Mercedes-Benz has been nothing if not consistent. Squint at the CL550, CL600, or either of the AMG versions of the marque's newest CL-Class coupes, and you can see their connection to the 300Sc of the early 1950s, the mid-80s SEC, and the C140-platformed cars of 1992-98.
Although the new '07 is only the third generation Mercedes model to be officially badged a CL, it is the seventh full-sized two-door coupe the company has brought to market since the early 1950s. Although there have also been smaller coupe models (the original C, CE, and today's CLK are two examples), we're focusing this timeline on the larger, most exclusive variants, the last several of which have been based on whatever the current S-Class was at the time. In most instances, they represented the top of the Mercedes model range, and always combined luxury, performance, and a look of understated elegance.
1. 300S / Sc; 1951-58 (internal designation: W188 and W188 series II)
This full-fendered coupe combines styling elements of coachbuilt, pre-war Mercedes models with the lower, sleeker look of the post-war era. The 3.0-liter SOHC I-6 was a forebear of that which would ultimately power the 300SL Gullwing. In 300S trim, the engine was equipped with three two-barrel carburetors and good for 150 horsepower. The later 300SC benefited from a switch to fuel injection and a host of revisions, which improved handling and boosted horsepower to 175. Just 314 of these hand-built coupes were produced throughout an eight-year run, making them highly sought after collectibles.
2. 220S / 200SE; 1956-1960 (W180, W128)
The 220S / SE thoroughly modernized the look established by the 300S models. Its flanks were much cleaner, and although some of the surface detail was retained, most of the 30s design elements were retired. This car was launched in mid-1956, just a few months after the design first bowed in convertible form. It used a relatively small 2.2-liter I-6, first rated at 100 horsepower. Updates increased output to 106, and in 1958, a fuel-injected model (the SE) was offered with 115 and ultimately 120 horsepower. This is a relatively compact car, compared, for example, with Bentley coupes of the day.
3. 220/250/280SE; 1961-71 (W111, W112)
This is the car that really established Mercedes-Benz as a modern day maker of premium luxury coupes. Also offered in convertible form, the W111/112 platformed cars were noted for their airy greenhouse (which made for a minimal blind spot), high tech independent suspension, orthopediclly designed seats, and terrific performance for the day. Most were powered by a series of 2.2, 2.5, and 2.8 liter I-6s, but the 280SE 3.5 - produced for one year only, 1971 - was powered by the Three Pointed Star's new 3.5-liter, SOHC V-8. Its smoothness, performance, and style made it an instant collectible.
4. 380/500/560SEC; 1981-1991 (C126)
Mercedes stayed away from the luxocoupe market for a nearly a decade (1972-1980) but came back in a big way with the S-Class derived, C126 variant in 1981. Although its underpinnings were shared with the big sedans, there were no common body panels. This model also evidenced continuing advancements in aerodynamics, as the look got smoother, the mirrors were faired into the A-pillars, the headlights were flush mounted, and so forth. The 560 is the one to have, with 275 horsepower and musclecar style torque. The SEC lived a 10-year production life, and was a strong seller.
5. 500/600SEC, CL500/600; 1992-1998 (C140)
This big, slab-sided coupe was the first to be badged as a CL, about halfway through its model life. It was also the first to be offered with a V-12 engine, moving it further up the totem pole as a premium luxury offering; the ultra smooth 6.0-liter twelve put our nearly 400 horsepower. As with the closely related S-Class of the time, the C140 was criticized as being too large, too blandly styled, and too heavy. But its driving dynamics belied its size, and the car's engineering level and build quality were world class.
6. CL500/600, CL55/65 AMG; 1999-2006 (C218)
This is the model being replaced by the new-for-2007 CL models. Elegant design, inside and out, was back in vogue, although it gave up a bit of rear legroom to the previous model. 5.0-liter V-8 and 6.0-liter V-12 models continued, plus two AMG performance editions. The twin-turbo V-12 in the CL65 AMG cranked out over 700 pounds feet of torque, more than any Viper, Corvette, or Lamborghini ever has. MT tested a non-speed limited CL55 AMG to a top speed of over 180 mph. This CL was the best selling Mercedes coupe to date.
7. CL550/600, CL63/65 AMG; 2007-
Seen here with the original 300Sc of the mid 50s, the big Mercedes two-door has completed a 50+ year circle. The new design is bold and powerful, yet retains a certain elegance and grace of the older cars. Sure, they're not cheap, but neither are the best champagnes, a first class cruise, or a shopping spree at Tiffany. This generation of CL is by far the best performing ever, and matches those characteristics with high levels of comfort and luxury. It's a worthy edition to this long running lineup from Mercedes.
To read our first drive story on the new Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupes, see the December/2006 issue of Motor Trend.