2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Reviews, Pricing & Specs

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$113,150 to $209,300

Original MSRP

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expert review

4.5

avg user rating

(2 reviews)
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Preview summaryImage

Luxurious, well-heeled, powerful, and agile, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class has what it takes to shout “success” from the driveway to the highway. This two-door luxury sports coupe takes its design cues from the S-Series sedans, while a few tweaks to the sheet metal and fascias, as well as a couple of new powerplants, distinguish various trims from last year’s versions. Meanwhile, the CL-Class is offered in four trim levels beginning with the base CL550 4Matic; then comes the CL63 AMG, the super-potent CL65 AMG, and, finally, the top-shelf CL600. The CL550 4Matic is delivered with full-time all-wheel drive (AWD), while all the others are rear-wheel drive (RWD) only. All trims in the CL-Class lineup feature turbocharged power, with engine size ranging from a 4.7-liter V8 to a 6.0-liter V12. The posh CL600 offers a semi-active suspension system to smooth the ride, while both AMG trims come with driver-adjustable sport-tuned suspensions for some extra pizzazz in handling twists and turns. The AMG designation, by the way, indicates the high-performance division within the Mercedes empire. Finally, a somewhat cramped rear seat is common to the luxury breed, though this is augmented in the CL-Class by a tolerably capacious 13.5 cubic feet of trunk space.

Competition in this upscale market comes in the form of the Jaguar XK lineup, the Porche Panamera, the BMW 6 Series, and the Maserati GranTurismo. The former offers a tad more styling panache, while the latter has traditionally been known for precision handling. None of these luxury autos comes cheap, though. For instance, an option-free base CL550 4Matic is the best bargain Mercedes-Benz can offer for the CL-Class at a tad over $113,100. The Beemer M6 is a bit cheaper, but may not carry the cachet, while the GranTourismo tops the CL-Class only in its Italian good looks.

Pure power separates the CL-Class from the also-rans. The AWD CL550 4Matic, for example, boasts the smallest engine of the lot, a 4.7-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that pounds out 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. These ponies are harnessed to a 7-speed auto-manual transmission featuring an integrated brake hill holder. Using variable valve timing (VVT), this hefty mill burns premium gas at a 15/22 mpg clip, while the AWD system is managed by a mechanical, center-mounted limited-slip differential. Moving up to the CL63 AMG gains drivers a direct-injected (DI) 5.5-liter V8, also turbocharged and with VVT. Again, the standard 7-speed auto-manual transmission manages this potent powerplant to achieve 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, with mileage estimated at 15/21, again burning premium gas.

The top-shelf CL600 sports a 510-hp, twin-turbo 5.5-liter V12 that uses its standard 5-speed auto-manual transmission to blast out 612 lb-ft of torque. This massive mill eats premium gas at 11/17 and, nope, there’s no VVT in this baby. Finally, there’s the 621-hp, 738-lb-ft/torque twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 that blesses the CL65 AMG. Tweaked from last year’s version for an additional 17 horses, this huge V12 again uses a 5-speed auto-manual transmission and gets some 12/18 burning premium gasoline.

Of course when one shells out over $100,000 for an automobile, one expects a certain level of standard features, and the CL-Class doesn’t disappoint. The CL550 4Matic, though the base trim, nevertheless boasts such standard appearance features as 18-inch polished alloy wheels and a power glass sunroof. Inside, plush leather upholstery is standard and complemented by multi-level heated, power-adjustable front bucket seats, remote power door locks and windows, heated power mirrors, cruise control, telescoping tilt-wheel steering, dual-zone climate control, leather, alloy, and wood trim accents, and memory settings for three drivers. Standard techno-wizardry, meantime, includes a universal garage door opener, hard-drive-based navigation, Bluetooth hands-free communications technology, and Mercedes-Benz’s touted mbrace directions, road-side assistance, and communications services. Finally, entertainment is provided by a Harman Kardon premium audio system with 6-CD changer, 600 watts of power for the 11 speakers, satellite radio, 5.1 surround sound, a USB connection, and a memory slot for audio cards. The notched-up CL63 and CL65 AMG add standard 20-inch alloy wheels, a driver-selectable sport-tuned suspension, massage-function sport bucket seats up front, reverse-tilting outside mirrors, Sun Sensor lighting and climate control auto-adjustment, and 14 HK speakers with two subs. Finally, the flagship CL600 throws standard adaptive cruise control, a semi-active suspension, and a heated steering wheel into the mix.

Options are limited mainly to the more plebian CL550 4Matic, CL63 AMG, and the CL65 AMG, and include the heated steering wheel, 20-inch 10-spoke wheels, plug-and-play entertainment upgrades, and the Premium 2 Package with Night Vision Assist, massage-function front seats, navigation-integrated split-view DVD screen, and a rear-view camera.

Safety isn’t neglected in the CL-Class, given its standard four-wheel ABS, traction and stability control, 11-way airbag protection, and front head restraint whiplash protection. Additional standard safety features include turn-signal-integrated mirrors, mbrace collision, airbag deployment, and emergency service alerts, daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, dusk-sensing headlights, remote anti-theft alarm, pre- and post-collision safety systems, HID headlights, and headlight washer/wipers. Optional safety equipment across the lineup includes the Driver Assist Package with Lane Keeping Alert and Blind Zone Warning Alert, as well as the Night View Assist/Pedestrian Detection system.

Owners who’re willing to shell out the kind of money the 2011 CL-Class demands are not about to demean themselves with comments on its performance, looks, or status. Let’s face it, this luxury coupe pretty much speaks for itself.

Published May 31, 2022 by Eric Tallberg

User reviews for 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

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User rating:
by Jeff k
Apr 09, 2023
This car is a dream come true for me !! I cant speak for other people ,but this thing is what Ive been waiting for!!Apr 09, 2023
by Anonymous
Mar 14, 2014
I love the car but would not own it outside of manufacturer warranty. other than that the vehicle is a must drive. the quality of the vehicle is superb. love the styling and handling. Very comfortable inside specially the dynamic seating. Mar 14, 2014

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Pricing

Original MSRP
$113,150 to $209,300
Price range
N/A
Average price on CG
N/A
YoY price change
N/A

Trims & specs

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: wood · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: wood

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Drivetrain

4WD Type: full time

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: retractable · Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: lamp failure

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: cornering

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power folding

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: one-touch open/close

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Profile: 45 · Type: performance · Width: 255

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 5 · Width: 8.5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: wood · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power steering wheel · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: retractable · Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation

Safety

Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: performance

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags

Audio System

Auxiliary audio input: jack · 6 disc in-dash CD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: illuminated scuff plate · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: cruise controls · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: retractable · Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: low fuel level

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: power

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: rear · Pre-Collision Warning System: audible warning

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Profile: 45 · Type: performance · Width: 255

Wheels

Wheel spokes: 10 · Width: 9.5

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

Air Conditioning

Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones

Airbags

Dual front airbags · Driver knee airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags

Audio System

Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · In-Dash CD: DVD · Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 2 subwoofers · Surround audio: 5.1 · Total Number of Speakers: 14 · 600 watts

Brakes

ABS: 4-wheel · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brakes: ventilated disc

Comfort Features

Armrests: rear center folding with storage · Center console trim: alloy · Dash trim: alloy · Door sill trim: stainless steel · Door trim: leather · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather

Convenience Features

Adaptive stop and go cruise control: semi-automatic · Center console: front console with storage · Cruise control: adaptive · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: 3 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry with panic alarm · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: phone · Storage: cargo tie-down anchors and hooks · Sunshade: power rear window · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating

Driver Seat

Active driver support: active bolstering · Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Exterior Features

Door handle color: chrome · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Exhaust tip color: chrome · Grille color: chrome · Rear trunk/liftgate: power operated

Headrests

Adjustable rear headrests: retractable · Front headrests: power adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2

In Car Entertainment

Infotainment screen size: 8 in.

Instrumentation

Warnings and reminders: coolant temperature warning

Lights

Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on · Taillights: adaptive

Mirrors

Exterior mirrors: heated driver mirror

Passenger Seat

Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 14

Rear Seats

Type: bucket

Roof

Moonroof: remote operation

Safety

Automatic emergency braking: front · Camera system: rearview · Parking sensors: front · Pre-Collision Warning System: visual warning

Seatbelts

Seatbelt force limiters: front and rear · Seatbelt pretensioners: front and rear

Seats

Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather

Spare Tire

Mount Location: inside

Suspension

Driver Adjustable Suspension: height · Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: multi-link · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear · Suspension control: electronic

Telematics

Navigation system: hard drive navigation system · Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth · Satellite communications: TeleAid

Tires

Diameter: 20 · Type: performance

Windows

Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation

See all trims (4)