMG sedan comes with 20-inch staggered AMG light alloy wheels, 8.5 inches wide in front and 9.5 inches at the rear, wearing low-profile 255/35 (front) and 275/35 (rear) tires.
V12 Power for the CL Coupe
Turning to the V12 side of the CL family, the CL600 is equipped in the spirit of the legendary 600-Class "Grand Mercedes." Fitted with greater levels of wood and leather trim, the V12-powered flagship comes with virtually all options as standard equipment, including DISTRONIC PLUS, infrared Nightview Assist, KEYLESS-GO, rear view camera, ABC active suspension, three-zone climate control, and an integrated hands-free communication system with voice control.
Biturbo V12 Engine
Powered by a biturbo V12 engine that generates 510 horsepower and an astonishing 612 lb.-ft. of torque, the CL600 model blends the whisper-smooth performance of the flagship Mercedes-Benz four-door sedan with the astonishing power of a twin-turbo V12 engine. At the same time, the biturbo V12 comes clothed in luxury, convenience and refinement that define its rarified market. The 60-degree V12 engine provides effortless thrust with turbine-like smoothness and a vast power band that reaches peak torque as low as 1,800 rpm.
6.0-Liter V12 AMG Engine Redefines Performance
The CL65 AMG features a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that produces 621 horsepower and an astounding 738 lb-ft of torque. While the formidable engine can accelerate the car from zero to 60 mph in about 4.2 seconds, the super-smooth twelve-cylinder powerplant is also ideally suited for relaxed cruising.
The CL65 AMG engine features a number of high-tech modifications, including a precision-balanced longer-stroke crankshaft, larger-bore forged pistons and beefier bearings and oil-spray cooling system. The twelve-cylinder engine is assembled by hand at the AMG engine facility in Affalterbach, Germany. The "one-man, one-engine" philosophy at AMG is symbolized by a signature plate on the engine bearing the name of the master technician who built the engine.
