There is a lack of understanding about certain Mercedes models, where most people think that the top level cars are either the S or SL. The reason for this is that for decades it was true. Then Mercedes launched its replacement for the S-Class coupes and called it the CL. The CL is confusingly not a C-Class but rather an S-Class coupe, Mercedes’ top-tier GT. Our Pick of the Day is one of these in the highest spec for a non-AMG model, a 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL600 listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealer in Beverly Hills.
The number after the CL letters tells the story of this car, with the 600 meaning that this vehicle is equipped with a 5.5-liter biturbo V-12 producing 510 horsepower and 612 lb-ft of torque, giving a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds. The CL600 is a car that you are not likely to see very often as Mercedes only built around 200 per year.
The seller describes this CL600 as having covered only 36,323 miles from new. It is finished in its original factory Black paint (040) over a Black/Anthracite interior with burl walnut trim. It is riding on factory optional 19-inch AMG-style five twin-spoke alloy wheels.
The exterior looks as good as you would expect a 36,000-mile, top-of-the-line Mercedes to look, with no dings, dents or other paint flaws visible in the photos. It is equipped with Mercedes’ Active Body Control suspension system, which uses electronically controlled hydraulic components to continuously adjust the suspension and help keep the body level during acceleration, braking, and cornering. This system is complex, so be sure to have it inspected prior to purchase as it is somewhat expensive to fix. That being said, it is an amazing system that delivers exactly what current driving conditions and roads want at any given moment.
The interior looks as good or better than the exterior, with the leather seats, wood trim, and carpets looking as fine as they did when new. The cabin of a Mercedes CL is of exceptional quality, using the very best materials. These were a cost-is-no-object exercise and no corners were cut in quality. It delivers an interior that is supremely comfortable that not only represented the best in the world when new, but also continues to do so today.
Under the hood, the Mercedes twin-turbo V-12 appears to be very clean, with all components in great shape. It would bug me that the numeral “2” has fallen off the engine cover — I would order a new one just to make things perfect.
This specific CL600 includes all the books it came with when new, a complete toolkit, and optional first aid kit. The seller also adds that this example also has a clean CARFAX.
As I alluded to above, I would advise getting a pre-purchase inspection done prior to purchasing this car but, if it passed, I would happily write the $26,500 check for this 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL600 — if you can get more car for less money, please let me know what it might be. Considering that this CL had a starting price of $145,000 when new, you can get an idea for how much car you are getting for your money. They are the absolute best GT of their era and nothing else even approaches the quality the CL represents. It truly lives up to the old Mercedes advertising tagline “The Best or Nothing.”
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
