Last updated August 4, 2026
The CL 550 and CL 550 4MATIC are the comfort-first entry models, with V8 power, all-wheel drive, and a smooth-riding air suspension. The CL 600 is the luxury-focused V12 model, adding hydraulic active suspension and a broader standard driver-assistance suite. The AMG models form the performance side of the lineup. The CL 63 AMG pairs a handcrafted V8 with sharper responses and stronger brakes. The CL 65 AMG combines a handcrafted V12 with AMG suspension, styling, and cabin trim.
The CL 550 and CL 550 4MATIC are the comfort-focused, all-weather versions of the CL-Class luxury coupe.
Best for: Drivers who want strong performance, a smooth ride, and reassuring year-round traction without the more aggressive AMG character.
Highlights
The CL 600 is the smooth, formal V12 model, known for effortless power, composed handling, and richer comfort equipment.
Best for: Drivers who value quiet V12 power, long-distance comfort, and added driver assistance more than sporty AMG styling.
Highlights
Moves beyond the CL 550 models with a 510-hp twin-turbo V12, rear-wheel drive, hydraulic active suspension, and a broader standard driver-assistance suite.
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The CL 63 AMG is the driver-focused grand tourer, keeping the CL’s luxury cabin while adding sharper AMG responses and a more muscular character.
Best for: Drivers who want quicker responses and more assertive performance without giving up the CL-Class’s comfort and cabin space.
Highlights
Changes the focus from the CL 600’s smooth V12 luxury to a 536-hp handcrafted AMG V8, a seven-speed AMG transmission, stronger brakes, and sharper chassis tuning.
0 in stockThe CL 65 AMG is the V12 AMG model, blending effortless long-distance power with the full AMG chassis, styling, and cabin treatment.
Best for: Drivers who want the CL-Class’s V12 luxury character paired with AMG performance hardware and a more assertive appearance.
Highlights
Adds a 621-hp, 738-lb-ft AMG V12 and the broader driver-assistance equipment associated with the V12 models, while retaining AMG suspension and styling.
0 in stock| Feature | Performance | Luxury Entry | Premium Luxury | Ultimate Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Includes | CL 63 AMG0 in stock | CL 550, CL 550 4MATIC0 in stock | CL 6000 in stock | CL 65 AMG0 in stock |
| Engine | 5.5L twin-turbo AMG V8 | 4.6L twin-turbo V8 | 5.5L twin-turbo V12 | 6.0L twin-turbo AMG V12 |
| Power | 536 hp; 590 lb-ft | 429 hp; 516 lb-ft | 510 hp; 612 lb-ft | 621 hp; 738 lb-ft |
| Drivetrain | Rear-wheel drive | All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Transmission | 7-speed AMG transmission | 7-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic | 5-speed AMG transmission |
| Suspension focus | AMG-tuned active body control | Comfort-focused adaptive air suspension | Hydraulic active body control | AMG-tuned active body control |
| Design focus | AMG bodywork and carbon-fiber trim | Comfort-first luxury | Formal V12 luxury | AMG bodywork and carbon-fiber trim |
| Fuel economy | 15 city / 22 highway mpg | 15 city / 24 highway mpg | 12 city / 18 highway mpg | 12 city / 18 highway mpg |
In the 2009–2014 era, the lineup centered on four versions: the all-wheel-drive CL 550 4MATIC, luxury-focused CL 600, V8-powered CL 63 AMG, and V12-powered CL 65 AMG.
In later C216 models, the CL 550 4MATIC is the broadest-use trim. It pairs a 429-hp twin-turbo V8 with all-wheel drive and a comfort-oriented air suspension, making it the lineup’s clearest fit for year-round luxury driving.
In the 2009–2014 lineup, the CL 600 is the luxury-first V12 model. It uses a 510-hp twin-turbo V12, hydraulic active suspension, and a fuller set of driver aids for smooth, effortless travel rather than AMG-style aggression.
In later C216 years, the CL 63 AMG is the performance-focused V8 model. It adds a handcrafted 536-hp twin-turbo V8, a quicker-shifting seven-speed transmission, stronger brakes, sharper suspension tuning, and AMG styling.
In the 2009–2014 era, the CL 65 AMG is the most powerful CL. It combines a handcrafted 621-hp twin-turbo V12 with AMG suspension, brakes, bodywork, and carbon-fiber cabin trim while retaining the coupe’s luxury focus.
The CL 550 is the all-weather V8 choice, while the CL 600 is the smoother, more formal V12 model. In later C216 cars, the CL 550 has all-wheel drive and air suspension; the CL 600 has 510 hp, hydraulic active suspension, and more standard driver aids.
The CL 550 emphasizes comfort and all-weather traction; the CL 63 AMG emphasizes speed and sharper responses. In later C216 models, the CL 63 adds a 536-hp handcrafted V8, AMG transmission and suspension tuning, stronger brakes, and more aggressive styling.
Both are V12 luxury coupes, but the CL 600 is the quieter, more understated choice. The CL 65 AMG raises output from 510 to 621 hp and adds AMG-tuned suspension, performance bodywork, stronger brakes, and carbon-fiber interior trim.
The CL 63 AMG uses a 536-hp twin-turbo V8 and seven-speed performance transmission. The CL 65 AMG uses a 621-hp twin-turbo V12 and five-speed automatic, and it carries the richer driver-assistance equipment associated with the V12 side of the range.
The CL 550 4MATIC is the clearest fit. In 2009–2014 U.S. models, it came with all-wheel drive, while its adaptive air suspension and strong V8 kept the focus on secure, comfortable everyday travel.
Look first at the CL 600. In the later C216 lineup, its smooth twin-turbo V12, hydraulic active suspension, heated wood-and-leather steering wheel, massaging seats, and broader driver-assistance suite make it the most comfort-focused non-AMG model.
The CL 63 AMG is the fit. In later C216 cars, it delivers 536 hp from a handcrafted twin-turbo V8 and adds AMG suspension tuning, stronger brakes, faster gear changes, and sportier styling without moving to the CL 65’s V12.
In the 2009–2014 trim structure, the CL 600 and CL 65 AMG include the fuller suite as standard. It combines adaptive cruise control, automatic braking, blind-spot monitoring, and active lane-keeping.
In the later C216 lineup described here, all four main trims include heated and ventilated front seats with massage. The CL 550, CL 600, and AMG versions differ more in engines, drivetrains, suspension tuning, brakes, styling, and driver aids.