C216 (2007 to 2014)

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C216), manufactured globally between 2007 and 2014, was the final generation of the brand's dedicated grand touring flagship, celebrated for its pillarless design and a presence that felt both imposing and effortlessly graceful. This iteration was a showcase for "over-the-top" technology, featuring pioneering safety systems like Night View Assist and an updated Active Body Control (ABC) suspension that even compensated for crosswinds. The lineup was exclusively high-displacement, offering the silky CL500 V8, the effortless CL600 V12, and the heavy-hitting AMG variants—the CL63 (initially a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 and later a 5.5-litre biturbo) and the range-topping CL65 AMG with its incredible 1,000Nm of torque. In the 2026 Australian market, the C216 is regarded as a modern masterpiece, with desirability peaking for the post-2010 facelift models due to their more modern LED lighting and improved fuel efficiency from the "BlueEfficiency" engines. The buyer pool in Australia is composed of high-end connoisseurs who value the C216 as the last "true" CL before it became the S-Class Coupe, alongside performance enthusiasts who target the biturbo AMG models for their world-class power. Locally, market value has remained remarkably resilient for original, Australian-delivered examples with complete service logs, as 2026 buyers are prioritising vehicles maintained by specialists like Stuttgart Shop or Ammstar to ensure the sophisticated Intelligent Servo Modules (ISM) and complex hydraulic suspension components are in peak condition. For the Australian aficionado, the C216 stands as a high-water mark for the luxury grand tourer, continuing to be a distinguished and powerful sight at Mercedes-Benz Club of Australia regional runs and national concours events.

The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (C216), manufactured globally between 2007 and 2014, was the final generation of the brand's dedicated grand touring flagship, celebrated for its pillarless design and a presence that felt both imposing and effortlessly graceful. This iteration was a showcase for "over-the-top" technology, featuring pioneering safety systems like Night View Assist and an updated Active Body Control (ABC) suspension that even compensated for crosswinds. The lineup was exclusively high-d… Read more