MERCEDES-BENZ CL-CLASS REMAINS THE ULTIMATE GRAND TOURING COUPE
Flagship Models Combine High Performance, Ultra-Luxury And New Safety Advances
MONTVALE, N.J. — The 1998 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes will continue to lead the segment for premium luxury grand-touring coupes in terms of performance, safety, quality and, of course, luxury. The CL is also part of a new Mercedes-Benz coupe family strategy (which includes the V6-powered CLK coupe) that establishes separate classes for coupe models, rather than grouping them with sedans. While the CL-Class designation itself is new for 1998, the two models that comprise it were formerly part of the S-Class line.
As there are now two roadster families within the Mercedes-Benz line (SLK and SL), now there are two coupe families, too — the midsized, V6-powered CLK and the full-sized, premium luxury CL.
To a modified S-Class platform, the V8-powered CL500 and V12-powered CL600 add distinctive coupe styling that eliminates roof B-pillars without compromising safety. The interior layout is designed to seat four adults in a high level of comfort.
Even with new safety features and additional standard equipment for 1998, the Mercedes-Benz CL coupes are priced nearly the same as 1997: there is no increase at all for the CL500 (over the 1997 S500 coupe) and the CL600 rises by only 1.5 percent (over the 1997 S600 coupe). The CL500 has a manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) of $91,900; the limited-production CL600, flagship of the entire Mercedes-Benz line, is priced at $135,300.
The Mercedes CL500 is powered by a muscular 315-horsepower, 32-valve 5.0-liter V8 that, with 347 lbs.-ft. of torque, is capable of vaulting the car from 0-60 miles per hour in just 7.2 seconds. The limited-production CL600 is one of the few V12-powered automobiles available, and its 389-horsepower, 6.0-liter V12 produces a gargantuan 420 lbs.-ft. of torque. The CL600 can sprint from 0-60 in a blink over six seconds — quicker than many sports cars and quicker than its only true rival, the Bentley Continental R.
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Both Mercedes CL engines feature aluminum blocks and alloy heads, double-overhead camshafts per cylinder bank and four valves per cylinder. Automatic intake valve timing advance maximizes low-end and midrange torque, and provides a linear rush of power right up to the 6,000-rpm redline. The Mercedes-Benz CL V8 and V12 engines even keep tabs on their service needs with a new convenience feature called the Flexible Service System (FSS). This new system measures actual vehicle use to determine the optimal oil and filter change interval, and can detect and account for oil top-ups. The system alerts the driver to the service interval with an instrument panel indicator.
The Mercedes CL500 and CL600 use the company’s acclaimed electronic five-speed automatic transmission that not only adapts to an individual’s driving style, but also to changes in road grade (delaying upshifts on ascents for climbing power and downshifting on descents for engine braking). The transmission computer adjusts shifting logic for leisurely driving with smooth upshifts. A driver who requires frequent highway merging, on the other hand, will find the transmission holds each gear longer for quick acceleration. A "Winter" mode helps enhance traction by starting in second gear and shifting at lower engine speeds.
With double-wishbone front suspension and the patented Mercedes five-link rear suspension (with automatic level control), the CL-Class delivers an unparalleled combination of luxurious ride comfort and responsive handling.
Raising The Bar In Safety: BabySmart™ And Brake Assist
Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry in safety technology, having pioneered such features as the safety cell body structure, ABS anti-lock brakes, the supplemental restraint system (SRS) and traction control. All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles come equipped with ABS anti-lock brakes, dual front airbags and door-mounted side airbags.
For 1998, the Mercedes CL coupes feature even more new standard safety advances. The standard BabySmart automatic child seat recognition system, first introduced on the SLK roadster, uses transponder technology to deactivate the front passenger-side airbag in the presence of a BabySmart-compatible infant, toddler or child booster seat (available from Mercedes-Benz dealers).
The new Brake Assist feature is the only safety system in the auto industry that can reduce stopping distances in emergency braking situations. Brake Assist can detect an emergency or "panic" stop by how quickly the brake pedal is pressed, and then, with lightning speed, apply full braking force faster than a driver could.
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All 1998 Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicles feature an occupant detection sensor built into the passenger seat. If the sensor does not detect the presence of 26 pounds or more, it will not deploy the front passenger-side airbag and the door-mounted side airbag. The intent is to reduce repair costs in a serious collision when there’s no one in the front passenger seat.
The Mercedes-Benz flagship models have long been industry leaders in incorporating safety technology, and several of their advanced driving control systems have been standard or optionally available for several years. For safe driving in slippery conditions, ASR traction control is standard on both CL coupes. This sophisticated system detects when one rear wheel is spinning faster than the other and selectively applies the brake to that wheel to restore straight-line traction. Should braking action not be enough, ASR will reduce engine power by backing off the electronic throttle, more quickly than the driver could react to do so.
The extraordinary Electronic Stability Program (ESP), standard on the CL600 and optionally available on the CL500 for $990, can detect an impending spin or slide and apply selective braking (even braking one wheel, front or rear, left or right) to keep the car going where the driver is pointing it. The system helps prevent understeer ("plowing") and oversteer ("fishtailing"). ESP is always on, working at all speeds on all road surfaces.
The Ultimate In Luxury
Even with its pillar-less hardtop construction, the body structure of the Mercedes CL-Class has been described as "vault-like."
The list of standard features leaves no doubt that the CL coupe is one of the world’s most luxurious automobiles, and the luxury treatment begins when you enter the car. Unique pneumatic door and trunk-closing assists prevent "door ajar" situations by pulling the doors and trunk closed the last few centimeters of their travel.The CL-Class interior coddles the driver and passengers alike with 12-way power front seats with pneumatically adjustable lumbar support and 3-position memory (which includes mirror, head restraint and steering column adjustments).
The power tilt and telescoping steering column is also automatically adjusted by the memory feature. The standard dual-zone automatic climate control system features dust and pollen filters, and a charcoal filter keeps odors out. In cold weather, a REST mode can recirculate warm air for up to 30 minutes when the car is parked.A power tilt/sliding glass sunroof lets the enjoyable outdoor elements in, while unique dual-pane side windows ensure a quiet ride.
Standard Nappa leather upholstery also includes the seatbacks, head restraints and door inserts. Burl walnut trim and velour floor carpeting and floormats impart an ultra-luxury ambience.- more -
With a standard 11-speaker BoseŽ Beta sound system designed specifically for the acoustics of the CL-Class interior, each CL coupe is like a concert hall on wheels. Other standard luxury and convenience touches include an express-up and down feature for the front power windows, integrated three-channel garage door opener, automatic retracting trunk handle, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and dual heated power mirrors.
Everything is standard on the CL600, which adds the Electronic Stability Program (ESP), Adaptive Damping System (electronically adjustable shock absorbers), integrated trunk-mounted 6-CD changer and portable phone. All of these features are optionally available for the CL500. In addition, the CL600 interior is even more opulent, with two-tone leather upholstery and more leather trim. The leather-covered steering wheel features burl walnut trim.
Seeing The Road — And The Unseen
A standard rain sensor detects rainfall on the windshield and, using infrared technology, measures rainfall intensity and adjusts wiper speed accordingly. Standard Xenon headlamps offer 80 percent greater road lighting than halogen lights, without blinding oncoming drivers. These high-tech lights can be spotted by their cool blue glow, and are optional for many Mercedes-Benz models.
Making parking easier and safer — especially in tight spaces and parking garages — is the standard Parktronic system. Parktronic acts like a kind of sonar to warn the driver of obstacles when parking. Sensors built into the front and rear bumpers emit ultrasonic signals, which bounce off obstacles (including parked cars, curbs, shrubs and even children) and activate audible and visual warnings inside the car.
Maximum Security
The Mercedes-Benz CL coupes come with one of the most advanced security systems in the industry. The remote locking/unlocking unit uses a redundant infrared and radio frequency transmitter with an anti-cloning feature. The remote unit features selective locking (driver’s door or all doors) and "summer mode" which opens all the windows and the sunroof before people enter the car.
Two features that enhance personal security include drive-away locking, which automatically locks the doors when the car reaches about nine miles per hour, and a panic button, which sounds the car’s standard anti-theft alarm when pressed.
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For protection against theft, the Mercedes CL coupes feature a key-transponder system to start the car. When the ignition key is inserted, a transponder built into it exchanges a code with an electromagnetic coil that surrounds the ignition lock. The signals are passed through the anti-theft control unit, where they are verified. Attempting to use an unauthorized duplicate key will disable the engine, preventing the car from being driven.
All 1998 Mercedes-Benz models come with a four-year/50,000-mile warranty, which includes tires, batteries and adjustments for the full coverage period. In addition, all Mercedes cars, regardless of model year, are covered by the 24-hour Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance program. This peace of mind can include a free jump start, mounting the spare tire or a few gallons of fuel, even for those driving a decade old Mercedes.
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