2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features

Last updated August 4, 2026

The 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class received a major mid-cycle refresh rather than a full redesign. The headline change was a pair of stronger twin-turbo V8 engines for the CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG, accompanied by updated exterior styling across the lineup.

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About the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class

2nd generation (C216, 2007-2014), first model year of the major mid-cycle refresh

Mercedes-Benz positioned the CL-Class as its large, pillarless luxury grand-touring coupe: essentially S-Class comfort, technology and craftsmanship in a more dramatic two-door shape. Its core strengths were quiet long-distance travel, unusually powerful engines, advanced suspension systems and a richly finished four-seat cabin. The open side-window design without a visible center pillar and the combination of high-speed stability with luxury equipment separated it from smaller, more tightly packaged performance coupes.

For 2011, the CL-Class remained a four-seat luxury coupe with distinct personalities across the range. The CL 550 paired AWD with adaptive air suspension, while the CL 600 emphasized smooth V12 power, active hydraulic suspension and extensive driver-assistance technology. The AMG models focused on performance, led by the CL 65 AMG’s 621-hp twin-turbo V12, high-performance brakes and richly trimmed cabin.

What changed, by category

Powertrain

The CL 550 4MATIC replaced its 382-hp 5.5-liter V8 with a 429-hp 4.6-liter twin-turbo V8, raising torque from 391 to 516 lb-ft. The CL 63 AMG replaced its 518-hp 6.2-liter V8 with a 536-hp 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 producing 590 lb-ft. The CL 65 AMG’s twin-turbo V12 increased from 604 to 621 hp, while the CL 600’s 510-hp V12 remained unchanged.

Styling

Every model received a reshaped grille, hood, front fenders, front bumper and rear bumper. LED daytime running lights and all-LED taillamps completed the revised lighting design.

Safety

The lane-keeping and blind-spot systems in the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG gained active brake intervention, which could help guide the coupe back toward its lane.

Tech

Parking assistance became standard on the CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG instead of optional.

2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class specs and features by trim

Feature	2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassCL 6000 in stock	2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassCL 63 AMG0 in stock	2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassCL 65 AMG0 in stock	2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-ClassCL 550 4MATIC0 in stock
Engine	V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5L	V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5L	V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0L	V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6L
Transmission	Auto, 5-Spd Touch Shift	Auto, 7-Spd SPEEDSHIFT	Auto, 5-Spd SPEEDSHIFT	Auto, 7-Spd Touch Shift
Drivetrain	RWD	RWD	RWD	AWD
Fuel Type	Gas	Gas	Gas	Gas
MPG City	12 mpg	15 mpg	12 mpg	15 mpg
MPG Highway	18 mpg	21 mpg	18 mpg	23 mpg
Horsepower	510 hp	536 hp	604 hp	429 hp
Torque	612 lb-ft	590 lb-ft	738 lb-ft	516 lb-ft
Trunk/Cargo	13.5 cu-ft	13.5 cu-ft	13.5 cu-ft	13.5 cu-ft
Rear Legroom	32.2 in	32.2 in	32.2 in	32.2 in
Seats	4	4	4	4
Doors	2	2	2	2
Safety & Security
Adaptive Cruise Control
Alarm System
Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake
Active Lane Keep Assistance
Night Vision System
Park Assist
Rear View Camera
Exterior Features
Alloy Wheels
Fog Lights
Power Moonroof
Entertainment & Electronics
Navigation System
Premium Audio
Smartphone Interface
Comfort & Convenience
Dual Power Rear Seats
Dual-Zone Climate Control
Heated Front Seats
Heated Rear Seats
Heated Steering Wheel
Leather Seats
Massage Front Seat
Proximity Keyless Entry
Remote Start
Ventilated Front Seats
Ventilated Rear Seats

How the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class compares

The main change for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a revised seven-speed automatic transmission for the CL 550. Otherwise, this is largely a carryover year following the more substantial 2011 update.

See the full 2012 changes

Frequently asked questions

Was the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class fully redesigned?

No. The 2011 CL-Class was a major mid-cycle update of the existing C216 generation, not an all-new model. It kept the same basic body and structure while receiving substantial styling, engine and driver-assistance updates.

Which 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class engines changed from 2010?

The CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG received new twin-turbo V8 engines, and the CL 65 AMG’s V12 increased to 621 hp. The CL 600 carried over its 510-hp twin-turbo V12.

How did the 2011 CL-Class exterior change?

The 2011 CL-Class received a reshaped grille, hood, front fenders and front and rear bumpers across the lineup. Mercedes-Benz also added LED daytime running lights and all-LED taillamps as part of the refreshed design.

Did the 2011 CL-Class receive new safety technology?

Yes. The CL 600 and CL 65 AMG gained active brake intervention for their lane-keeping and blind-spot systems, helping steer the car back toward its lane when needed. Parking assistance also became standard on the CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG.

Is the 2011 CL-Class meaningfully different from the 2010 model?

Yes. The 2011 model is meaningfully updated, especially in CL 550 4MATIC and CL 63 AMG form, where new twin-turbo V8 engines delivered more horsepower and substantially more torque. All versions also received revised styling, while selected trims gained upgraded driver-assistance equipment.