2013 Mercedes-Benz CL Class vs. Its Competition

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Jun 18, 2012

Four-seat coupes in the $100,000-and-up price bracket are rare birds.

The Mercedes-Benz CL compares well with the more expensive Bentley Continental GT, though it lacks that coupe's all-wheel drive and its handcrafted aura.

The BMW 6-Series can be priced far lower than the CL, but M6 versions are quite expensive and are more extreme performance machines than the CL AMG two-doors; they also can be had as convertibles, and this year, a new Gran Sport four-door model is also grouped under the 6-Series aegis.

The Maserati GranTurismo is exceptionally attractive as a coupe or convertible, and sports Ferrari-derived power and real rear-seat room.

The Aston Virage? Much the same, save for its Aston-built engines and its perfectly tasteful, impeccably refined style.

Finally, since the rear two seats of the CL are rarely used, the Mercedes SL roadsters are a suitable substitute; they're new this year, with a more emphatic, linear style and more muscular performance, especially in SL 63 AMG and in the coming SL 65 AMG editions.

2013 Mercedes-Benz CL Class Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW 6-Series Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Bentley Continental GT Get FREE Price Quote	2012 Maserati GranTurismo Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.8 Bristling with performance and technology, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz CL Class still is cozy enough to coddle the super-wealthy.	8.6 With the addition of a new four-door Gran Coupe and M6 Coupe, the 6-Series lineup covers the full range of personal luxury, from soft and elegant to sharp and athletic.	8.4 The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL Class toughens up its image and its handling, but still feels more content as a grand touring grand dame.	8.6 A gentleman's GT with unflappable grip and hefty, deft road manners, the Bentley Continental GT grows a little sharper and more focused for the 2012 model year.	8.6 The 2012 Maserati GranTurismo carves out a grand-touring niche for itself with Italian cachet, an earthy Ferrari rumble, and a serene blend of ride and handling.
MSRP From
$115,300	$74,900	$105,500	$189,900	$123,000
Gas Mileage
15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 23 MPG Hwy	16 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy	12 MPG City / 19 MPG Hwy	13 MPG City / 21 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas V8	Turbocharged Gas I6	Turbocharged Gas V8	Gas/Ethanol W12	Gas V8
EPA Class
Compact	Compact Cars	2 Seater	Compact Cars	Subcompact Cars
Style Name
2-Door Coupe CL550 4MATIC	2-Door Coupe 640i	2-Door Roadster SL550	2-Door Coupe	2-Door Coupe GranTurismo S
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
4	4	2	4	4
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
Coupe	Coupe	Convertible	2-Door Coupe	Coupe
Transmission
Automatic	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift	Automatic w/manual shift	Automatic w/Manual Shift