Used 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

The CLK is Mercedes-Benz’s mid-level premium coupe and convertible line. Although the CLK costs significantly more than its competition, Mercedes-Benz believes the brand’s name and engineering excellence command the higher price. Styling, performance and luxury hold strong sway with consumers in these market categories, and the CLK Coupe and Cabriolet are prime examples. The CLK Coupe stands out from the few others in this segment by touting a pillarless hardtop design and a stunning profile. Where the CLK350 and CLK550 clearly place luxury above any really serious performance ambitions, the 475-horsepower CLK63 AMG makes no bones about its intentions. True driving enthusiasts, however, may turn to Audi or BMW, as the CLK63 AMG still is not offered with the choice of a manual transmission.

The CLK550’s new V8 develops 382 horsepower, which rockets the car forward while leaving behind the unmistakable note of a V8 exhaust. The wonderfully neutral handling requires only minor input to the steering wheel and offers excellent feedback. Mercedes-Benz also includes two settings for the smooth-shifting seven-speed transmission; one for comfort and one for sport. In the comfort setting, the transmission starts in second gear, reducing the amount of torque to the wheels and thus improving traction. This setting is very useful for those who drive in snow and rain.

The CLK’s interior received a thorough update last year, more an improvement than a replacement. Familiar Mercedes-Benz styling cues were augmented by better ventilation controls, while the power seat controls were mounted on the door to form the shape of a seat. Clever features abound, such as the electronic arm that extends for front-seat occupants or the power-operated front seats that automatically move forward when the seatbacks are tipped up. We found the CLK’s seats offer a wide range of positions, including the ability to raise the seat bottoms to a significant rake. This is a favorite position for long-legged drivers who need more thigh support. Oddly, the standard seats do not offer any form of adjustable lumbar support.

Introduced in 2003, the CLK’s timeless design remains fresh and alluring. The stunning Cabriolet takes full advantage of the rakish CLK lines and, with the top removed, looks as though it was born to be a convertible. One of the great features on the Coupe is the absence of a center pillar between the front and rear window on each side. Not only does this design create a beautiful visual profile, it actually improves active safety by allowing an unobstructed view, with the windows in place or lowered.

Pop-Up Roll Bars
Integrated pop-up roll bars on the CLK Cabriolet remain out of sight until needed.

Side Turn Signals
Turn signals built into the base of the side-view mirrors are visible to drivers next to you.

There are three CLK trim levels: The V6-powered CLK350, V8-powered CLK550 and special edition CLK63 AMG. The base CLK350 has a seven-speed automatic transmission, front and rear fog lights, Bose audio, front and rear side-impact and head-curtain airbags, automatic roll bars (Cabriolet), 10-way power leather seats, automatic slip control, traction control, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls and memory for the front seats, outside mirrors and steering column position.

Options include heated and cooled front seats, power glass moonroof, power rear sunshade, COMAND audio and navigation control, Keyless Go, rear side-impact airbags, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Distronic radar-guided cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps and an electronic trunk closer.

Last year’s addition of the potent 3.5-liter V6 to the CLK lineup was a wise and welcome move. Though not as lightning-quick as the new 5.5-liter V8, the V6 gives the CLK the quick throttle response buyers expect from a $50K-plus automobile. For those who insist on top performance, the 6.3-liter V8 in the CLK63 AMG really turns up the volume.

3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28

5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23

6.3-liter V8
475 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20