The Mercedes-Benz CL 600 V12 (C216) represents the pinnacle of luxury grand touring offered by Mercedes-Benz between 2006 and 2010. Part of the second generation (C216) CL-Class, this variant was positioned as the flagship model, boasting a powerful V12 engine and a sophisticated 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission. The C216 CL-Class itself was a two-door, four-seat coupe built on a shortened S-Class platform, emphasizing a more driver-focused experience than its sedan sibling while maintaining the brand’s commitment to opulent comfort and advanced technology. The CL 600 V12 was the range-topping model, offering a significant step up in performance and exclusivity compared to the CL 500 and CL 550 variants.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CL |
| Generation | CL (C216) |
| Type (Engine) | CL 600 V12 (517 Hp) 5G-TRONIC |
| Start of production | 2006 |
| End of production | 2010 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Coupe |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 2 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 21.7 l/100 km (10.8 US mpg, 13 UK mpg, 4.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 14.3 l/100 km (16.4 US mpg, 19.8 UK mpg, 7 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 340 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 4.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 4.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 250 km/h (155.34 mph), Electronically limited |
| Emission standard | Euro 4 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 4.1 kg/Hp, 245 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 2.5 kg/Nm, 393.4 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 517 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 93.8 Hp/l |
| Torque | 830 Nm @ 1900-3500 rpm (612.18 lb.-ft. @ 1900-3500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M 275.953 |
| Engine displacement | 5513 cm3 (336.42 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 12 |
| Engine configuration | V-engine |
| Cylinder Bore | 82 mm (3.23 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 87 mm (3.43 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 3 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | BiTurbo, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 9 l (9.51 US qt, 7.92 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12.3 l (13 US qt, 10.82 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 2110 kg (4651.75 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2620 kg (5776.11 lbs.) |
| Max load | 510 kg (1124.36 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 490 l (17.3 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 90 l (23.78 US gal, 19.8 UK gal) |
| Length | 5065 mm (199.41 in.) |
| Width | 1871 mm (73.66 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2139 mm (84.21 in.) |
| Height | 1419 mm (55.87 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2955 mm (116.34 in.) |
| Front track | 1601 mm (63.03 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1607 mm (63.27 in.) |
| Front overhang | 917 mm (36.1 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 1193 mm (46.97 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.28 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 11.6 m (38.06 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission G-TRONIC |
| Front suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Rear suspension | Hydraulic elements, Independent multi-link suspension |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 255/45 R18; 255/40 R19; 255/35 R20Rear wheel tires: 275/45 R18; 275/40 R19; 275/35 R20 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 8.5J x 18; 8.5J x 19; 8.5J x 20Rear wheel rims: 9.5J x 18; 9.5J x 19; 9.5J x 20 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the CL 600 V12 is the M275.953 engine, a 5.5-liter V12 powerplant. This engine utilizes twin turbochargers and intercoolers to produce 517 horsepower at 5000 rpm and a massive 830 Nm (612 lb-ft) of torque between 1900 and 3500 rpm. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) valvetrain with three valves per cylinder. Fuel is delivered via multi-port fuel injection. The M275 engine was notable for its robust construction and smooth power delivery, characteristics highly valued in a luxury grand tourer. The engine is longitudinally mounted at the front of the vehicle.
Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through a 5G-TRONIC automatic transmission. This transmission, a five-speed unit, was known for its smooth and responsive shifts. While not as many gears as modern automatics, the 5G-TRONIC was well-matched to the engine’s torque curve, providing effortless acceleration and comfortable cruising. The transmission featured adaptive shift programs, adjusting shift points based on driving style and conditions.
Driving Characteristics
The CL 600 V12 offered a driving experience characterized by effortless power and supreme comfort. The immense torque available from low engine speeds meant that the car could accelerate strongly in virtually any gear. The 0-60 mph sprint was dispatched in around 4.4 seconds, and the electronically limited top speed of 155 mph was easily reached. However, the car’s substantial weight (over 4600 lbs) meant it didn’t feel as agile as some lighter coupes. The focus was on providing a relaxed and refined grand touring experience, rather than outright sporty handling. Compared to the CL 500 or CL 550, the V12 offered a significantly more powerful and refined experience, but at the cost of increased fuel consumption.
Equipment & Trim Levels
As the flagship model, the CL 600 V12 came standard with a comprehensive list of luxury features. These included premium leather upholstery, wood trim, multi-contour heated and ventilated front seats with massage function, a premium sound system, and a sophisticated climate control system. Standard safety features included ABS, traction control, stability control, and a host of airbags. Optional extras included a panoramic sunroof, Distronic adaptive cruise control, and a rear seat entertainment system. Interior color combinations were extensive, allowing buyers to personalize their vehicle to a high degree.
Chassis & Braking
The CL 600 V12 utilized an independent multi-link suspension system at both the front and rear, incorporating hydraulic elements for a smooth and controlled ride. Ventilated disc brakes were fitted to all four wheels, providing ample stopping power. The car’s substantial weight necessitated a robust braking system. Active Body Control (ABC), Mercedes-Benz’s active suspension system, was standard, further enhancing ride comfort and reducing body roll. The steering was a hydraulic rack and pinion system, providing precise and responsive control.
Market Reception & Comparison
The CL 600 V12 was generally well-received by automotive critics, who praised its powerful engine, luxurious interior, and advanced technology. However, its high price tag and significant fuel consumption were often noted. Compared to the CL 500 and CL 550, the V12 offered a substantial performance upgrade, but at a considerable cost. The CL 600 V12 appealed to buyers who prioritized ultimate luxury and performance above all else. Fuel economy was predictably poor, averaging around 16 mpg in combined driving.
Legacy
The M275 V12 engine, while complex, has proven to be relatively reliable when properly maintained. However, maintenance costs are significantly higher than those for the V8 engines found in the CL 500 and CL 550. Today, the CL 600 V12 (C216) is a sought-after vehicle among collectors and enthusiasts who appreciate its unique combination of luxury, performance, and exclusivity. Finding well-maintained examples can be challenging, and prospective buyers should be prepared for potentially high repair bills. Despite its age, the CL 600 V12 remains a statement vehicle, representing the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and design from the mid-2000s.
