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Weekend roadtest: New Mercedes CL coupe
publication date: Sep 18, 2010
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author/source: Robin Roberts
| A new family of engines heralds the arrival of the
next generation Mercedes CL coupe in showrooms from October including
higher performance AMG versions. |  |
The new generation of modular V8 petrol and V6 diesels build on the BlueEfficiency principles with
sophisticated high performance ignition and linked to careful
re-design and manufacturing to reduce friction, MB has managed to
significantly raise power outputs, cut fuel bills by a quarter and
emissions by about the same depending on which model uses the newest
engines and by including stop & start function and latest 7G-Tronic
plus automatic transmission.
In the case of the CL 500
BlueEfficiency powered 4.6V8, the 435hp petrol models show gains of 12pc
more power, torque is up almost a third and consumption is down 22pc,
all remarkable achievements in cars of their size. The CL63 AMG V8 new
engine has been completely retuned above the standard unit to punch out
544bhp with sharper responses calibrated into its electronics and
7-speed transmission, and this bi-turbo now outperforms the naturally
aspirated 6.2 litre of the former 63-AMG coupe and saloon.
The new
engines' modular design suggest they are the beginning of a new family
of power units from the car maker and they have been designed from the
outset to be part of any hybrid powertrain in future.
MB has
introduced additional technical features including active lane assist,
blind spot monitors, radar and camera assistance systems and even cross
wind stabilisation, which uses sensors on the suspension to measure
cross-wind hitting the car from any direction and then beefing up the
resistance, all in milli-seconds.
The new CL has a dramatically
different front end incorporating new grille, headlamps, bumper and
bonnet and LED daytime lights, and there are new tail lights.
| | The rear
deck rolls over the wings in a more continuous line and the coupe
roofline is different. Inside there is the latest split view technology
using thin film transistor which allows driver and passenger to
simultaneously view different displays, as well as powerful navigation
and sound packages. |  |
The best selling year for the CL Class in the UK
was 2007 when 729 went through dealerships but the arrival of the
recession halved that figure the following year and it slipped further
again last year and to date in 2010 has just topped 100 units. The
arrival of the new CL is expected to see sales start climbing again.
Mercedes
CL and product manager Claire McAlistair said, "We expect renewed
interest in these cars thanks to their much greater fuel efficiency and
increased performance combined with tremendous technical features. The
latest engine technology will transform the driving experience for users
and put us at the forefront of people's minds."
The new CL500 BlueEfficiency will cost £89,425 and the CL63 AMG goes from £111,985, representing average rises under 3pc.
In
the revised S-Class, the new 350 3.0V6 diesel will replace the outgoing
350 CDI with more outright power, torque, lower emissions and
consumption. At best it gives 41.5mpg and emits 177gkm, one of the
cleanest and most economical diesels, and means it already meets the
2014 EU6 standards.
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| | FIRST IMPRESSIONS | At a piston-stroke, the newest engine range moves Mercedes higher up the desirability stakes.
It is quieter, much smoother and delivers power more readily, economically and cleanly. It's a win-win formula.
With
the stop-start you do not have to make a conscious decision to make it
work once you have selected the Eco mode and it responds immediately
without any worrying delay which can cause panic in heavy traffic.
| | With
the latest CL-Class, the new model is immediately visually different
and refreshed while under the bonnet and inside its new technology makes
it more of a driver's car as well as being a genuine four-seater coupe. Access to the two rear seats is easy and once inside the leg and
headroom is very good. The CL63 AMG is a delightful blend of
performance with panache, delivering immense urge immediately when
called upon and without challenging the driver to push their limits. |  |
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