Benz biturbo V8s arrive Down Under

Mercedes-Benz has debuted its new generation twin-turbo V8 petrol engines in Australia in its technology flagship coupe, the CL-Class, which has also come in for a minor facelift.

Launched in Melbourne yesterday, the new CL-Class spearheads the Australian introduction of the German marque's new BlueDIRECT V8 engines. The twin-turbo direct-injected petrol engines promise improved power outputs, huge torque and significantly reduced fuel consumption.

The Mercedes-Benz CL 500 is ostensibly the 'entry-level' model in the CL-Class range though is priced at an eye-watering $337,000. It is powered by a new 4.7-litre biturbo V8 engine producing 320kW/700Nm -- an increase of 35kW and 170Nm over its predecessor. The engine is paired with a seven-speed automatic gearbox.

Tipping the scales at more than 2.0-tonnes, the German behemoth can sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just 4.9 seconds, yet is now 20 per cent more efficient, using a claimed 11.1L/100km and complying with Euro V emissions regulations. Australia has only just implemented Euro IV emissions standards.

The other new V8 in the updated CL-Class line-up is the bahn-storming CL 63 AMG, which is now powered by a 5.5-litre biturbo V8 engine developing 400kW/800Nm. Compared to AMG's stalwart 6.2-litre 63 series atmo engine, the new engine adds 170Nm and does so from much lower revs.

Mated to a seven-speed MCT gearbox for even quicker shifts, the new $423,300 AMG CL-class super-coupe accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds.

Surprisingly, the Affalterbach monster is greener than its CL 500 sibling, the Mercedes-Benz CL 63 using a claimed 10.6L/100km, representing a 27 per cent fuel consumption reduction. Part of these gains come from the new Start-stop system and ECO modes of the new AMG speedshift MCT transmission.

On top of the all-new V8 engines, Mercedes-Benz will continue to offer twin-turbo V12 models in the form of the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG. Prices are listed below.

As the one of the technology flagships in the Stuttgart carmaker's line-up, the updated CL-Class coupes also incorporates a number of new safety technologies, including Active Lane Keeping Assist, which can brake the inside wheels to bring you back into a lane, and Active Blind-Spot Assist, which will apply the brakes automatically if it detects the CL is about to merge into a lane occupied with another car.

"In 1996 we introduced ESP [stability control] for the first time, and as you know ESP has reduced accident rates by more than 30 per cent. It was launched in the CL and today we are launching a new safety technology in this CL, called Active Lane Keeping Assist. It is the first application of its type in Australia," said Horst von Sanden, the managing director of Mercedes-Benz Australia.

On top of the new safety technologies, the CL-Class has been given a slight nip and tuck, including a new bonnet, grille, LED daytime running lamps and front quarter panels that delete the blistered wheel arches.

The rear bumper has also been tweaked to include integrated exhaust pipes and the interior sees upgraded telematics with a new split-view screen, which displays different infotainment to the driver and front passenger.

Other standard features on the new CL-Class include adaptive main beam assist, Distronic plus radar cruise control, 20-inch wheels, Attention assist, exterior mirrors with arrow shaped led indicators, leather upholstery, auto seat belt adjustment, Bluetooth connectivity, Linguatronic voice control, twin USB ports and a Harman Kardon Logic7 surround sound system are all standard.

Active Body Control (ABC) is now included as standard on all CL-Class models. This semi-active suspension system reduces pitch and roll when cornering and braking/accelerating via hydraulics. Air suspension is not available. On top of this the car will also compensate for cross winds and the brakes have torque vectoring, meaning the car will automatically brake inside front wheel if you're understeering.

Night View assist is now standard as well.

Not surprisingly, given their stratospheric pricetags there are very few options for the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Smaller sized alloy wheels in 18- and 19-inch sizes are the only real options, as buyers can customise the interior colour schemes to their own tastes, including the new "Puff Daddy" white leather interior.

As von Sanden stated, "CL is the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz. Usually we see Benz's oldest buyers returning to this model. It does not [sell in] huge volumes, but it is a very attractive motor car."

Updated CL-Class range pricing is as follows:
CL500 $337,000
CL63 AMG $423,300
CL 600: $425,600
CL 65 AMG: $519,250

Photos: Mercedes-Benz CL 63 AMG - first three images, Mercedes-Benz CL500 - last five images.

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