2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600: Defining Luxury and Performance in a Coupe

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 marked the zenith of Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious 50-year coupe heritage. Launched in autumn 2006, this grand tourer seamlessly blended unparalleled exclusivity with a captivating design and groundbreaking technology, solidifying its position as a leader in the luxury automotive sector. As the seventh generation of the esteemed Mercedes-Benz large coupes, the 2007 CL-Class, particularly the CL 600, built upon the success of its predecessors, inheriting a legacy of innovation and sophistication. The outgoing CL-Class model had already established itself as a top-selling luxury coupe, with approximately 46,800 units finding homes worldwide. The lineage of these prestigious Mercedes coupes traces back to 1952 with the iconic 300 S Coupe, hailed by the motoring press as a vehicle for the global elite. This was followed by the 220 S Coupe in 1956, part of the W 180 series, which captured public attention with its distinctive “Pontoon” body. In 1961, the 220 SEb Coupe (W 111 series) continued the tradition with its elegant, elongated silhouette.

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 proudly carried forward design elements celebrated throughout Mercedes-Benz coupe history. Features such as the fully retractable side windows, creating an uninterrupted opening without a B-pillar, and the expansive, gracefully curved panoramic rear windscreen, were reinterpreted for the modern era. These elements, reminiscent of the 1961 220 SE Coupe, underscored the timeless appeal of Mercedes-Benz coupe design.

The 2007 CL 600 also pushed boundaries in vehicle safety with the introduction of PRE-SAFE Brake, an innovative system designed to automatically initiate braking if a rear-end collision was imminent. Standard features included other Mercedes-Benz pioneering technologies such as Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, the Intelligent Light System with five distinct lighting functions, and the anticipatory occupant protection system, PRE-SAFE. Buyers had a choice of potent eight or twelve-cylinder engines, with the CL 600 model representing the pinnacle of performance.

Inside the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600, luxury was paramount. The interior was adorned with PASSION leather, meticulously selected poplar wood trim, and an Alcantara roof liner featuring quilted stitching, creating an atmosphere of first-class opulence. Designo seats, chrome door sill panels, and deep-pile floor mats with leather edging further enhanced the sophisticated ambiance. The standard specification was comprehensive, including dynamic multicontour seats with massage and ventilation functions, the COMAND APS hard-disc navigation system, a LOGIC7 surround sound system with DVD changer, and the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorization system.

Technologically, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 was unmatched. Its Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, in an even more refined iteration, delivered exceptional handling dynamics while simultaneously improving ride comfort. Utilizing sensor inputs and specialized hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC effectively minimized body roll and pitch during acceleration, cornering, and braking. The system reacted instantaneously to ensure optimal body damping in any driving situation. At speeds exceeding 60 km/h in Sport mode, ABC lowered the car’s body by up to ten millimeters, reducing aerodynamic drag and enhancing handling stability.

Powering the 2007 CL 600 was a state-of-the-art biturbo twelve-cylinder engine. Mercedes-Benz engineers refined numerous aspects of this engine, boosting output by 12 kW/17 hp to an impressive 380 kW/517 hp compared to its predecessor. Maximum torque, readily available from just 1900 rpm, was increased by 30 Newton meters to a formidable 830 Newton meters, remaining constant up to 3500 rpm. The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 could accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.6 seconds (previously 4.8 seconds). Despite this performance gain, the V12 engine was also more efficient, consuming 0.4 liters less fuel per 100 kilometers than the previous CL 600.

In conclusion, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CL 600 represented a high point in luxury coupes, combining a rich heritage with cutting-edge technology and exhilarating performance. It was a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to excellence and innovation, solidifying its place as a benchmark in the grand touring segment.