2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review

The two-door hardtop coupe was a prime sporty car before auto air conditioning became readily available. You rolled down all windows in summer and got lots of air in a car that resembled a top-up convertible because it had no center roof pillars.

Hardly anybody rolls down windows anymore because air conditioning is optional or pretty much standard in cars costing more than $20,000. And there are no more American two-door hardtops.

Happily, though, Mercedes-Benz introduced the industry's only two-door hardtop coupes with its redesigned 2003 CL and CLK rear-drive coupes. The limited-production CL coupes cost more than $90,000, but the high-volume CLK coupes are considerably less.

There's a low-volume $70,620 CLK55 hot rod V-8 model with 362 horsepower. But most folks get the entry $44,350 CLK V-6 model or the $52,800 CLK500 V-8 version.

I tested both well-equipped 2004 versions of the CLK320 and CLK500, which are virtually unchanged from the redone 2003 models. (There's a new CLK convertible, but it hasn't been available for testing.)

The CLK320 coupe's 3.2-liter engine generates 215 horsepower. That might make it seem like a slug, compared with the CLK500 coupe, which has a 5-liter engine with 302 horsepower. But that isn't the case. The CLK320 provides lively acceleration and should satisfy most CLK buyers. The CLK500 has stronger acceleration, but it really isn't needed during routine Chicago area driving.

Moreover, fuel economy is considerably better with the V-6: an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on the highway, compared with 17 and 22 with the V-8.

Both engines work with a responsive five-speed automatic transmission, which is a little more responsive when attached to the V-8 because of its extra power and torque.

Both models look sportier than they really are. They have almost an American car cruiser feel. For instance, Mercedes autos once had very firm rides and rock-hard seats. The CLK320 and CLK500 have a soft, almost overly smooth ride and supportive seats that aren't soft but no longer feel like a park bench.

There's decent room for four adults in the CLK's quiet, luxurious, leather-swathed interior. But there isn't a surplus of rear head room. And a tall passenger behind a tall driver might wish for more knee room.

It calls for athletic moves to enter or leave the back seat area, and it's impossible for anyone to get comfortable in the middle of the rear seat. The rear center armrest has large, nicely integrated pop-out cupholders.

Large outside door handles make it easy to swing open the long, heavy doors, which are a problem in tight parking areas.

Adding to the American-style cruiser feel is a large analog clock, which resides right next to the decently sized speedometer and too-small tachometer. That clock would be in the center of the dashboard in most foreign cars.

There are dashboard bar graphs instead of gauges for the fuel level and engine coolant temperature. They're accurate but odd for a Mercedes -- and also the sort of thing you'd find in an old American cruiser.

Outside mirrors might seem just right to some drivers, but too small to others. I'd vote for larger ones.

The air conditioning system has large, chrome-rimmed vents for visual splash and pumps out lots of cold air. So don't look for CLK coupes with their windows rolled down on warm days. However, climate control and sound system controls should be larger.

The easily accessed cargo area is large and can be enlarged by flipping forward the rear seats, which have trunk-mounted seatback releases. The trunk lid swings up well out of the way.

Steering is precise, although not in the BMW class, and the CLK is nimble despite its weight of approximately 3,500 pounds, thank to the new front suspension and revised rear suspension that arrived for 2003.

Stopping distances are short with the anti-lock brakes, but the soft brake pedal needs a more linear feel and should be less touchy.

Traction and stability control systems help keep a driver out of trouble, and the rigidly built car is loaded with air bags. The CLK is one of the safest coupes you could buy, despite the lack of center roof pillars.

The CLK320 and CLK500 are stylish, fast and comfortable. They're not as sporty as one might think, but Mercedes offers plenty of sporty models for those who want more driving excitement.

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK COUPE

Prices
$44,350-$70,620

Likes
Stylish. Good overall performance. Luxurious. Easy cruiser.

Dislikes
Hard to get in back seat. Long, heavy doors. Odd gauge setup.