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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

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Overview

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

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.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you've got it, don't feel a need to flaunt it, but occasionally like to take it for a run, the 2012 Mercedes CL-Class Coupes give you all that you can handle plus a beautiful environment inside.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you dread setting up a new computer, TV, or any electronic device, the COMAND system might send a chill up your spine. The owner's manual clocks in at over 700 pages. Saying COMAND takes some setting up is understatement.

How It Ranks

#2

out of 7

MPG

#7

out of 7

Horsepower

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Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2012

Changes for 2012 are minor for the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.

Driving the CL-Class

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions 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.

Favorite Features

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.

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Details

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

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.

Exterior

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.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

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.

Optional Equipment

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.

Under the Hood

2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Engine photo

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

Pricing Notes

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Coupe has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of just over $114,000. Both the CL63 AMG and CL600 Coupe top $150,000, and the 2012 CL65 AMG has an MSRP of $211,000. With that vast a price range, it can be hard to pinpoint just which cars the CL-Class is up against. The CL550 Coupe comes in around $20,000 more than a Jaguar XKR and $30,000 over a BMW 650i. The other 2012 CL-Class models have various Aston Martins, Bentleys and even Porsche 911s to contend with. Resale values on the 2011 CL-Class models have held extremely well, long term value retention remains to be seen. As always, be sure to check out kbb.com's Fair Purchase Price, to see what others in your area paying for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes.

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2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 22 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.0/10

Quality

9.5/10
Reliability

9.5/10

Performance

9.5/10
Comfort

9.5/10

Styling

9.4/10

The most amazing car I've ever owned.

By The Big O (FL) on Wednesday, May 02, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 19,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "the best all-around"

Cons: "none"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought the 2009 CL550 used with only 15,000 miles on it and it has been an amazing experience. Sport and luxury at its best. I've owned two BMW's and cannot compare. Only negative is city driving mileage and a little uncomfortable to get out of the back seats, but who cares, I'm driving it!!!"

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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Top Notch Luxury Sport Coupe

By Multiowner (NY) on Thursday, January 26, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Power, Comfort, Build Quality, Handling, Body Line"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great Build and performance. Driving now 36 months with zero problems. Love a naturally aspirated engine that has great torque throughout the rev band."

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a truly outstanding car

By car guy (MA) on Friday, October 28, 2011

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 87,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "top of the line grand tourer, classy"

Cons: "expensive with high depreciation first 2 years"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my 07 CL550 new and it has been a fabulous grand tourer on several cross-country trips. Whether you are cruising at high speeds in west Texas or going to dinner locally, this car is the real deal. The more you drive it, the more you appreciate it. The interior is flawless and makes long distance trips a pleasure. The engine, handling and quality of fit and finish are all outstanding. I've had a couple of mechanical things fixed under warranty but the car still looks and drives like new as it approaches 90k miles I've owned many cars but this is the best I've ever had and the only one that's this good after so many miles. If you take care of it, it's worth every penny"

10 people out of 10 found this review helpful

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Luxury & style in motion

By rws53 (San Diego, CA) on Friday, March 11, 2011

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"Wonderful vehicle. I purchase a used 2008 CL550 with the sport option a few months ago with 17,000 miles on it. It looks and feels like new. As pointed out by other reviewers, the value drops quickly, so a slightly used one is not a bad way to go. It is fun to drive – lots of power, seats hugs you etc. I always get positive commenting from people on the style and quality. The only complaint would be, I wish the navigation and Bluetooth systems were as good as the Lexus. With all that said - it is so much more car slightly used than most new luxury cars."

10 people out of 12 found this review helpful

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Phenomenal Car

By LG (San Diego, CA) on Monday, July 19, 2010

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"I have owned my 2008 63 for three years. Have had Renntech CPU, header and exhaust upgrades and the car runs beautifully with no problems whatsoever. Great car, heavy feel on teh road but light and agile when manuevering in and out of traffic. Truly a pleasure to drive."

7 people out of 7 found this review helpful

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Best CL ever

By SDJohn64 (San Diego, CA) on Saturday, July 25, 2009

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

"I have owned two prior CL's a 2003 & 2006 model - The new body is stunning on the 2009! Technology has so advanced in the later model! I love my new car - BMW - you need to try harder!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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