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USCar Trader import service
Choose a specific vehicle. Where data is available, its detail page shows the import cost calculation. We assess any possible duty benefit with you before purchase.
Important: A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact us before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support through the process. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
CarHub · Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz CL-Class was the two-door flagship of the S-Class family — a pillarless luxury coupe that paired the engineering of the big saloon with an elegant, frameless-window body and, in AMG form, genuinely ferocious performance.
Model profile
Two generations are relevant to a modern importer. The C215 (2000–2006) introduced the CL badge on this platform, with a smooth, understated body and the debut of technologies like Active Body Control (ABC) and, on some cars, the SBC electro-hydraulic braking system. The C216 (2007–2014) brought sharper styling, updated engines and cabins, revised safety and infotainment, and a 2010 facelift.
Powertrain and equipment
On the C215, US buyers saw the CL500 with the 5.0-litre M113 V8 (later the 5.5-litre M273 V8), the CL55 AMG with a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 producing around 500 hp, the CL600 with a twin-turbo 5.5-litre V12 of roughly 500 hp, and the range-topping CL65 AMG with a twin-turbo 6.0-litre V12 near 600 hp and immense torque.
The CL exists solely as a large, four-seat, two-door coupe with frameless doors. Rather than trim levels, the model line is defined by engine designation — CL500/CL550, CL600, CL55/CL63 AMG, CL65 AMG — each stepping up in power, equipment and price.
Vehicle selection
Because the CL was a costly car when new, US examples tend to be well-equipped and, in many cases, carefully kept — though depreciation means some have passed into less diligent ownership, so condition varies widely.
The CL-Class suits a buyer who wants a stately, fast, comfortable grand tourer with presence and V8 or V12 character, and who understands that flagship Mercedes coupes reward — and require — proper maintenance.
Vehicle data
| Body style | Detail (typical): 2-door 4-seat luxury coupe |
|---|---|
| Suspension | Detail (typical): Active Body Control (ABC) / Airmatic |
| Length | Detail (typical): approx. 5,065 mm |
| Curb weight | Detail (typical): approx. 2,100–2,300 kg |
| CL500/CL550 engine | Detail (typical): 5.0/5.5 V8; later 4.6 twin-turbo V8 |
|---|---|
| CL55 AMG | Detail (typical): supercharged 5.4 V8, approx. 500 hp |
| CL600 | Detail (typical): twin-turbo 5.5 V12, approx. 500 hp |
| CL65 AMG | Detail (typical): twin-turbo 6.0 V12, approx. 600 hp |
| Transmission | Detail (typical): 5-/7-speed automatic |
| Drive | Detail (typical): RWD (later 4MATIC on some CL550) |
| Fuel tank | Detail (typical): approx. 90 L |
| Fuel | Detail (typical): Premium petrol |
| Generations | Detail (typical): C215 (2000–2006), C216 (2007–2014) |
|---|---|
| CL63 AMG | Detail (typical): 6.2 V8, later 5.5 twin-turbo V8 |
| 0–60 mph (CL550) | Detail (typical): approx. 5.0 s |
Values are reproduced verbatim from the existing article table. The documents for the specific vehicle govern.
Pre-purchase review
The CL is a magnificent car that punishes deferred maintenance. The best-known Mercedes CL-Class common problems centre on the Active Body Control suspension: pump, valve block and strut leaks are expensive to put right, and a car with sagging or knocking ABC should be priced accordingly.
Germany and Europe
US-market CLs use American lighting and instrumentation: mph-primary clusters, US headlamp aim, US indicator/side-marker arrangements and no rear fog lamp.
Typical approval work includes adding rear fog lamp function, adjusting headlamps to EU aim, confirming indicator and side-marker compliance, and documenting a genuine odometer reading.
USCar Trader services
As a buyer based in Germany, you do not have to inspect the vehicle yourself in the United States or Canada. Within the agreed scope, USCar Trader can coordinate document review, a separately commissioned on-site inspection and purchase processing.
Covered inspection points are agreed in advance. An on-site inspection records condition at the appointment and is not a guarantee.
Next step: Before commissioning, USCar Trader and the customer agree which document, history, inspection and transaction checks suit the vehicle and are included in the service. This records what was actually checked.
Import process
The assessment depends on the specific vehicle and the circumstances of the transaction. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review any possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are considered separately.
Questions and answers
Yes. US-market CL coupes are readily available and importable; USCar Trader handles sourcing, verification, shipping and approval as your broker.
No, not automatically. A 0% EU import-duty rate may be available for a vehicle covered by Regulation (EU) 2026/1455 that has US origin and is imported directly into the EU. CETA may apply to a vehicle with preferential Canadian origin. Whether the requirements are met is assessed for the individual case. Please contact USCar Trader before purchase; we review the possible duty benefit and provide non-binding support. Import VAT and other costs are assessed separately.
Import VAT and other taxes or costs are assessed separately under the applicable rules and the circumstances of the individual case. A blanket answer for every vehicle would not be reliable.
Active Body Control suspension leaks and failures are the best-known and most costly issue; budget for them on any ABC-equipped car.
A well-documented CL550/CL500 V8 typically offers the most manageable running costs; V12 and AMG cars are more expensive to maintain.
They can be with meticulous maintenance, but turbo, ignition and wiring-harness costs are high — buy only with full history.
Container shipping is recommended for a valuable luxury coupe to protect it during the ocean crossing.
Effectively yes — Mercedes renamed the model the S-Class Coupe in 2014; "CL-Class" refers to the earlier C215 and C216 cars.
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