1999 Mercedes-Benz CL (W215) 420 5AT RWD (280 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Introduced in 1999, a year after its sedan brother, the Mercedes-Benz CL (C215) was the most expensive production Mercedes at the turn of the millennium. The title of ‘the most Mercedes-Benz you could buy’ was well deserved at the time, save for the lack of practicality resulting from only having two doors. Essentially a coupe version of the S-Class W220, the second Mercedes to feature the ‘CL’ moniker was a car of superlatives from almost every perspective.

Following an R&D program that had started in the early ’90s, its final design was approved as early as 1996, coinciding with the unveiling of the innovative Mercedes-Benz F 200 Concept, which previewed some of the technology used by the CL (C215). That said, its design was a mix of old and new features.

The front end was inspired by the E-Class W210 and the first-generation CLK. Four oval headlights accompanied a somewhat small chrome grille with an oversized three-pointed star in the center. The side view was downright spectacular, with the swooping roof, elongated doors with frameless windows, and the missing B-pillar portraying the perfect example of a luxurious grand tourer. The rear end had a set of taillights similar to those found on its platform brother, the S-Class W220, while the rear windshield sported a reversed angle not seen on a Mercedes since the 1960s W111 coupe.

Like the W220 S-Class, the C215’s body dimensions made it much slimmer than its predecessor, the more substantial-looking C140. The still-large luxury coupe was 72 millimeters (2.95 inches) shorter, 55 millimeters (2.1 inches) narrower, and 54 millimeters (2.1 inches) closer to the ground, with a wheelbase that was 60 millimeters (2.3 inches) shorter. Despite these reductions, the interior space maintained the luxurious standards of its segment, with enough room for four passengers to sit comfortably.

Apart from the design, the main selling points for the big coupe were its innovative technology features, with several world premieres appearing on the model. Despite being based on a shortened S-Class W220 platform, the CL (C215) used a unique unibody construction. Its body combined a steel floor pan with an aluminum roof and magnesium door frames. The trunk lid and front wings were made out of composite plastic. Among the novelties it introduced, the luxurious Mercedes-Benz GT was the first car in the world to feature bi-xenon headlights and a radar-based autonomous cruise control system, which could automatically maintain a safe distance from the car driving in front.

The model’s interior was an oasis of luxury, with acres of fine leather, wood trim, and brushed aluminum combined to create an environment fit for its clientele. The front seats were heated, optionally ventilated, and power-adjustable in multiple directions, also offering a massage function.

Under the hood, the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL was restricted to the largest powertrains available in the Mercedes lineup at the time. The CL 500 was the entry-level version, powered by a 5.0-liter, naturally aspirated V8 with 306 PS (302 HP) and 460 Nm (339 lb-ft) of torque. The top-of-the-range was represented by the more prestigious CL 600, which was powered by a 5.8-liter, naturally aspirated V12 that delivered 367 PS (362 HP) and a more substantial 530 Nm (391 lb-ft) of torque. Both engines sent their power to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission.