Ssangyong Chairman CM600L
The Ssangyong Chairman was an ambitious attempt by the Korean manufacturer to create a premium luxury sedan for the domestic market. Based on the previous-generation Mercedes-Benz W124 E-Class platform (under a technology licensing agreement), the Chairman used Mercedes-derived mechanical components wrapped in Ssangyong's own body design.
The CM600L was powered by a Mercedes-Benz M104-based 3,199cc inline-six engine producing approximately 220 horsepower. This was the same basic engine architecture that powered the contemporary Mercedes E320, providing smooth, refined power delivery appropriate for a luxury sedan. The engine was mated to a four-speed automatic transmission.
The body design was created by Ssangyong's in-house team, resulting in a distinctive appearance that bore little resemblance to the Mercedes donor car. The styling was conservative and formal, reflecting Korean preferences for luxury sedans that projected authority and status. The overall dimensions were larger than the W124, with an extended wheelbase for improved rear-passenger comfort.
The interior was lavishly appointed by Korean standards, with leather seats, wood trim, a comprehensive audio system, and features including electrically adjustable seats, climate control, and power everything. The rear compartment was designed for executive comfort, with generous legroom and high-quality appointments.
The Chairman was positioned as a competitor to the Hyundai Dynasty and, more aspirationally, imported luxury sedans from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Lexus. It served primarily as a chauffeur-driven executive car in Korea, and was rarely exported.
The Chairman was produced from 1997 through various evolutions until 2014, making it one of the longest-running Ssangyong models. The original CM600L is now a rare car, with few surviving in good condition. It represents a fascinating chapter in Korean automotive history — the moment when Korean manufacturers first attempted to compete in the luxury sedan segment.
Very few exist outside South Korea. Mercedes-derived engine and drivetrain parts are available through Mercedes channels. Ssangyong-specific body and trim parts are extremely difficult to source outside Korea. Rust can be a concern. Automatic transmission condition is critical. Interior leather and wood trim quality varies.
Produced at Ssangyong's factory in Pyeongtaek, South Korea from 1997. The Chairman used Mercedes-Benz W124 platform technology under license. The CM600L was the top-specification model with the 3.2-liter inline-six engine.