2003 Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C215) Review: A Flagship V12 Bargain

The Mercedes-Benz CL600 C215 edition represented peak tech and ambition in its day. Today it’s largely forgotten, but depreciation now makes it cheap.

Car Talk, Autos Nov 25, 2025 0 7 Add to Reading List

2003 Mercedes-Benz CL600 (C215) Review: A Flagship V12 Bargain

Mercedes-Benz was definitely at the top of its game at the turn of the new century, as luxury automakers worldwide fought to define both excess and technological supremacy. As an example, it came out with the CL600 on chassis code C215, and this was definitely one of the standout creations, with its V12 powerplant, sculpted sheet metal wrapping and a full-on basket of gadgetry. Back then, this was a car for some of the world’s elite, but today it’s strangely overlooked and, due to its nasty depreciation curve, is probably one of the most undervalued grand tourers in the US collector's market. In fact, you’ll have to go a long way to match its blend of luxury, performance, and stealth, even in new six-figure cars today.

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