New Mercedes CL breaks cover
05.07.2010 - Rhian Angharad Jones
(23)
These are the first official details and pictures of the facelifted Mercedes CL, three years after it was introduced. Stuttgart's flagship model gets a more contoured bonnet, curved headlamps, daytime running lights, a redesigned front bumper, new tail lights and larger wing mirrors with integrated indicators.
The most important development is a new twin-turbocharged 4.6-litre V8 direct-injection petrol engine. Christened the 500 BlueEfficiency, it produces 429bhp, 516lb/ft of torque and is capable of sprinting from 0-62mph in 4.9 seconds - half a second quicker than the 5.5-litre V8 it replaces.
Despite being 12 per cent more powerful and producing 32 per cent more pulling power than its predecessor, the new engine is capable of returning 29.7mpg and emitting 224g/km of CO2, down from 288g/km. It is fitted with a seven-speed automatic gearbox, stop and start, brake energy regeneration and low-rolling resistance tyres.
Mercedes is also offering buyers a more powerful CL600 version as a special order. This unit produces 510bhp and can accelerate from zero to 62mph in 4.6 seconds.
On the inside, the new CL gets higher-quality trim materials, new colour combinations, a new multifunction steering wheel and ambient lighting.
Multimedia features include an improved Comand system, 3D map display, Linguatronic voice control, surround sound and Splitview technology, which allows the driver and front passenger to view different content on the same screen.
Prices have yet to be announced, but expect them to start from just under £90,000.
