2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500

47 Bids Winner - CFP
4:00 AM, 30 Jul 2025Vehicle sold
Sold for

£11,111

(inc. Buyer’s Premium)
Winner - CFP
consigner image

Paul's review

Paul Hegarty - Consignment Specialist Message Paul

“ An underrated modern classic from Stuttgart, one that still feels contemporary, ”

...but with all the tech you could ever need.

Background

The second generation of the super-stylish Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupé was launched in 2000. Based on the W220 S-Class chassis, it offered wonderful comfort in everyday driving, but an engaging and thrilling drive when the opportunity arose.

The CL500 is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine putting out a heady 302hp and sending power to the rear wheels via a smooth automatic transmission. Able to spring from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds, should the mood take you, the CL500 would top out at a limited 155mph if a derestricted autobahn was your playground.

In addition to its impressive power output and performance, the CL-Class also added numerous comfort and safety features, several of which represented the first time Mercedes-Benz, or indeed any car manufacturer, had implemented such systems on a production car.
 

Key Facts


  • Bulletproof Mercedes-Benz V8
  • Seemingly Infinite Optional Extras
  • £13,000 Mechanical Overhaul with Mercedes-Benz Specialists

  • WDB215352A011798
  • 111,865 Miles
  • 4966cc
  • auto
  • Tanzanite Blue Metallic
  • Java Cashmere Beige (514A)
  • Right-hand drive
  • Petrol

Vehicle location
Battersea, London, United Kingdom

Background

The second generation of the super-stylish Mercedes-Benz CL-Class coupé was launched in 2000. Based on the W220 S-Class chassis, it offered wonderful comfort in everyday driving, but an engaging and thrilling drive when the opportunity arose.

The CL500 is powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine putting out a heady 302hp and sending power to the rear wheels via a smooth automatic transmission. Able to spring from 0-62mph in just 6.5 seconds, should the mood take you, the CL500 would top out at a limited 155mph if a derestricted autobahn was your playground.

In addition to its impressive power output and performance, the CL-Class also added numerous comfort and safety features, several of which represented the first time Mercedes-Benz, or indeed any car manufacturer, had implemented such systems on a production car.
 

Overview

Costing just under £65,000 when new, this well-specced 2001 Mercedes-Benz CL500 is beautifully presented inside and out. Some of the car’s features/creature comforts include Exclusive leather, Burr Walnut trim, Bi-xenon headlights, an electric rear window blind, plus many others—and not forgetting the wonderful 5.0-litre V8.

The car comes with an excellent documented service history, two keys and the original owner's manuals.
 

Exterior

The CL500 launched in 1996, with the facelift soon following in 1999. The smooth and sleek exterior is quite ahead of its time on the styling front, especially when the windows are down to reveal the pillarless coupé.

Finished in Tanzanite Blue Metallic, the paintwork on the CL500 presents extremely well, with a deep, lustrous finish. There were no dings or dents spotted, and the panel gaps appear to align as you would expect.

Starting at the front of the car, the bumper is free from damage thanks to the Parktronic sensors. The headlights are free from damage, as are the lower fog lights.
From the side, the sleek flowing lines are uninterrupted by any dings or dents. All of the windows are free from any noticeable scratches, and there is an optional sunroof fitted which is working correctly.

Those flowing lines continue to the rear, where the smooth red/clear light clusters are in good condition. There are also rear parking sensors, which we are told are working correctly.

The original five-spoke alloy wheels are in excellent condition, with no real signs of age or corrosion to the faces. All four tyres have a good amount of tread remaining.
 

Interior

Finished with Exclusive leather Java/Cashmere Beige (514A), topped off with burred walnut, the cabin gives a fantastic sense of luxury inside this 2001 CL500. The electric heated and cooling seats are in excellent condition and working correctly, with just a minor amount of creasing to the leather on the driver’s side, which is in keeping with the mileage. The rear seats are also in fantastic condition, as are both door cards and the switches on them, which don’t appear to show signs of excessive use.

Open the door and sit yourself in  just like the comfort of your favourite armchair, you are faced with the leather and walnut steering wheel, which is in excellent condition. The instruments are working correctly and there are no warning lights reported when the car is running. The odometer shows a reading of 111,862 miles.

Looking across the dashboard, this is free from damage, the walnut trim is in excellent condition, as is the switchgear, which is said to all be working correctly and as you would expect. The Mercedes also has nicely installed a magnetic phone holder.

The beige carpets throughout have been kept in excellent condition with the help of a set of factory-fitted mats. These have light signs of use, as you would expect. Inside the boot is clean and tidy, with the spare wheel present, warning triangle, and a full toolkit.
 

Mechanical

The CL500’s 5.0-litre V8 is like a velvet hammer—smooth on the outside, but it hits hard when you put the hammer down.

With a limited top speed of 155mph and producing approximately 302bhp with 339lb-ft of torque, the CL500 fires up without hesitation, with the distinct tone of the V8 coming to a super-smooth idle. It runs with no issues reported by the vendor.

The five-speed automatic gearbox helps propel the car from 0–60mph in around 6.1 seconds and delivers a smooth change when pulling strongly through the gears.

New front discs and pads were fitted around 4,000 miles ago, and the car comes to a stop in a straight line with no problems reported. Whilst primarily the CL500 is a luxury coupé, on the road the car is super smooth with a quiet ride, but can still perform well when driven in a sporty manner.

Looking at the underside, the Mercedes presents well and no leaks were spotted.
 

History

Two keys are included, along with the owner’s manuals and a service booklet showing 14 service stamps, making up a nice service history. There are some invoices included which show a huge amount of work carried out in 2022 totalling over £10,000 - and it is worth noting that this was less than 3,000 miles ago.

Summary

At a fraction of the £65,000 new price tag, this 2001 Mercedes CL500 appears to have been treated well over the years when you look at the excellent condition, fantastic service history, and the bill less than 3,000 miles ago that cost in excess of £10,000.

This is 2001 luxury motoring at its best, and what a treat it will be for the next custodian, who’s going to have the pleasure of this fantastic German coupé.

We are happy to offer this car for auction with an estimate in the range of £4,000 - £5,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are STRICTLY BY APPOINTMENT and we are open weekdays between 10am - 12pm or 2pm - 4pm. To make a booking, please use the ‘Enquire About This Vehicle’ button on the listing. Feel free to ask any questions, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.

 

About this auction

Seller

Private: RupertCL5006888


Viewings Welcome

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and is strictly by appointment. To book one in the diary, please get in contact.

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