2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+149
Used CL-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz CL-Class model years
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Effortless acceleration
- sumptuous luxury
- high-tech safety features.
Cons
- Steep price.
What’s new
For 2011 the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class gets a substantial refresh that includes updated front-end styling and a pair of new twin-turbo V8s. The powerhouse CL65 AMG benefits from a boost in horsepower, now a staggering 621 hp. Lane-departure and blind-spot monitoring systems have also been updated.
Edmunds says
For sheer road-going perfection, few cars can match the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL550 4MATIC 2dr Coupe AWD (4.7L 8cyl Turbo 7A) 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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$308/mo for CL-Class CL550 4MATIC
CL-Class CL550 4MATIC
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
If you're looking for the ground-bound equivalent of a private jet, look no farther than the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Like a Gulfstream G650, this big grand touring coupe surrounds its occupants in exquisite leather, polished wood and other top-grade materials. And once underway, the CL does a fair impression of a jet blasting down the runway, with any of its V8 or V12 engines delivering enough thrust to imprint the shape of your Gucci belt buckle on your belly.
The CL is based on the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, sharing engines, platform components and features with the big sedan. This year's refresh introduces a new front fascia, grille and hood, plus fenders that offer a more restrained arch over the wheelwells for the front tires. There's also a revised rear fascia. The CL-Class offers a strong yet stylish presentation with an elegant pillarless greenhouse, a sweeping beltline and an expansive rear window.
There's also a pair of new engines: a twin-turbo 4.6-liter V8 for the CL550 4Matic and a twin-turbo 5.5-liter V8 for the CL63 AMG. Thanks to direct injection, both engines deliver substantially more power than their predecessors (with 429 horsepower and 536 hp, respectively) yet offer improved fuel economy as well. Then there's the available twin-turbocharged V12 engines -- a 5.5-liter in the CL600 that makes 510 hp and a gonzo 6.0-liter in the CL65 AMG that cranks out 621 hp and an ungodly 738 pound-feet of torque.
But good as the CL-Class is, it doesn't own this niche segment. Other executive-class rides include the Bentley Continental GT and even the 2011 Porsche Panamera, though it's not a traditional coupe. But for sheer road-eating dominance, few cars can touch the formidable 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Performance & mpg
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL550 4Matic comes standard with all-wheel drive and is powered by a twin-turbocharged, direct-injected 4.6-liter V8 that makes 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the sole transmission. The rear-wheel-drive CL600 features a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 engine that makes 510 hp and 612 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Performance is impressive with either model; Mercedes-Benz claims the CL550 can hit 60 mph in 5.5 seconds and the CL600 reaches the same speed in about 4.5 seconds.
The CL63 AMG is powered by a twin-turbo direct-injected 5.5-liter V8 that produces 536 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque. It's paired with a performance-tuned version of the seven-speed automatic, yielding a 0-60-mph time roughly equal to that of the CL600. The available AMG Performance package adds 27 hp and 74 lb-ft (for total output of 563 hp and 664 lb-ft) and can achieve a top speed of 186 mph (the standard version is electronically limited to 155 mph).
The CL65 AMG is in another league altogether, boasting a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 that churns out a towering 621 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. Zero to 60 passes in just 4.3 seconds, while acceleration at highway speeds is simply otherworldly.
Fuel economy estimates for the various models of the CL-Class range from 15 mpg city/23 mpg highway for the CL550 down to 12 mpg city/18 mpg highway for the 12-cylinder models.
Safety
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class comes standard with stability control, a full complement of airbags (including side curtain and driver knee) and PreSafe (which can tighten the seatbelts, reposition the front passenger seat and even close the sunroof if it senses an impending collision). Also standard is Attention Assist, a drowsiness detection system that monitors your driving inputs and sounds an alarm if you start behaving erratically.
The Driver Assistance package is optional on the CL550 4Matic and CL63 AMG, and standard on the other models. It includes blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and active cruise control with PreSafe braking. For 2011, the CL's lane-departure and blind-spot systems are also active; integrated into the stability control system, they can tap the appropriate brakes to nudge you gently back to where you're supposed to be.
Driving
Impressively powerful, serenely quiet, completely unruffled at high speeds, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is the sort of vehicle that is traditionally most at home on the German autobahn. The CL65 AMG deserves special mention; there's quite simply nothing else in this price range that can match the car's 6.0-liter "biturbo" V12, the beastliest production engine this side of a Bugatti Veyron.
The CL's handling is respectable for a large coupe, especially with the Active Body Control suspension technology (standard on all but the CL550 4Matic), which suppresses any hint of body roll in corners.
Interior
The CL boasts essentially the same elegant, luxurious cabin layout as the S-Class sedan. The supple materials, rich leather and gleaming polished wood are of the highest quality, and fit and finish is superb. Although the doors are large and heavy, they open easily and close tightly thanks to a power-operated assist feature.
A wide range of steering wheel and seat adjustments plus heated and ventilated front seats combine to make trips of any length comfortable in a variety of climes. The rear seats offer a fair amount of room for passengers. Trunk capacity measures 13.5 cubic feet, large enough for weekend bags and golf clubs.
2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class models
The 2011 Mercedes CL-Class is a grand touring luxury coupe that comes in four trim levels: CL550 4Matic, CL600, CL63 AMG and CL65 AMG.
The CL550 comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights, a sunroof, 14-way power heated front seats with power lumbar support, power door and trunk closers, park assist, keyless ignition/entry, the COMAND interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system, Bluetooth and a 600-watt Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system with a six-CD/DVD changer, satellite radio, iPod/USB integration and HD radio.
There are also several available option packages. The Sport package adds a choice of 19- or 20-inch wheels, performance tires and a body kit. The Premium 2 package includes a rearview camera, a night-vision camera and Drive Dynamic front seats (with bolsters that automatically inflate during hard cornering). The Driver Assistance package includes blind-spot monitoring with assist, lane-departure warning with assist and adaptive cruise control. Individual options include a heated steering wheel, a split-view monitor and different wheels.
The V12-powered CL600 includes all the standard features on the CL550 plus 19-inch wheels, the Premium 2 package, the Driver Assistance package and a heated steering wheel. Stand-alone options include 20-inch wheels and the split-view monitor.
The ultra-performance AMG versions offer even more powerful engines as well as unique exterior enhancements, sport-tuned suspensions, high-performance brakes, 20-inch wheels and AMG multicontour leather sport seats. The CL63 AMG comes standard with all the features found on the CL550 plus an AMG adaptive suspension with active body control, a leather steering wheel with aluminum shift paddles and the Drive Dynamic seats found on the Premium 2 package (the other features found in this package may be added as well). An optional AMG Performance package adds engine tweaks for more power, lighter twin-spoke 20-inch wheels, carbon-fiber trim and a higher 186-mph top speed governor.
The top-of-the-line CL65 AMG includes all standard features found on other models plus the Driver Assistance package, the Premium 2 package and the AMG Performance package. The CL65 stands further apart via special leather sport seats and diamond cross-stitching on the seats and door panels.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
5 star(81%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(6%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
31 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
Wish The Fuel Tank Was Bigger!!!
yellowabarth, 07/11/2012
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL63 AMG 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
2008 Model, Got her used and does exactly what is says on the Tin... Sold a S500 because it was slower than I expected from standstill and this car is the reason to Live! I look for reasons to travel, Wish the Petrol Tank was bigger, then I would not need to stop.. No problems so far, is an American version in Dubai, and just got the Navigation working and it's sweet. Seats, Amazing, … Steering , Amazing. Paid a third of its new price and got 3 times the value of a normal car. Fuel Bad, but who cares, Tyres are expensive but who cares. 50,000 Kms passed and everyone will have been hard, but she takes it in her stride. Engine sound to die for. No real complaints, but read my improvements.
5 out of 5 stars
Amazing!
Henry Gutierrez, 03/01/2016
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL600 2dr Coupe (5.5L 12cyl Turbo 5A)
I've owned Audi s5 A7 corvette, Porsche all which were great automobiles. But... I purchased my 08 cl 600 for a fraction of the original price 4 months ago with 27k on it. It's 8 year old car. ( obviously someone's baby) it is perfect! Black on black. It is incredibly fast! Poor gas mileage, worth it.:))
What a pleasure to drive in town or Hiway. The interior is very luxurious . Love … the dynamic seats!! Sound system sounds like I'm at the symphony. Funny: :) porches and other high performance cars/drivers pull up at light, notice the V 12 badge and know not much of a chance. I've read some of the reviews and know repairs are costly. Hopefully I don't have any soon.(crossing fingers) the dealership did go over her with a fine tooth comb, plus I asked a lot of questions and had it looked over from an independent. Hope we have many years and miles together.
10 months later I still love this car. In to dealership once. Car would run rough for a second than ok. Suggested a gas additive which seemed to do the trick.
Traded my CL... had an extended warranty that was about to expire. The repairs were many for the short time I had it. Cylinder pack, ABC hose, seat motor, blower for a/c .... beautiful car and a thrill to drive! Rocket! But...
5 out of 5 stars
Continues to be Enthralling . . .
Michael J. Ruble, 04/25/2019
2007 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL550 2dr Coupe (5.5L 8cyl 7A)
I've been the happy owner of a pre-owned CL 550 since December 2018. I was searching for an SL 500 that met my specifications when I came across a CL 550 at the local Mercedes Benz dealership. Talk about serendipity! This vehicle is absolutely amazing despite being 13 years old. It still turns heads and receives compliments galore. My 2007 CL 550 is solid as a tank, gives power on … demand without snapping your neck, smooth shifts, advanced technology (which some luxury cars do not have even today), and a ride/comfort quality beyond any other vehicle I've owned in the past. In the nearly year and one half of ownership, I continue to be enthralled by the vehicle. I am now not just an enthusiast, but also a loyalist. I am fortunate to have found a CL with a two-owner history with less than 60,000 miles. However, even though the car has been gently pre-owned, it still looks and feels brand new. The MPG seems reasonable - I have a V6 as my daily driver, which seems to drink fuel at about the same amount while on the highway as the ample V8 in the Benz. It's just amazing to me that this CL retailed for just over $100K when brand-new, and I was able to make her mine for less than $20K. I understand the justifiable anxiety many experience around purchasing an older Mercedes. Alas, so many wonderful, older MBs go unnoticed as they sit on a dealer's lot longer than new models - but if you take necessary precautionary measures like a having a pre-purchase inspection, researching the car's history, and reading Edmund's reviews, you might just find yourself the absolutely perfect car! My thanks to the talented craftspeople, technicians, and artisans who orchestrated such beauty in an automobile as Beethoven did when he composed one of his symphonies.
4.75 out of 5 stars
Bullet Proof CL63
CMM, 07/28/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class CL63 AMG 2dr Coupe (6.2L 8cyl 7A)
An absolutely phenomenal car that makes CL (or S) driving more excitement than you can imagine. Not quite as much torque as the 12cyl CL600, but quick as nearly anything else on the street. When speed isn't an issue, it rides like a limo - smooth & quiet. With the AMG sport package and 20" wheels and tires it turns heads wherever it goes. Although it's 4500lbs, it feels like a sports … cars with the Active Body Control suspension that keeps the car dead flat. The tranmission is tied to the suspension settings and here again goes from smooth and easy to 7000rpm manual only shifting. Actually the middle Sport Mode is the best selction for shifting. Overall, the best Benz I've owned in 20yrs
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the CL-Class since its last redesign.
2011 CL-Class Highlights
Coupe
CL550 4MATIC
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $113,150 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $308/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the CL-Class include:
- Back-up camera
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- Lane Departure Warning
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Pre-collision safety system
- Post-collision safety system
Related Used 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Nissan Quest 2015
- Used Audi A6 2011
- Used Chevrolet Silverado 3500HD 2017
- Used Dodge Avenger 2011
- Used BMW X6 2013
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2014
- Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2012
- Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2011
- Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2013
- Used Mercedes-Benz CL-Class 2010
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Subaru Impreza WRX
- 2023 Colorado
- 2025 Kia Soul News
- 2023 Q5
- Audi Audi A5
- 2025 Honda HR-V News
- 2023 Elantra
- 2025 Tesla Model X News
- 2023 Soul
- 2023 Pathfinder
Research other models of Mercedes Benz
- Gle Mercedes Benz
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2024
- CLS
- Mercedes G Benz
- Gla S
- Mercedes-Benz M-Class 2023
- Mercedes Benz E450
- G Wagon S
- Benz GLS SUV
- Mercedes Benz C Class
Research similar vehicles
- Lexus LC 500 Horsepower
- GT R
- Zimmer Mustang
- Chevrolet Camaro Car
- Car R8 Audi
- Corvette For Sell
- MC Laren Solus GT
- Toyotagrsupra
- Dodge Demon
- M4 F82 BMW
Other models
- Used Lexus LC-500 in San Gabriel, CA
- New Chevrolet Colorado for Sale in Wheaton, IL
- Used Chevrolet Monte-Carlo in Hayward, CA
- New Hyundai Ioniq-5 for Sale in Greenville, NC
- Used Lincoln Navigator-L in Gary, IN
- Used Lexus LS-600H-L in Pharr, TX
- Used Saturn Vue-Hybrid in Coos Bay, OR
- Used Volvo XC90 in Victorville, CA
- Used Chevrolet Silverado-1500 in Greenfield, IN
- Used Cadillac Escalade in Cathedral City, CA