CL-W140

The next generation was the sleek but hard-lined and redesigned W140-chassis (internally known as C140) coupe of 1992–1999. Designed by Bruno Sacco, the C140's final design was approved between late 1987 and early 1988. Though the coupe’s physical appearance changed little over these years, the class underwent a name change several times. The V8 and V12 coupes were called the 500 SEC and 600 SEC, respectively, in 1992 and 1993. The 600 SEC was the first V12 coupe ever offered by Mercedes-Benz. For 1994, the model names were changed to the S 500 Coupé and the S 600 Coupé.

The name CL was adopted in 1996(1997 for MY1998 North American models), and the W140 coupés were called the CL 500 and CL 600. Production ended in August 1998. The CL 500 was considered by most experts the best model in terms of power, weight distribution and equipment for the base price. The M119 5.0 L V8 engine was regarded as one of the best engines ever produced by the German manufacturer (according to various journalists from automobile magazines such as Car and Auto Motor Und Sport). Being much lighter at the front, the CL 500 tended to have better handling characteristics than the heavier V12 flagship. The CL 600 powered by the M120 48-valve twelve cylinder engine, developed 394 PS (290 kW; 389 hp) and 570 N·m (420 ft·lbf) of torque, and as is typical of Mercedes twelves, was absolutely quiet and incredibly smooth. The classic Mercedes-Benz "V12" emblem appeared at the base of the rear pillar, on this model; sitting immediately behind the passenger windows. An entry level model was available with a 4.2 L V8 engine (with the same architecture as the M119 5.0 L V8 engine) and since it was not available at all markets, it had very low sales compared to its larger-engined siblings.