MERCEDES-BENZ has upgraded its ultimate cruising coupe, the CL. This uber-luxury machine has also been given a substantial exterior upgrade and a vast array of technological upgrades. Many of these hi-tech systems are remarkable, including a system that actually applies the brakes to stop you hitting a car in your blind spot. Even so, the most important part of the upgraded CL is the new engine line-up. Two new V8s, one for the CL500 and the other for the CL63 AMG, are smaller than the units they replace but both use twin turbos to deliver plenty of power and impressive fuel efficiency. These engines will be rolled out across the Mercedes large car range.

W216 CL-class
Released: April 2007
Ended: October 2010
Family Tree: CL-classINTRODUCED in 2007, the C216 brought a far more advanced design with single-piece sloping headlights instead of the twin bulb look of the previous model. Based on the just introduced S-Class, it ran a constantly variable suspension system called Active Body Control keeping the vehicle remarkably flat during corners. The most popular model, the CL500 had a 5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 with 285kW linked to a seven speed automatic. Two V12 engines were also added, including the monstrous 463kW and 1000Nm AMG unit, while the 386kW 6.2-litre CL63 was also made available.
Get the full story: Brimming with technology, the $308,000 Mercedes CL500 is a ‘relative bargain’
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