The CL continued to follow the same development cycle as the S, though riding on a shorter wheelbase, and sharing the same engines albeit with less choice as only the higher-output powertrains are offered.

The last generation of the CL was actually heavier than its corresponding S trim (considering equivalent equipment), due to the roof engineering required to compensate for the lack of a central B-pillar.

[citation needed] The CL600 powered by the M120 48-valve twelve cylinder engine, developed 394 PS (290 kW; 389 hp) and 570 N⋅m (420 lb⋅ft) of torque.

Twelve cylinder variants are easily identified by the "V12" emblems at the base of each C pillar, placed immediately behind the passenger windows.

* All are electronically limited The second generation CL is the C215-chassis four passenger coupé of 1998–2006, with development 1993 to 1999 and final design approved in 1996.

It is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (W220) (which was launched in late 1998 in Europe), though it rides on an 8-inch (203 mm) shorter wheelbase.

Active Body Control uses four hydraulic suspension rams that use three pressure regulators connected to a combination power steering and suspension pump, pushing fluid at a pressure of 2,960 psi (20,400 kPa) through the system that, along with several intermediate computers and master CPU, keeps this car flat through the corners.

Standard equipment includes climate control, ABC (hydraulic) suspension, all-leather interior, designer wood trim, trip computer, CD, navigation system, front heated seats, power moonroof, as well as power door and trunk closing assist.

Only 55 examples of thee 2000 CL55 AMG F1 were manufactured, as a tribute to the modified Safety Car version used in Formula One during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

This was the first road car to feature full Ceramic Brembo Vented and Cross Drilled Disc Brakes.

* All are electronically limited After 6 years of development, the new model was officially unveiled at the end of June 2006 and was presented at the 2006 Paris Motor Show.

This Mercedes-Benz CL has also debuted with the new Active NightVision program that enables drivers to view the conditions in front of the car despite the dark surroundings.

Apart from the CL 65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition, only a small selection of showcars got an Alubeam finish, a special paint designed to gleam like liquid metal.

The facelift version of the Mercedes CL-Class made its world debut in July 2010 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.

[9] The model line-up starts with the entry-level CL 500 (550 in the US) powered by the new 4.7 L (4,663cc) V8 direct-injected engine that delivers 435 PS (320 kW; 429 hp) and 700 N⋅m (516 lb⋅ft) of torque, paired to a new seven speed automatic transmission, which accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds.

The CL 600 retains the twin-turbo 5.5 L V12 engine and five-speed automatic with a total output of 517 PS (380 kW; 510 hp) and 830 N⋅m (612 lb⋅ft) of torque.