Mercedes-Benz CL C215

Photo: Charles01 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

The Mercedes-Benz CL C215 (1999–2006): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 28 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: C215

Dimensions, weights and capacity

Specification	Europe	North America	Wikipedia
Dimensions
Length	4,990 mm RDW	–	4,993 mm
Width	1,860 mm RDW	–	1,857 mm
Height	1,390–1,400 mm RDW	–	1,398 mm
Wheelbase	2,890 mm RDW	–	2,885 mm
Front track	1,567–1,581 mm ASTRA	–	–
Rear track	1,569–1,583 mm ASTRA	–	–
Weights and towing
Kerb weight	1,765–1,975 kg RDW	–	1,865–2,155 kg
Mass in running order	1,865–2,075 kg RDW	–	–
Gross vehicle weight	2,320–2,500 kg RDW	–	–
Towing, braked trailer	750–2,100 kg ASTRA	–	–
Towing, unbraked trailer	750 kg RDW	–	–
Seats and space
Seats	4 RDW	–	–
Doors	2 RDW	–	–
Luggage space (EPA)	–	340 L EPA	–
Passenger space (EPA)	–	2,492 L EPA	–
Performance
Top speed	250 km/h RDW	–	–
Torque	460–1,000 Nm ASTRA	–	–

Tyre sizes (most common first): 245/45R18, 225/55R17, 245/40R19

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: RDW type approvals (Netherlands), Wikipedia, ASTRA type approvals (Switzerland), US EPA fuel economy data, Traficom type approvals (Finland). Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at test	Pass rate	UK average	Tests
13 years and older	79.6% (78.4–80.8)	69.2%	4,532

What the MOT finds

Area	This model	UK average, same ages
Brakes	33.2%	36.4%
Suspension	32.3%	41.6%
Tyres	24.3%	31.2%
Lights and electrics	17.7%	28.8%
Noise, emissions and leaks	13.5%	17.1%
Body, chassis and structure	11.0%	18.6%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

114 complaints for model years 2000–2006. 6 crashes · 18 fires · 8 injuries · 9 deaths

Suspension 39
Electrical system 36

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 28 versions of the Mercedes-Benz CL C215

Show all 28 versions

United Kingdom 15 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2006CL500	5.0 L	Petrol	7-speed automatic	11.4 L/100 km NEDC	270 g/km
2006CL55 AMG	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.2 L/100 km NEDC	317 g/km
2006CL600	5.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.7 L/100 km NEDC	353 g/km
2006CL65 AMG	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.9 L/100 km NEDC	357 g/km
2004CL 500	5.0 L	Petrol	7-speed automatic	11.4 L/100 km NEDC	270 g/km
2001–2004CL 55 AMG	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.0–13.2 L/100 km NEDC	310–317 g/km
2004CL 600	5.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.7 L/100 km NEDC	353 g/km
2004CL 65 AMG	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.9 L/100 km NEDC	357 g/km
2002–2003CL 500	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.4 L/100 km NEDC	299 g/km
2002–2003CL 500 (ZEV)	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.4 L/100 km NEDC	299 g/km
2001–2003CL 600	5.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.4–14.7 L/100 km NEDC	320–353 g/km
2000–2001CL 500 Coupé · CL 500	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.4 L/100 km NEDC	320 g/km
2000–2001CL 500 (ZEV) Coupé · CL 500 (ZEV)	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	12.5 L/100 km NEDC	299 g/km
2000–2001CL 600 Coupé · CL 600	5.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.4 L/100 km NEDC	321 g/km
2000CL 55 AMG Coupe	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.4 L/100 km NEDC	308 g/km

United States 7 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Drive	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2004–2006EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.0 L	Petrol	7-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2004–2006EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15–16 MPG (14.7–15.7 L/100 km) EPA	345–368 g/km
2003–2006GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP · EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	14 MPG (16.8 L/100 km) EPA	394 g/km
2005–2006EMS 2MODE CLKUP	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	13–14 MPG (16.8–18.1 L/100 km) EPA	394–425 g/km
2000–2003GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	15–17 MPG (13.8–15.7 L/100 km) EPA	325–368 g/km
2001–2002GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	17 MPG (13.8 L/100 km) EPA	325 g/km
2001–2002GUZZLER, EMS 2MODE CLKUP	5.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	Rear-wheel drive	16 MPG (14.7 L/100 km) EPA	345 g/km

Canada 6 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and version	Engine	Fuel	Gearbox	Consumption (combined)	CO₂
2004–2006Compact	5.0 L	Petrol	7-speed automatic	13.8 L/100 km 5-cycle	317 g/km
2002–2006Compact	5.4 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.1–15.6 L/100 km 5-cycle	324–359 g/km
2004–2006Compact	5.5 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	17.3–17.5 L/100 km 5-cycle	398–403 g/km
1999–2006Compact	6.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	17.1 L/100 km 5-cycle	393 g/km
1999–2002Compact	5.0 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	13.9–14.7 L/100 km 5-cycle	320–338 g/km
2001–2002Compact	5.8 L	Petrol	5-speed automatic	14.2–14.9 L/100 km 5-cycle	327–343 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.