2002 MERCEDES BENZ CL 55 AMG (C215) 5.4 V8 5AT (500 HP)

Vehicle Overview

In the fall of 2002, Mercedes-Benz introduced the AMG version of the CL, and, along with the supercharged engine, came additional visual upgrades and a revised interior.

When the German carmaker introduced the CL as a personal luxury coupe, it offered an elegant yet sporty vehicle thanks to a few advanced technologies. But, unfortunately, the engines were not exactly that powerful. That problem was fixed when the CL55 AMG version came on the market.

Featuring the same four-headlights front fascia, the AMG version received a new bumper that enhanced the car’s aggressive look. Thus, an A-shaped “mouth” flanked by two oval foglamps on the lower bumper created a sportier look for the vehicle. Moreover, the side sills and the rear bumper were replaced with a body kit designed and installed by AMG. In addition, a four-exhaust system with oval, chromed tips warned other drivers that they were just passed by an AMG. Last but not least, a subtle lip spoiler adorned the trunk’s lid.

Inside, there was basically the same interior as the rest of the CL range. However, a new set of bucket seats at the front with high-bolstered areas provided better side support for their occupants. Moreover, the carmaker added a pair of paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel so the driver could manually change the gears for the standard automatic transmission.

Under the hood, the manually assembled V8 mill was helped by a supercharger to gain more power and torque. It was paired as standard with a five-speed automatic gearbox that sent the oomph to the rear wheels. Despite the heavy weight of the large, luxurious coupe, the car could rocket from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 kph) in under five seconds.