Item: Used Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe 2000 - 2007
Author: What Car? Team

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<p dir="ltr">Mercedes’ line-up is vast – ranging from the A-Class family hatchback through to staple saloons such as the C-Class and E-Class, and onwards towards multiple SUVs, luxury saloons and even sports cars. Coupés and convertibles are thrown into the mix as well.</p>

<p dir="ltr">As one of the ‘big three’ German brands, Mercedes most often finds itself competing with Audi and BMW but more recently has found itself fending off Jaguar and Volvo, too.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Mercedes models are known for comfort. One example of this is the E-Class, because while the Audi A6 has a plusher interior and the BMW 5 Series handles better, the E-Class is probably the most comfortable for a long motorway journey.</p>


MERCEDES-BENZ

<p>The Mercedes CL has understated presence and style, but it'll cost a lot to run</p>


Used Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe 2000 - 2007

<p>The CL is not a cheap car to own and run, so expect some hefty bills during ownership. Prime among these will be ones for the tyres, especially the rears because the engines' power gives them a real work-out.</p>

<p>Servicing is required every 9000 miles, and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/mercedes-benz">Mercedes</a> dealers charge some of the highest labour rates in the UK according to Warranty Direct. Independent specialists can help reduce the labour charges, but parts prices are likely to still be high.</p>

<p>Fuel consumption is one more major financial consideration. The CL500 can return up to 35mpg if it's driven gently, but realistically you'll be lucky to see more than 20mpg. The other models all struggle to get into the high teens.</p>

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The Mercedes CL has understated presence and style, but it'll cost a lot to run


<p>The CL500 was the most affordable CL when new and remains so in the used market. It's also the best of bunch as its 5.0-litre V8 has 302bhp to deliver commanding performance, refinement and even a modicum of economy, with 25.0mpg achievable with a light right foot. This model also does a fine job of combining sharp handling and a comfortable ride.</p>

<p>The CL600 offers more of the same as the 500, just with a whole load more oomph. It matches the CL65 AMG's performance, and both dispense with the 0-62mph dash in 4.8sec, but the 600 is much more refined.</p>

<p>The CL55 AMG uses the same 500bhp supercharged 5.4-litre V8 as the SL55. It's a superb engine, sounds great and goes like the clappers.</p>

<p>All CLs come with a lengthy list of luxury equipment.</p>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Strong performance</li> <li>Good balance between ride and handling</li> <li>Excellent build quality</li> <li>Decent practicality</li> <li>Sophisticated interior</li></ul>

<p dir="ltr">Coupés are all about style, but while practicality undoubtedly takes a back seat to aesthetics, these cars still need to be easy to live with on a daily basis. It’s this that distinguishes a coupé from an out-and-out sports car.</p>

<p dir="ltr">Fortunately, there’s a wide range of style-focused models available, and you don’t even need to spend silly money to buy or run one.</p>

<p dir="ltr">For a blend of rock-solid resale values, punchy engines and an interior to die for, the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/audi/tt/coupe/review/n12">Audi TT</a> is a brilliant option. But the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/4-series/hatchback/review/n17260">BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe</a> and <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/mercedes-benz/cla/coupe/review/n19245">Mercedes CLA</a> both offer plenty of style and substance to match, while the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/aston-martin/dbs/coupe/review/n18289">Aston Martin DBS Superleggera</a> will give you serious performance.</p>

<p>A big, fat and full service history is essential with a CL, not only to show that it's been properly cared for, but to safeguard its future value. Any sign of skimping on servicing and repairs should be an alarm bell telling you to walk away. However, with the correct servicing, a CL will carry on for huge mileages without so much as a hiccough.</p>

<p>Some reports of minor electrical glitches have been mentioned by owners, but most of these have been sorted by Mercedes and tend to concern the sat-nav rather than anything that might make the car break down.</p>

<p>The interior build quality is not quite up to what we expect of a Merc costing this much, so look for any loose trim. However, the CL is still far better put together than most of its rivals and you shouldn't hear any squeaks or rattles.</p>

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<p>For those who don't need the space of an S-Class and fancy something a lot more exclusive, the Mercedes CL coupe is just the ticket.</p>

<p>It's based on the contemporary S-Class platform, so the ride is cushioningly comfortable, but the CL can also handle twisting country roads and is refreshingly nimble for such a large car. The V8 and V12 engines are silky smooth and powerful, especially the awesome 604bhp twin-turbo V12 in the CL65 AMG.</p>

<p>The dash is much the same as an S-Class's of the same vintage, so it's laid out logically and tastefully, while the front passengers enjoy superb comfort and space. There's room for a couple of adults in the back, but no more as the seats are sculpted for two only, and the large boot easily copes with a couple of sets of golf clubs.</p>

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Used Mercedes-Benz CL Coupe 2000 - 2007 review

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