The Mercedes Benz CLK Class was a mid size rear wheel drive coupé/convertible. While it was based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C Class, its styling cues, engine, and price range are closer to that of the E Class, with Mercedes Benz slotting the CLK as a coupé version of the W210 and W211 E Class sedan/wagon. The CLK succeeded the W124 E Class Coupe and it was in turn replaced by the W212 E class Coupe.
1996–2002 (W208)
The first generation CLK was introduced in 1996, 3 years after the 1st generation (W202) C Class model. The launch of the CLK also marked Mercedes first foray into the mid sized coupe market, as the W124 E Class Coupe was considered a two door sedan rather than a coupe.
Less expensive than the sporty SL Class convertibles, the first generation CLK cabriolet was the most successful convertible Mercedes Benz ever offered; 41,520 were sold in the United States from 1999 to 2003, and more than 115,000 were sold throughout the world.
The CLK cabriolet is known in the UK as the Loafer because of its resemblance in profile to an Oxford Brogue.
Versions offered in the first generation were the CLK 200(136 PS), CLK 200 Kompressor(192 PS), CLK 230 Kompressor(193 PS), CLK 320(218 PS), CLK 430(279 PS) and the CLK 55 AMG(347 PS). All were available in both coupé and convertible form.
The CLK 320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK 320 Cabriolet and the 4.3 L V8 powered CLK 430 appeared in 1999. The high performance CLK 55 AMG, which was introduced first in Europe in 2000, was powered by the M113 5.4 L V8 engine. The CLK 55 AMG cabriolet became available in 2002, the last year of this body style.
2003–2009 (W209)
The CLK coupé was redesigned for 2003, with the cabriolet following in 2004. The current generation of the CLK Class is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider and 28 mm (1.1 in) higher than its predecessor.
* The CLK 270 CDI features a 2.7 L, 5 Cylinder engine and a five speed tiptronic transmission.
* The CLK 320 features a 3.2 L, 18 valve single overhead cam (SOHC) V6 engine and a five speed automatic transmission. The CLK320 was replaced by the CLK350 for 2006.
* The CLK 350 features a 3.5 L, 24 valve dual overhead cam (DOHC) V6 engine and a seven speed automatic transmission.
* The CLK 500 features a 5.0 L, 24 valve SOHC V8 engine and a seven speed automatic transmission. It received a new 5.5 L 32 valve DOHC V8 engine in 2007 (in America, it was called CLK 550).
* The CLK 55 AMG features a 5.4 L, 24 valve SOHC V8 engine and a 5 speed automatic transmission. The base price is US$69,900 for the coupé and US$87,000 for the cabriolet. The CLK55 AMG coupé was dropped in North America after the 2005 model year, though the cabriolet is still offered. The CLK55 was replaced by the CLK63 for 2007.
* The CLK63 AMG features a 6.2L V8 with a seven speed automatic transmission. Available in both Coupé and Cabriolet, the CLK63 boasts 481 hp (354 kW) and 465 ft·lb (630 newton m) of torque. Compared to its predecessor the CLK63 has 31 more power and 23 more torque. The CLK63 is currently being used as the safety car in Formula One. It accelerates from 0 60 mph in 4.3 seconds.
* The CLK63 AMG Black Series features a 6.2L V8 with a seven speed automatic transmission. Only available in Coupé, the CLK 63 BS delivers 507 hp (373 kW) and 465 ft·lb (630 newton m) of torque. It accelerates from 0 60 km/h in 4.1 seconds.
In Europe there was also the CLK 200 K (1.8 R4), CLK 220 CDI (2.1 I4 diesel), CLK 240 (2.6 V6), CLK 270 CDI (2.7 R5 diesel), CLK 280 (3.0 V6), CLK 320 CDI (3.0 V6 diesel); (all standard with 6 speed manual transmission, automatic transmission is optional)
2009 Mercedes Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
Each model seats four and in the US this includes an all leather interior with burl walnut trim. For Europe the models are available as Elegance or Avantgarde versions, basically Luxury or Sport specification where the Elegance uses Burr Walnut trim and polished alloy wheels the Avantgarde uses alloy trim and wider, sportier wheels. The price and specification for European models is otherwise the same. The 4 cyl. cars wear 16 wheels While the CLK320, CLK350 and CLK500 come with 17 inch (432 mm) alloy wheels, the CLK55 AMG sports 18 inch (457 mm) wheels. The cabriolets have a remote operated automatic soft top and sensor controlled roll bars. Since 2000, all US cars come standard with a Tele Aid emergency assistance system, automatic dual zone air conditioning, 10 way power front seats and rain sensing windshield wipers. Seven channel digital surround sound comes standard. A Keyless Go system, navigation system, Parktronic system, and bi xenon HID headlamps are all available as options. All models come with four side airbags.European cars differ considerably and are usually specced depending on the buyer s needs.
On certain 2003 models there is a radiator leak which can cause thousands of US Dollars in repairs if not caught early. This problem is known by Mercedes Benz, whom account around 5 of these vehicles have the problem, although they will not offer any assistance and have not been recalled.
2010–present (W207)
A two door E Class Coupe was introduced as part of the new eighth generation E Class, at the 2009 Geneva Motor Show, as Mercedes Benz intended to leverage the better known E Class nameplate. However, like the two generations of the CLK Class, the new E Class Coupe is based on the contemporary C Class platform. It will be produced in Bremen.
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