Mercedes-Benz CL update

It was the range-topping CL 63 AMG that attracted all the press in Sydney, but the full CL range has been upgraded for the new model year and will be launched locally next month.

"The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. It combines in a particular degree those things that characterise Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and responsibility," said Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management for Daimler AG.

"And with the new generation we have gone a step further, too – especially in the realm of efficiency. But in terms of design, safety, comfort and output, too – the CL shows the way forward: simply follow Mercedes."

Unveiled last month at the Paris motor show, the CL 500 BlueEfficiency incorporates the most extensive changes for the product range. The twin-turbo petrol V8 that powers it provides more power and more torque for lower fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. Measuring 4.7 litres, the new engine displaces 800cc less than the engine in the pre-upgrade CL 500, but produces 320kW of power and 700Nm of torque. Those figures are 35kW and 170Nm improvements on the output for the previous engine, resulting in an acceleration time of 4.9 seconds from standing start to 100km/h -- half a second better.

Combined-cycle fuel consumption is 9.5L/100km and CO2 emissions have come down from 288g/km to 224g/km, according to NEDC testing on 95 RON ULP. Benz claims to have achieved this level of efficiency through the use of piezo injectors for the direct-injection induction system and ignition based around four sparks per millisecond. Other features of the new engine include low-friction pistons/rings/cylinder sleeves, an 'on-demand' oil pump, three-phase management of the cooling system, an Eco-start/stop facility and battery recharging from the alternator on the engine overrun. The twin-turbo V12 in the CL 600 continues without change, apart from being Euro 5-compliant now.

Both the CL 500 BlueEfficiency and the CL 600 have been facelifted for the new model year and feature new driving aid technology. New grille, bonnet, bumper and headlights mark the new cars at the front, with LED daytime running lights, a chrome strip and three-intake apron being the most prominent changes. The headlights now integrate standard safety systems such as Intelligent Light System and Adaptive Highbeam Assist. Restyled tail lights are another visual cue to distinguish the revised CL from the previous model.

Benz has added active safety equipment to the C216-generation CL models, including the Active Lane Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist, both of which are also offered with the
new CLS. Both systems rely on the car's stability control system to correct potentially dangerous situations detected by the built-in radar and cameras. Stability control applies braking to the rear wheel on the side of the vehicle furthest from the point of danger, to steer the vehicle back into its lane (Active Lane Keep Assist) or away from a collision course with a vehicle possibly unseen by the driver (Active Blind Spot Assist).

Active Lane-Keeping Assist also alerts the driver to the vehicle crossing a dotted line by a motor generating warning vibration through the steering wheel. Both the new systems are allied to the standard Torque Vectoring Brake system, which brakes the inside rear wheel in a corner to reduce the prospect of understeer.

Active Body Control has been available in the CL range for years, first being introduced with the C215 generation in 1999 (this model is the C216 platform), but the active safety system has been updated with what Benz calls crosswind stabilisation. Working within milliseconds, the system can adjust "wheel load distribution" through the active suspension to compensate for changing loads when the vehicle is being blown around by a crosswind. In addition to the new feature, Active Body Control continues to provide flat handling and reduced dive and squat.

Benz has announced ahead of the car's local launch that the new CL 500 BlueEfficiency will sell for $337,000 and the CL 600 will be priced at $425,600.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at carsales' mobile site...