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2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

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Overview

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2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 7.7

With aggressive styling, highly assertive engines, luxurious interiors, and endless customization available, the 4-seat 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes succeed in establishing themselves as the thinking and (very well-to-do) working man's high-end transportation. From the base CL550 Coupe to the 621-horsepower biturbo V12-equipped CL65 AMG, the CL-Class coupes offer a fine mix of performance and livability. But more important, their unmistakable presence and prestige makes a powerful statement about their owners while standing out among other automobiles, even in their lofty price range.

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 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes give you all that you can handle plus a beautiful place to be meanwhile.

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 down your spine. The owner's manual runs over 700 pages. Saying COMAND takes some setting up is an understatement.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

7.7
Driving Dynamics

7.5
Comfort & Convenience

8.8
Design: Interior & Exterior

7.8
Value

6.6
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#1

out of 5

MPG

#5

out of 5

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

9.2 out of 10

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consumer ratings

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

For 2013, a new Grand Edition trim package is available on the CL550, including 20-inch wheels, AMG-inspired styling touches and a selection of special "designo" interior and exterior color schemes. The next-generation mbrace2 telematics with Internet-based features is also provided.

Driving the CL-Class

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Through its COMAND system, a 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupe can be set up for any driver's preferences on seating and climate control as well as audio, communication and navigation systems...

management. The new version includes many Internet-based functions with smartphone control. All that is part of the CL driving experience, but only a part. Even the "base" CL550, with its 429 horsepower and Airmatic suspension, provides a dynamic, responsive and well controlled drive. But the higher-power engines and Active Body Control suspension on the other CL models can feel almost magical, with great thrust, control and comfort. The paddle-shifted transmission (7-speed for the V8s, 5-speed for V12s) is seamless and precise, and the power just keeps on coming.

Favorite Features

COMAND
Yes, it's a bear to set up. Once it is, though, the COMAND system provides for a level of vehicle personalization and control 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. It's the best kind of obsessive German attention to detail.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Details

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the 2013 Mercedes CL-Class is lavishly executed even though the design is not extravagant. The lines are sweeping and clean, the wood trim is rich and smartly applied, and the center console is wide to give a sense of space and comfort. Leather is everywhere, and immaculate. The 8-inch high-resolution display is well integrated into the dashboard and manages not to mar the elegance of the interior. Rear-seat legroom is only average, as expected in a coupe, but the seats are so good you shouldn't hear any complaints.

Exterior

Recent Mercedes design aesthetics are on full display in the shape of the 2013 CL-Class. The lines sweep back, long and clean, from the signature grille, and the pillarless-coupe greenhouse looks light and airy in contrast with the substantial visual mass of what is, in fact, quite a large car. The AMG versions of the CL coupes ratchet up the aggression with a wider-slotted grille and jowly air intakes up front. All models seem understated until you start examining their details.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

Well beyond well-equipped, every 2013 CL550 Coupe features 4Matic all-wheel drive along with Airmatic semi-active air suspension and a direct-steer system that varies the steering ratio according to how far you turn the wheel. The other CL models use Mercedes' Active Body Control, one of the few fully active suspension systems in production. Both AMG models give you biturbo-enhanced engines, AMG sport seats, AMG instrument clusters, sports pedals, and one impressively pretty analog dashboard clock. COMAND is standard along with nine airbags and heated/ventilated front seats.

Optional Equipment

The 2013 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 other CL-Class coupes offer few choices of extras beyond wheel designs, special paint and some interior features including the SplitView front entertainment system, which allows the driver and passenger to see two different programs on the same 8-inch high-resolution display, based on their angles of viewing. The special interior and exterior colors and finishes under the "designo" in-house personalization label are also available.

Under the Hood

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Engine photo

The CL-Class engines are all happy monsters. The CL550 Coupe packs a 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8 good for 429 horsepower with a 0-60 mph time of less than 5.0 seconds. The CL600 Coupe gets a twin-turbo V12 rated at 510 horsepower. The CL63 AMG has a 536-horsepower biturbo V8, and the CL65 AMG a biturbo V12 with 621 horsepower and a gargantuan 738 lb-ft of torque. Those looking for something even more special can get an AMG Performance Package for the CL63 that boosts horsepower (to 563), torque and top speed. The V8s use 7-speed automatics, the V12s get 5-speeds, and the CL550 comes standard with 4Matic all-wheel drive.

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

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

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

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

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL550 Coupe has a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $116,205 and the CL600 $161,205. The CL63 AMG carries a $153,905 sticker and the flagship CL65 AMG lists for $214,105. There are not a lot of extras to add: Sport, Driver Assist and Premium 2 packages can lift a CL550's price past $130,000, but there is barely $3,000 worth of trim variation on a CL65 AMG. Competitors for the CL-Class could include the Jaguar XKR and BMW 650i, though the CL550 runs tens of thousands more. Various Aston Martins, Bentleys and even Porsche 911s could also make the competitors list. Check KBB.com's Fair Purchase Price to see what others in your area are paying for the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes. We expect long-term value retention to be slightly better than that for a Jaguar XKR, but well short of a Porsche 911 Turbo or a BMW 650i.

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2013 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."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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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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