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With a design perfected through an immaculate sense of style, highly exclusive appointments and cutting-edge technology, the extensively updated Mercedes-Benz CL-Class underscores its claim to supremacy as the summit of automotive refinement. The entirely re-designed 435 hp V8 biturbo engine of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY, with a combined consumption of 29.73 mpg, opens a new dimension of efficiency in the luxury coupé category. Its NEDC figures show savings of up to 23 percent over its predecessor model, CO2 emissions having dropped from 288 grams per kilometre to 224 grams per kilometre. This significant reduction is achieved thanks to the newly-developed BlueDIRECT technology with third-generation spray-guided direct injection, with the contribution of the specially-designed BlueEFFICIENCY package of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY. The package includes, among other things, energy-efficient control of alternator, fuel pump, air-conditioning compressor and power-assisted steering system, as well as the ECO start/stop function. It also features the use of low rolling resistance tyres and the energy-optimised Active Body Control system. In addition, the Mercedes-Benz developers equipped the CL-Class with state-of-the-art multimedia technology, thus helping this model, produced with a high proportion of hand-finished work, to retain its position as the epitome of quality in its class.

With the new generation of the CL-Class, the Stuttgart-based automaker focuses on fuel consumption and exhaust gas emissions in the exclusive high-end segment, too. According to Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG: "The CL is the ideal ambassador for our brand. It combines in a particular degree those things that characterise Mercedes-Benz: fascination, perfection and responsibility. And with the new generation we have gone a step further, too - especially in the realm of efficiency. But in terms of design, safety, comfort and output, too - the CL shows the way forward: simply follow Mercedes"

In addition, a combination of cutting-edge camera and radar-based assistance systems unique in the luxury coupé segment, including the innovation of the Active Lane Assist and Active Blind Spot Assist systems, makes of the CL-Class a "thinking" partner of the driver. The modified Active Body Control (ABC) with crosswind stabilisation system and the Direct-Steer system also contribute to enhancing safety and driving enjoyment.

Design: a muscular, self-assured presence

The exterior appearance of the new CL-Class generation is characterised by the terse profile of the bonnet, the dynamic V-shape radiator grille and the curving headlamps - design details that discreetly but effectively emphasise the car's elegant yet powerful lines.

The front bumper, too, presents a new design with three air intake openings and a chrome trim strip. An LED strip with chrome surround for the daytime running lights is elegantly integrated in the side openings for the brake cooling air. With their standard-fit Intelligent Light System (ILS) and Adaptive Highbeam Assist, the headlamps offer state-of-the-art illumination technology. The latest LED technology in the turn indicators and position marker lamps rounds off the car's advanced image. The rear of the vehicle is characterised by the newly-designed tail lamps.

New V8 bi-turbo engine with innovative technology

The new-generation CL-Class also assumes a pioneering role in the drive system sector. Under the bonnet of the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY a new V8 biturbo engine with BlueDIRECT technology delivers its impressive power. With its 4663 cc displacement, the eight-cylinder engine produces 435 hp so that despite 0.8 litres less displacement, it is still around 12 percent more powerful than its predecessor, which had an output of 388 hp. At the same time, torque was raised from 530 Nm to 700 Nm - an increase of 32 percent. Combined consumption in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), on the other hand, improves fuel consumption by 23 percent to 29.73 mpg. CO2 emissions consequently sink from 288 grams per kilometre to 224 grams per kilometre. The CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY requires a mere 4.9 seconds to accelerate from a standstill to 62 mph (previous model: 5.4 seconds). Summing up: the CL 500 BlueEFFICIENCY is significantly more agile, torquey and thriftier than its predecessor.

The BlueDIRECT technology package of the V8 biturbo includes a series of new developments, unique in their combination. Worthy of mention among these is the third-generation spray-guided direct petrol injection with piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition with up to four ignition sparks within a millisecond. Together both enable an innovative combustion process called "homogenous split". Other factors contributing to the exemplary low fuel consumption continue to be the consistent use of friction-optimised pistons, piston rings and cylinder barrels, the on-demand control of oil pump and the new three-phase thermal management in the coolant circuit. The luxury coupé's package includes the ECOstart/stop function and alternator control in accordance with the handling situation and on-board voltage with kinetic energy recuperation in overrun mode.

The CL 600, which is be a special order model in the UK  boasts the 517 hp 12-cylinder biturbo engine and remains the top-of-the-line model: it accelerates the luxury coupé from a standstill to 62 mph in a breath-taking 4.6 seconds and now also complies with the Euro 5 emissions control standards.