2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2011 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 / 23 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, 26% below the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 MPG.
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 3 similar 2011 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2011 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 / 23 highway), 26% worse than the 2011 compact car average of 24.3 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 2011
- Engines added: 4.7L 8-cyl turbo and 5.5L 8-cyl turbo
- Engines dropped: 5.5L 8-cyl and 6.3L 8-cyl
Compared with 2010; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2010 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 / 23 / 18 | -26% | $4,550 | 494 |
| CL63 AMG | 5.5L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 7-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 / 21 / 17 | -30% | $4,850 | 523 |
| CL600 | 5.5L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -42% | $5,850 | 635 |
| CL65 AMG | 6.0L 12-cyl turbo | Automatic 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 12 / 18 / 14 | -42% | $5,850 | 635 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2011 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Similar 2011 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class (this car) | 18 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 Mercedes-Benz S-Class | 21 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2011 BMW 7 Series | 20 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2011 Audi S6 | 16 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2011 Mercedes-Benz CL-Class in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2011 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 2011 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 |
| 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 →