Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

With aggressive styling, more-assertive engines, luxurious interiors, and endless customization available, Mercedes- Benz succeeded in establishing the 4-seat 2012 CL-Class as the thinking and (very well-to-do) working man’s high-end transportation. From the base 2012 Mercedes Benz CL550 Coupe to the 612-horsepower V12 Biturbo-equipped CL65 AMG, the CL-Class Coupes offer a balance of performance and livability that make them stand out not only against other cars in their class, but amongst others in their lofty price point as well.

Through its COMAND system, any 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class can be adapted to almost any driver. COMAND tailors the car to preferred driving styles and comfort settings, allowing all drivers a very personal experience. Wherever you keep your seat, you’ll find a superb mix of handling, power and ride quality. The smoothness of the ride, even at a healthy gallop, is stunning. Not to say it isn’t exciting. Far from it. The paddle shifted transmission (7-speeds for the V8s, 5-speeds for V12 models) is seamless and precise, and the active suspension keeps the power flowing where it needs to go. That’s very good for the driver because no matter which 2012 CL-Class you end up in, there’s no lack of power.

The interior of the 2012 Mercedes CL-Class is easy to overlook. Its lack of over-the-top design and extravagance can be numbing at first until you notice just how well turned-out it is. The wood trim is rich and smartly applied, the center console wider than most and gives a sense of space and comfort. The leather is everywhere and immaculate. The ubiquitous monitor is well integrated into the dashboard and manages not to mar the elegance of the interior. Rear seat legroom is average, but the seats are so good you shouldn’t receive any complaints.

The 2012 CL-Class demonstrates brilliant integration of recent Mercedes design aesthetics. Even from a cursory glance it’s easy to spot the protractor-perfect yet natural looking roofline.The AMG versions of the 2012 CL-Class push the aggression with a wider-slotted grille and jowly air intakes up front. All models are understated until you really start paying attention to their details.

COMAND
Yes, it’s a bear to set up. Once it is, though, COMAND provides for a level of personalization that is as elegant as it is useful.

Treated Glass
It’s an odd thing to love, but the glass in the CL-Class is treated to both reduce outside noise as well as keep radiant heat and UV-rays from cooking the cabin. That’s the kind of German attention to detail we love.

The 2012 CL550 Coupe features 4MATIC all-wheel drive (AWD) along with an Adaptive Dampening System, Airmatic semi-active suspension, and direct-steer system that varies the steering ratio according to how far you turn the wheel. The 2012 CL600 Coupe adds Active Body Control and the twin-turbo V12. Both AMG models give you Biturbo-enhanced engines, AMG sport seats, AMG instrument cluster, sports pedals and one impressively pretty analog dashboard clock. COMAND is standard along with nine airbags and heated/ventilated front seats.

The 2012 CL550 Coupe has available packages offering a rearview camera, blind-spot assist, Active Lane-Keeping Assist, AMG-styled body pieces, and up to 20-inch wheels. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL600 Coupe is offered without additional options. The CL-Class AMG models have various wheel upgrades and carbon fiber trim pieces available.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class engines are monsters. The CL550 Coupe packs a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 429 horsepower with a 0-60 time of under 5.0 seconds. The 2012 CL600 Coupe gets a twin-turbo V12 rated at 510 horsepower. The CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG have a biturbo V8 and V12 respectively. That CL65 AMG engine gives you 612 horsepower and a gargantuan 738 lb-ft of torque. Performance specs are different enough for all models that there should be a CL-Class for all buyers. At least all those who hold the top one-percent of wealth. Those looking for something more specific can get an AMG Performance Package for the CL63 that boosts horsepower, torque and top speed.

4.6-liter V8 Twin-Turbocharged
429 horsepower @ 5,250 rpm
516 lb-ft torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/24

5.5-liter V12 Twin-Turbocharged
510 horsepower @ 5,000 rpm
612 lb-ft torque @ 1,800-3,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18

5.5-liter V8 BiTurbo
536 horsepower @ 5,500 rpm
590 lb-ft torque @ 2,000-4,500 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 15/22

6.0-liter V12 BiTurbo
612 horsepower @ 4,800-5,750 rpm
738 lb-ft torque @ 2,000-4,300 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 12/18