2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review

Mercedes-Benz always has made stylish coupes, which is why the automaker's CLK coupe has been one of its most desirable models since the car's 1998 introduction. The redesigned 2003 model is a lot better.

The fast, nimble, comfortable new CLK resembles its predecessor. But it has ultrasmooth styling inspired by Mercedes' top-line CL coupe and is slightly larger and roomier.

The CL and CLK coupes feature the industry's only mass-produced hardtop design without middle roof posts. Open the windows and the CLK feels like a convertible with the top up. Conventional coupes can't match that open, airy feel. In profile, the roof appears to float above the car when all windows are open.

The Mercedes CL and CLK luxury coupes have a style that, alas, has fallen out of fashion because many former owners of such coupes have switched to large sport-utility vehicles.

The CLK continues in convertible form as a 2003 model, but it uses the 1998-2002 design. It's sold as the $49,950 CLK320 with a 215-horsepower V-6 and as the $57,650 CLK430 with a 275-horsepower V-8. The convertible will be redone for 2004, so comments here apply only to the new, second-generation CLK coupe.

Safety-conscious Mercedes made sure the 2003 coupe would have a high level of side impact protection without visible middle roof posts by giving it a sturdy structure up to the window sill line behind the doors. Torsional stiffness is 40 percent greater, thanks partly to the body structure's high-strength supports in the windshield pillars and lower (out-of-sight) center pillars.

The new coupe feels as solid as older Mercedes models, produced when engineers had the most influence at the automaker.

Mercedes long has been safety conscious, so the coupe has anti-lock brakes with a brake-assist feature for emergency stops--and traction and stability control systems. Besides dual-stage front air bags, there are four side air bags and two full-length side curtain head protection air bags. There's also Mercedes' Tele Aid system, which can summon emergency response in case of a collision.

The second-generation CLK coupe remains a mid-size car, although it's a little longer, wider and taller, with a wheelbase increased an inch to106.9 inches. It's also a few hundred pounds heavier, weighing 3,515 to 3,585 pounds.

There are gains in rear leg and knee room, but tall occupants still will want more headroom in the rear, which has rather hard seats shaped for only two occupants. A new Easy Entry system makes it simpler to get in and out of the back seat, although it's still somewhat of a struggle. Long doors help here, but they're heavy and can be a pain in tight parking areas.

The interior--not a strong feature of the old CLK--is posher, with higher-grade materials. Even the dashboard has a more luxurious feel and high-quality look. Low aerodynamic drag contributes to a quiet interior.

Gauge numbers are small, and the analog clock looks out of place alongside the speedometer and tachometer. Bar graphs for the fuel level and engine coolant temperature appear gimmicky--although they're said to provide more accurate readings. Sound system and climate controls should be simpler to use.

Roof-mounted grab handles above all doors are a good touch. And the bi-level glove compartment's upper shelf accommodates the $400 6-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf that's larger than the glove compartment in the old model. The center console houses an adjustable-height armrest that doubles as a storage compartment.

Available for the first time for the CLK is Mercedes' $2,950 Distronic radar-based cruise control, which can maintain a set distance from a vehicle traveling ahead. There's even a $1,015 Keyless Go system, which unlocks and starts the car at the touch of buttons on exterior door handles and the gearshift knob.

The large trunk has a low, wide opening, and a 60-40 split rear seatback folds forward to increase cargo capacity. The trunk lid has manual hinges that slide in protective enclosures so they won't damage luggage or other cargo.

The CL coupe starts at $91,650, but the new CLK is considerably more affordable. It is loaded with equipment and comes as the $43,900 CLK320 with a 215-horsepower V-6 and as the $52,200 CLK500 with a 302-horsepower V-8 from the larger CL500 coupe. The CLK500 replaces last year's CLK430, which had a 275-horsepower V-8.

New to the revamped CLK line is the low-volume $68,750 CLK55 from Mercedes' AMG high-performance unit.

"Our AMG models aren't for everyone. But adding the AMG version of the new CLK coupe lets us showcase high-performance in all our vehicle lines,'' said Mercedes-Benz USA spokesman Fred Heiler.

Besides its neck-snapping 362-horsepower V-8, the CLK55 has an AMG sport suspension, high-performance brakes, 17-inch aluminum wheels with huge performance tires and a sport exhaust system with twin chrome outlets.

Inside the CLK55 are special AMG-designed features, including heated front sport seats, a sport steering wheel with gearshift buttons for manual control of the automatic transmission, Nappa-Nubuck leather upholstery and aluminum trim.

Engines work with a five-speed automatic transmission with the manual shift feature. It's generally responsive, but a bit slow to downshift in "drive'' mode during full-throttle acceleration.

The V-6 delivers the best estimated fuel economy: 19 mpg in the city and 27 on the highway. The V-8s provide in the mid-teens in the city and low 20s on highways.

Even the V-6 provides lively acceleration, whisking the car to 60 mph in 7.4 seconds. The CLK500 reaches 60 mph in 5.7 seconds, and the CLK55 is even faster. The bottom line is that all CLK versions have strong acceleration to help keep them out of harm's way.

The new steering system is quick and precise, with the right amount of power assist for good control. A new front suspension and revised rear suspension help provide nimble handling and a supple ride, even with the firmer AMG-modified suspension. The brake pedal has a firm, reassuring feel, and braking performance has been enhanced. However, the new CLK is the type of car that encourages more use of the accelerator than the brake pedal.


MERCEDES-BENZ CLK COUPE
Prices
$43,900-$68,750

Likes:
Redesigned with sleeker styling. Roomier. Variety of engines. Awesome AMG version.

Dislikes:
Small gauge numbers. Long, heavy doors. Rear seat area a little tight.