Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG C216
The Mercedes-Benz CL 65 AMG C216 was the ultimate expression of the grand tourer concept — a pillarless luxury coupe of enormous proportions, powered by a hand-built 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 producing 621 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque. It was, in every sense, a car without compromise or apology.
Based on the W221 S-Class platform but shortened and draped in elegant two-door coupe bodywork, the CL 65 AMG was a modern successor to the great Mercedes-Benz coupes of the 1960s and 1970s. The pillarless design — side windows with no B-pillar — created a stunning visual effect when all windows were lowered, giving the car an openness that modern coupes with their thick pillars cannot achieve.
The M275 V12 engine was the same hand-assembled unit found in the S 65 AMG, but in CL 65 specification it produced 621 hp (630 PS) — 17 hp more than its sedan sibling. Each engine bore the signature plaque of the AMG technician who assembled it. The twin IHI turbochargers delivered boost from just above idle, providing a smooth, irresistible wave of acceleration.
Driving the CL 65 AMG was an experience unlike any other. The combination of V12 power, two-door exclusivity, and S-Class luxury created something that felt genuinely special. The Active Body Control suspension could vary between cloud-like comfort and surprising composure through corners. The steering was light but accurate, and the massive AMG brakes provided reassuring stopping power for a car weighing over 2,200 kg.
The interior was a showcase of Mercedes-Benz craftsmanship. Designo leather, real wood or carbon fiber trim, massaging seats, and the COMAND infotainment system provided an environment of total luxury. The rear seats were surprisingly usable for a coupe, offering genuine accommodation for two adults.
The CL 65 AMG was always the rarest and most exclusive variant in the CL lineup. Its combination of V12 power, pillarless coupe elegance, and uncompromising luxury made it a choice for those who found the S-Class too common and the S 65 AMG too practical. It was the last Mercedes-Benz CL-Class — replaced by the S-Class Coupe — and it remains one of the most impressive grand tourers ever built.
All the same caveats as the S 65 AMG apply, with additional concerns about the pillarless coupe body. ABC suspension remains the Achilles heel — budget for potential failures. The pillarless door design means the windows must fully retract before the doors open, adding complexity. Check door alignment carefully. The V12 engine is reliable with proper maintenance but any work is extremely expensive. Pre-facelift 5-speed transmission is less durable than the post-2010 7-speed. Electrical complexity is extreme — only buy with full service history. The CL 65 is rarer than the S 65 and may hold value better long-term.
Exact production numbers not publicly disclosed. The CL 65 AMG was the rarest CL variant. The C216 generation ran from 2006-2014, with a facelift in 2010 bringing updated styling, LED headlights, and the AMG Speedshift 7-speed transmission. The CL-Class nameplate was retired after the C216, replaced by the S-Class Coupe (C217).