1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review
1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Doesn't get this big, comfortable, powerful, or German in any other coupe.
Cons
- Styling is aging quickly, replacement model is due soon. Price.
What’s new
The CL coupes are carryover models for 1999 with no changes.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL600 2dr Coupe and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$297/mo for CL-Class CL600
CL-Class CL600
vs
$213/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
Big Mercedes coupes have always been the ultimate automobiles. They scream success, are engineered to be driven hard and are designed to keep the general public at bay. The CL-Class projects confidence, prestige and a certain amount of cold indifference.
Despite its new name, the CL-Class of cars are basically two-door versions of their S-Class brethren. As such, they share the same pluses and minuses. This means that the switchgear feels relatively chintzy, yet the rest of the car is undeniably luxurious. From the suede headliner to the wood-trimmed door handles to the excellent Bose stereo system, this car treats you like a king.
Two engines are available: a 5.0-liter 32-valve V8 that makes 315 horsepower and 347 foot-pounds of torque, or a gargantuan 6.0-liter 48-valve V12 that makes 389 horsepower and 420 foot-pounds of torque. The engines are very quiet for their size and power output, and power is delivered smoothly rather than tire-shreddingly. Differing only by their engines, the CL500 and CL600 have a price difference of about $45,000, evidence that V12 power don't come cheap.
Interior ergonomics are marred by a plethora of confusing pictographs. Otherwise, the dash layout is excellent, as is the seating position. Step out and close the door; the thunk as it shuts exudes quality craftsmanship, and the windows lower then raise into place for a perfect seal each time the door is shut. The exterior styling is slab-sided and massive, making the car look a bit fat. Aside from the traditional grille, the CL-Class is devoid of exterior character, more so than the pedestrian Lexus SC400, and in startling contrast to the beautiful Jaguar XK8.
For 1999, Mercedes has changed nothing but the price of the CL600, which is up 1.5 percent. The CL500 price is unchanged from last year.
The CL-Class cars cost more than just about anything on the road, and although the car is nice, we don't think it is quite that nice. If you've got this much money to spend, take a look at the new Jaguar XK8; it might just make you happier.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
5 star(92%)
4 star(8%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
12 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.88 out of 5 stars
1999cl better made
Michael Magazzu, 12/11/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 2dr Coupe
I own a 1998 sl 500 and I thought that
was great, but a the CL 500 I bought
comands respect and is shear class.
Safest car on the road , dual payne
windows the amenities go on.Best used
car for your money anywhere.The new
body style(2000) dropped the value but
the quality is far better built in the
1999.New is sleeker and has more
gaudgets but the quality has taken a …
back seat.
5 out of 5 stars
Great Car
attilio, 11/13/2008
1998 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 2dr Coupe
This is my third Benz and the best so far. It is smooth, powerful and feels very safe. When driving often look at other performance luxury cars and ask myself "swap?" The honest answer so far is "no". Long trips are effortless. Fuel comsuption is moderate but I'd rather pay a little more at the pump than pay life insurance that only pay out to my estate. I think I will get my wife one as … the price, safety, performance, comfort, and fun equation is unbeatable
5 out of 5 stars
excellent
Chandi, 02/28/2002
1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 2dr Coupe
The Best car I have ever own
4.75 out of 5 stars
Can't Find a Better Car for the Money
Mark@Edmunds, 10/21/2013
1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL500 2dr Coupe
I picked up my 1999 CL500 about two years ago from the estate of a Chicago attorney. The car had about 30,000 miles on it and, aside from a few light scratches on the trunk lid, was like new. Since then, I have driven it about 12,000 miles without incident. The car excels at long highway trips and, amazingly, can travel up to 600 miles on a single tank of fuel. The Bruno Sacco lines … still look great today, and the quality of materials throughout is unmatched by anything today short of Bentley or Rolls Royce. It's hard to believe you can get all that for less than the price of a cheap new subcompact.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 1999 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CL-Class since its last redesign.
1999 CL-Class Highlights
CL500
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $251/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 14.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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