By the 2000s, Mercedes-Benz was the only German carmaker that offered a true Grand Tourer coupe, and besides the regular versions, it provided an AMG-tuned one that could be more than just a trans-continental comfortable ride.
After BMW stopped the 8-Series, Mercedes-Benz was left alone on the niche-market of Grand Tourer vehicles. The CL C215 was a true personal luxury coupe built for long distances that could offer the same comfort level as an S-Class. Since it was a car focused on the driver, the carmaker decided to add an AMG version: the 55 AMG.

Its double-headlights design matched the line introduced by the E-Class W210 and continued by the CLK C208 and the C-Class W203, but with a more refined look. In AMG clothing, it sported an A-shaped lower bumper that wore a pair of oval fog lights. Its three-slats grille that supported the big, three-pointed-star logo was different than the rest of the C215 range. The aerodynamic package continued with sculptured rocker-panels and, in the back, a tiny lip on the trunk lid and a specific bumper design.

Inside, the carmaker showed its respect to its customers and installed a luxurious, well-equipped cabin. The customer could choose between wood-trims and carbon-fiber trims for the interior. Its front bucket-seats offered a mix of comfort and sporty feeling due to their side bolstering.

The 1999 CL 55 was the first AMG special for the big, luxury coupes built by Mercedes-Benz. Besides the supercharged V-8 engine, the Gran Tourer featured standard adaptive suspension that reduced body roll and a five-speed automatic transmission with a Steptronic system. That allowed the driver to manually select the gears by tilting the gear-selector left or right.