From March, the stunning two-door CL-Class will be available from $308,000 (RRP) for the CL 500, with the powerful CL 63 AMG at $383,000 (RRP). The peerless CL 600 which is powered by the marque’s famous V12 biturbo engine is priced at $389,000 (RRP). All prices exclude dealer delivery and statutory charges.

The full-size Mercedes Coupés are synonymous with style and exclusivity in the automotive industry and have been for decades. They set the standard in terms of design and equipment, combining exemplary safety with an outstanding level of comfort and assured handling.

Just as the luxurious Mercedes Coupé points the way to the future with its innovative technology, the design has also set the direction for a new era of Mercedes style. Its hallmark is the interaction between distinctive tightly drawn lines with large, unruffled surfaces.

Engines: eight and twelve-cylinder powerplants with noticeably more power

The eight-cylinder powerplant in the CL 500 delivers 285 kW and generates a maximum torque of 530 Newton metres from 2,800 rpm. As such, the newly developed engine outperforms the existing V8 unit by 26 percent in terms of output and 15 percent when it comes to torque. The CL 500 accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in just 5.4 seconds (previous model: 6.3 seconds).

An ultra-modern biturbo twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet of the new CL 600 generates its impressive power. Mercedes engineers have enhanced numerous details of the power unit and, compared to the predecessor model, have increased output by 12 kW to 380 kW. Maximum torque, already on tap from 1,900 rpm, has been improved further by 30 Newton metres to 830 Newton metres and remains constant up to 3,500 rpm. The new CL 600 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds (previous model: 4.8 seconds). Despite the significant performance boost the V12 engine consumes 0.4 litres less fuel than the previous CL 600 per 100 kilometres.

The breathtaking CL 63 AMG sports the same 6,208 cc V8 engine that has recently taken the sports car world by storm. The 385 kW/630 Newton Metres torque powerplant is matched to the seamless AMG SPEEDSHIFT 7G-TRONIC 7-speed automatic transmission. As always, the heart of this sports star is hand-assembled by AMG according to the maker’s disciplined principle of ‘One man, one engine’.

Interior: equipment for even the most discerning driver

In an instant you realise that everything in the interior of the new CL-Class has been designed for comfort and relaxation.

The interior of the CL-Class Coupé, available in five stylish colours, now includes an even more impressive array of technical and luxury highlights as standard equipment, taking the CL-Class Coupé to a new level and setting a new benchmark for luxury motoring in the coupé world.

The COMAND system (Cockpit Management and Data System) brings the world to you in an instant via its integrated satellite navigation, DVD, television tuner and the KEYLESS-GO electronic drive authorisation system makes starting off seamless.

The AMG RACETIMER and IWC analogue clock are there to remind you that every driving experience in the CL 63 AMG is never long enough.

At the end of a long day the dynamic multi-contour seats in the CL 600 bring a well-earned massage through the Exclusive PASSION leather upholstery as you drive home.

Compared with the outgoing model, the new Mercedes-Benz top-of-the-range coupé provides even more comfort and space than before. At 5,065 millimetres long, 1,871 millimetres wide and 1,418 millimetres high, the body is now 75 millimetres longer, 14 millimetres wider and 20 millimetres higher than before, providing even more comfort and space for all four occupants. The boot capacity has been increased by 40 litres to 490 litres (VDA measuring method).

Active Body Control: the perfect combination of dynamism and comfort

The standard specification in the new Mercedes Coupé features technological innovations that no other manufacturer can match anywhere in the world. First is the Mercedes-developed Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system, which in its latest, even more sophisticated guise delivers unprecedented handling dynamics while offering an equally appreciable improvement in the already impressive ride comfort. Based on sensor signals and using specially designed hydraulic cylinders at the axles, ABC all but entirely eliminates the customary pitch and roll of the body that occur when moving off, cornering and braking. ABC responds with split-second speed to ensure body damping is adjusted instantly to any situation. At speeds above 60 km/h, ABC lowers the body by up to ten millimetres to reduce drag and improve handling stability.

PRE-SAFE®: automatic partial braking before an impending accident

Mercedes-Benz is the world's first car brand to develop an anticipatory occupant protection system that recognises a potential accident situation in its early stages and takes anticipatory occupant protection measures: PRE-SAFE® is standard-fit on the new CL-Class. During emergency braking or when skidding is imminent, the system moves the passenger seat into the most favourable position so that seat belts and airbags have maximum effect on impact. It also inflates air cushions in the dynamic multicontour seats (standard in the CL 600), which envelop and support the driver and front passenger. PRE-SAFE® also closes the side windows and the sunroof in critical situations where high lateral dynamics are generated.

Mercedes-Benz has made this multi-award-winning anticipatory protection system even better in the new CL-Class with the newly developed PRE-SAFE® brakes. They operate in tandem with Brake Assist PLUS (BAS PLUS), which warns the driver of an imminent collision with the vehicle ahead using visual and audible signals and automatically calculates the required braking pressure to prevent an accident. This braking-power support is available as soon as the brake pedal is operated. If the driver does not react to the BAS PLUS warnings, the PRE-SAFE® brakes trigger automatic partial braking where an accident is imminent and slow the CL Class down using around 40 percent of the total braking power.

The automatic partial braking provides the driver with another clear warning to act. If the driver then immediately applies the brakes, the maximum braking force is available and the accident can -- depending on the situation – potentially be averted at the last moment. If an accident is unavoidable, the PRE-SAFE® brakes reduce the impact severity and, in turn, the risk of injury to the vehicle occupants.

As with BAS PLUS, the new PRE-SAFE® brakes also utilise state-of-the-art radar technology to scan the situation in front of the car and detect a potential accident. Two short-range radar sensors with a range of 30 metres and a scanning angle of 80° are located behind the front bumper fascia on the CL-Class. The additional long-range radar in the radiator grille has a range of 150 metres.

Mercedes-Benz offers BAS PLUS and PRE-SAFE® brakes in conjunction with the standard fitment DISTRONIC PLUS proximity cruise control.

Assistance systems: radar sensors make parking child’s play

The newly developed parking guidance system also works on the basis of radar technology: the sensors measure the length of a parking space when driving past and show on the cockpit display whether there is sufficient space to park. Once reverse gear is engaged, the display then displays a symbolic representation of the parking manoeuvre; guide lines show the required steering angle and indicate the path into the parking space.

Night view assist with infrared headlamps, reversing camera, voice control for car radio, DVD changer and navigation as well as tyre pressure monitoring system are all on hand for increased handling safety and comfort.

Tradition: seven generations of the Mercedes-Benz Coupé

The new CL-Class ushers in the seventh generation of the large Mercedes Coupés. The all-new two-door model replaces the world-beating outgoing model, which joins the ranks of the best-selling luxury coupés with around 46,800 units sold.