DecodedCars2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cl 550 4matic 2 Dr Coupe AWD, Cl 600 2 Dr Coupe RWD, Cl 63 Amg 2 Dr Coupe, Cl 65 Amg 2 Dr Coupe
- Engines
- 4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo, 6.0L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- 4-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 18 combined · 15 city / 24 hwy
- Length
- 201.2 in
- Curb weight
- 4,674–4,949 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- AWD / 4WD available
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 18 MPG combined, 30% below the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a compact car offered with 4 engines (4.7L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 8-cyl turbo, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo and 6.0L 12-cyl turbo) and 4-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 201 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,674 lb (Cl 550 4matic 2 Dr Coupe AWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 24 highway), 30% worse than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $4,550 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2012
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 CL-Class — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 CL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cl 550 4matic 2 Dr Coupe AWD | 201.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,674 lb | 56/44 |
| Cl 600 2 Dr Coupe RWD | 201.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,817 lb | 56/44 |
| Cl 63 Amg 2 Dr Coupe | 201.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,707 lb | 56/44 |
| Cl 65 Amg 2 Dr Coupe | 201.2 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.6 in | 4,949 lb | 56/44 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CL550 4matic | 4.7L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 24 / 18 | -30% | $4,550 | 494 |
| CL63 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 22 / 18 | -30% | $4,550 | 494 |
| CL600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -45% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CL65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -45% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Similar 2012 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 BMW 7 Series | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2012 Audi A8 | 21 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other CL-Class years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2013 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2011 CL-Class | 18 | 201.2 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2010 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2009 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2008 CL-Class | 17 | 199.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2007 CL-Class | 16 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2006 CL-Class | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2005 CL-Class | 17 | – | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Mercedes-Benz. How we calculate this →