2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
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.
About the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
3rd generation (C216), second model year after the 2011 mid-cycle exterior and powertrain update
Mercedes-Benz positioned the CL-Class as its large, pillarless four-seat luxury coupe: S-Class-level comfort, technology, and craftsmanship in a sweeping two-door body. Its main purpose was fast, quiet long-distance travel rather than sports-car minimalism. The broad engine range, individual rear seats, advanced suspension systems, and frameless side-window opening distinguished it from smaller coupes, while the AMG versions added substantially stronger performance without giving up the CL’s grand-touring character.
The CL 550 is the composed V8 grand tourer, with standard all-wheel drive, adaptive air suspension, and heated and ventilated front seats. The CL 600 emphasizes V12 comfort, while the CL 63 AMG and 621-hp CL 65 AMG add stronger performance; upper models feature massaging seats, advanced driver assistance, and infrared night vision.
What changed, by category
2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V8, Twin Turbo, 4.6 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V8, Twin Turbo, 5.5 Liter | V12, Twin Turbo, 6.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 7-Spd Driver Adaptive w/Touch Shift | Automatic, 5-Spd Driver Adaptive w/Touch Shift | Automatic, 7-Spd w/SPEEDSHIFT | Automatic, 5-Spd w/SPEEDSHIFT |
| Drivetrain | AWD | RWD | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15 mpg | 12 mpg | 15 mpg | 12 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 24 mpg | 18 mpg | 22 mpg | 18 mpg |
| Horsepower | 429 hp | 510 hp | 536 hp | 604 hp |
| Torque | 516 lb-ft | 612 lb-ft | 590 lb-ft | 738 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 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||
| Active Lane Keep Assistance | ||||
| Night Vision System | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| 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 | ||||
Frequently asked questions
What changed on the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class compared with the 2011 model?
The 2012 CL-Class received two limited updates: a revised seven-speed automatic transmission for the CL 550 and pedestrian spotlighting for the infrared night-vision system. The body design, engines, and main cabin technology otherwise carried over from 2011.
Was the CL 550 4MATIC discontinued for 2012?
No. The CL 550 4MATIC continued under the shorter CL 550 name for 2012, and it retained standard all-wheel drive.
Which 2012 CL-Class trims have pedestrian spotlighting?
Pedestrian spotlighting is part of the infrared night-vision system. It is standard on the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG, while the system is optional on the CL 550 and CL 63 AMG.
Did the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class get new engines?
No. The 2012 CL-Class carried over its existing engines, including the CL 550’s 429-hp twin-turbo V8, the CL 600’s 510-hp twin-turbo V12, and the more powerful AMG engines.
Is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class a redesigned model?
No. The 2012 CL-Class is not a redesign; it is the second model year after the 2011 mid-cycle exterior and powertrain update.