DecodedCars2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- Cl550 2dr Coupe RWD, Cl600 2dr Coupe RWD, Cl63 Amg 2dr Coupe RWD, Cl65 Aamg 2dr Coupe RWD
- Engines
- 5.5L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl, 5.5L 12-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 17 combined · 14 city / 21 hwy
- Length
- 199.6–200 in
- Curb weight
- 4,486–5,016 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Below-average fuel economyBest version gets 17 MPG combined, 22% below the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is a compact car offered with 3 engines (5.5L 8-cyl, 6.2L 8-cyl and 5.5L 12-cyl turbo) and rear-wheel drive.
It measures about 200 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,486 lb (Cl550 2dr Coupe RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 17 MPG combined (14 city / 21 highway), 22% worse than the 2008 compact car average of 21.9 MPG, for an estimated $4,850 a year in fuel.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2008
- Engine added: 6.2L 8-cyl
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 CL-Class →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cl550 2dr Coupe RWD | 199.6 in | 73.6 in | 58.7 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 4,486 lb | 55/45 |
| Cl600 2dr Coupe RWD | 199.6 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 4,894 lb | 55/45 |
| Cl63 Amg 2dr Coupe RWD | 200 in | 73.6 in | 58.7 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 4,685 lb | 55/45 |
| Cl65 Aamg 2dr Coupe RWD | 200 in | 73.6 in | 55.9 in | 116.5 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 5,016 lb | 55/45 |
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 | 5.5L 8-cyl | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 / 21 / 17 | -22% | $4,850 | 523 |
| CL63 AMG | 6.2L 8-cyl | Automatic (S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 18 / 14 | -36% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CL600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -41% | $6,300 | 684 |
| CL65 AMG | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic (S5) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 11 / 17 / 13 | -41% | $6,300 | 684 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (this car) | 17 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 16 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 BMW 7 Series | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi A8 | 18 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2008 Audi S6 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2008 Audi S8 | 15 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2008 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 2008 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 |
| 2012 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 |
| 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 →