2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review

Don't look for the famous Mercedes-Benz stand-up star emblem on the hood of the new-generation CLK Cabriolet -- it's the first Mercedes open four-seater to use the automaker's classic coupe-roadster front design, which puts the star in the center of the grille.

The three-pointed stand-up star emblem on some Mercedes models gives a Mercedes a more exclusive feeling from behind the wheel. But the new-generation Cabriolet (convertible) makes up for the lack of the stand-up emblem with improvements such as smoother styling, more horsepower and a larger rear-seat area.

The first-generation CLK Cabriolet was one of the most successful Mercedes models, with 41,520 sold in America from 1999 to 2003 and more than 115,000 sold worldwide.

Mercedes is the only automaker that has offered uninterrupted convertible availability since the 1950s. It was known when Mercedes introduced its redesigned second-generation CLK coupe in 2003 that a convertible would follow, as was the case with the first-generation CLK coupe. Meanwhile, Mercedes offered SLK and SL convertibles -- and still does.

The new CLK Cabriolet is 2.4 inches longer, about an inch wider and 1.1 inches higher than its predecessor.

The car also is more aerodynamic for less wind noise, although road noise causes occupants to speak slightly louder than normal at highway speeds. Mercedes says the new body also reduces wind lift by up to 73 percent in front, which translates into better directional stability.

Top-down driving is generally pleasant, although I didn't do much of it with temperatures in the 30s. The power top with a glass rear window works smoothly and quickly via a control inside the car or the car's SmartKey remote control unit.

The three-layer top fits snugly, making the CLK Cabriolet a comfortable car during Chicago winters. The convertible feels virtually as solid as the coupe version, with little cowl shake.

One can also use the SmartKey with an optional Keyless Go system to start the car by depressing the brake pedal and touching a button atop the automatic transmission shift lever.

Another high-tech feature is Distronic adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains a set distance behind a vehicle with the help of a radar sensor.

The 2004 CLK convertible is much like the redone CLK coupe in that it's basically a relaxed cruiser that could be used as a family's only car -- if the kids are fairly small. But the back seat is still too tight for people other than children or short, slim adults. Moreover, getting in and out of the rear seat is still a chore, partly because the doors are long and heavy.

The trunk is larger, but not big enough to carry more than a few pieces of soft luggage or a week's worth of groceries for a medium-sized family -- despite elaborate trunk hinges that don't eat into cargo space. The trunk has 8.6 cubic feet of storage space, versus 10.4 cubic feet for the CLK coupe.

Front doors have storage pockets and there's a small amount of space in the covered center console and glovebox. The back seat is the place to put a normal amount of cargo, but there's no pass-through opening between the trunk and rear seat area as there is in the CLK coupe.

Like the coupe, the convertible is mainly designed to be a posh cruiser -- except for the hot CLK55 with its ferocious engine and special suspension and tires.

There are three well-equipped CLK Cabriolet trim levels with different engines: The $51,400 CLK320 I tested has a 3.2-liter V-6 with 215 horsepower, while the $59,850 CLK500 has a 5-liter V-8 with 302 horsepower. The low-volume $79,500 CLK55 sports a 5.4-liter V-8 with 362 horsepower.

Handling of the two milder versions is quite good, although they're not meant to be pushed too hard. My test car's steering felt a bit rubbery, although it was quick. The suspension provided a smooth ride, and the brakes were powerful with good pedal feel.

The front bucket seats help hold occupants firmly in place when sweeping quickly through curves, but even the instrument panel indicates that the convertible is basically meant for laid-back driving.

For instance, the speedometer is flanked by an analog clock and a tachometer, with the clock larger than the tachometer. In a high-performance car, the tachometer is as large as the speedometer, and the clock is put in the center of the dashboard.

As with the coupe, the convertible has electronic vertical bar graphs instead of conventional fuel and coolant temperature gauges, and they seem out of place in a sporty Mercedes. However, the car's analog gauges can be read quickly and the well-placed controls are decently sized.

Outside mirrors look aerodynamic, but should be larger.

There's no manual gearbox because the Cabriolet is primarily a luxury car. But its smooth, responsive five-speed automatic transmission upshifts imperceptibly during normal acceleration and downshifts quickly. It also has a manual shift feature.

The CLK320 has plenty of power for most driving and delivers acceptable fuel economy: an estimated 20 mpg in the city and 26 on highways. Economy drops to 17 and 22 with the CLK500 and to 15 and 22 with the CLK55.

This is a Mercedes, so there are enough safety features to make the CLK Cabriolet one of the safest convertibles every built.

Such features include pop-up rollbars in the rear headrests if sensors detect an impending rollover. There also are front head/thorax side air bags and rear side air bags. A Mercedes Tele Aid system summons emergency response in case of a severe collision.

Standard anti-lock brakes have a brake assist feature for panic stops, and traction and stability control systems help out if a car threatens to lose stability.

The CLK Cabriolet is a sweet car, especially in its base CLK320 form. All versions are costly, but resale value should be very good.

2004 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK CONVERTIBLE

Prices
$51,400-$79,500

Likes
Roomier new generation model. Stylish. Comfortable. Fast. Good handling.

Dislikes
Tight back seat. Rear-seat entry/exit. Small trunk. Long, cumbersome doors.