New Mercedes CLK spy shots

Mercedes Benz has lost ground in the premium coupe segment against its main rival BMW and its more recent E92 3-series coupe, so it comes as little surprise that engineers are rushing to complete development of the all-new 2009 CLK. A near production-ready CLK test mule was recently spotted undergoing testing in Stuttgart, giving us a clue as to what the final car will look like.

Designers have followed the style set by the larger S-Class sedan with the new CLK picking up a high waistline and wedge profile plus a chiseled front end with angular headlights. The new lights are a departure to the current model’s conjoined circular units, featuring a squared look that’s almost identical to the C-Class sedan.
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c36amg - 11/22/2007 3:11:20 PM

+1 Boost

well... yes clk needed a big facelift... nobody knows about it in the present as bmw has overtaken it completely.

DaHarder - 11/22/2007 3:55:43 PM

-3 Boost

The current CLK has 'zero' design/road presence, and looks about as impressive as a last generation Accord Coupe wearing far too much 'bling'... i.e. Not Very!

Just about anything will be an improvement, as long as they spare us the S-Class' 'Ford Focus Inspired' rear fender flares.

JUGNU - 11/22/2007 4:16:11 PM

+3 Boost

I hope it's more like a small CL than a C Class Coupe

JUGNU

Chip - 11/22/2007 4:31:29 PM

+1 Boost

Me too Jugnu, Ive always disliked how similiar the C-class and CLK-class are and how expensive the CLK is considering how many components and parts from the C-class it uses. Especially now that the current one is based on the previous C platform.

The 3-series coupe is still a 3-series, whereas Mercedes would like us to believe the CLK is a step up from the C, but really isnt.

Bill - 11/22/2007 6:08:07 PM

-2 Boost

Mr. Chip,

I don't understand how PLATFORM SHARING is something to be ashamed off. And what's wrong with the sharing of parts? Companies have to keep costs down as well, there's nothing wrong with the sharing of platforms or parts.

Chip - 11/22/2007 7:00:49 PM

+3 Boost

Uh Mr. Bill (you can just call me chip), I didnt say there was a problem with platform sharing, or parts sharing, you misread my comment. Who said the word "ashamed"

The current CLK uses a ton of old C-class parts and costs A WHOLE LOT MORE than a C-class. I simply dont get where the extra cost goes other than the optional V8 engine. Seems ridiculously overpriced.

I hope the new one doesnt stick to this formula. I would prefer more separation between the two models thats all.

Bill - 11/23/2007 3:08:10 AM

-1 Boost

If they share parts, which I assume pertains to the interior, then please enlighten me where exactly? Because the C-Class and CLK interiors for example are vastly different. I see no "similar parts" in them.

The extra cost? First of all the CLK is positioned above the C-Class niche and it comes with more features for one. These alone are responsible for the more expensive prices.

Kinger - 11/23/2007 8:32:55 AM

+3 Boost

They share parts in that they are based on the same chassis, and share various other suspension and slectrical components. Its not just that they share interior parts.

xj13 - 11/22/2007 5:02:24 PM

+2 Boost

The current CLK was an excellent car in both design and performance, its just that it has dated, the new baby will also be great but I hope it's doesn’t copy any other Benz and is a stand alone design, that’s what makes the 3 series a big success, it doesn’t copy any other BM it’s a stand alone style.

Bmw8ter - 11/22/2007 8:46:59 PM

+2 Boost

Doesn't matter how many revisions are made....the W208 will always be the best looking....IMO

DaHarder - 11/23/2007 1:19:48 AM

+1 Boost

Agreed...

Great shape with equal measures of elegance and aggression.

The current one doesn't even come close.

autopro - 11/23/2007 11:51:30 AM

0 Boost

Its still a cheap c-class,looks good,but unrefined and troublesome.

TauronB2G - 11/23/2007 7:18:06 PM

+1 Boost

I've had 3 CLK's (all convertibles) since they were first introduced. I have never had any problems from either car.
I currently have an 07 CLK 550 cabrio. While it does share the platform with the last gen c class that is where the similarities end. I am not in love with the interior of the current car but everything else is fine. When the new one come out I am gonna buy another CLK550.
You guys keep saying how the CLK shares the platform with the c class. Whats wrong with that? Its not like the C CLass is a bad car. There are much worse platforms to start with.
T

autopro - 11/24/2007 11:20:23 AM

-3 Boost

The C-class is no better than a camry platform that everybody rides Lexus about.

TauronB2G - 11/24/2007 5:03:36 PM

0 Boost

The camry platform isn't bad either. Its no race platform but its damn sure no slouch either. Call it what it is.
T

henbmw - 11/25/2007 11:46:41 AM

+2 Boost

I think the point of the criticism is that if you are paying $55k+ for a luxury coupe, it shouldn't have much relation to the $31k it is supposed to be 'based' off of.

Larry - 11/24/2007 12:04:09 AM

+1 Boost

the first clk looks better that the current one, I don't like the CLK it does not have look as good as as the 3 series or 6 series coupe, the CL however is impressive. the current clk does not have wow factor in my opinion.

TauronB2G - 11/24/2007 1:03:11 AM

+1 Boost

I have to agree with you the first CLK looked better but the current one is bigger and has better engines. I'm not a BMW fan anymore.
I hope the new CLK pics up some CL ques. Then again maybe by 09 I will be able to buy me a CL 550.
T

TimmyG - 11/24/2007 4:38:23 PM

+1 Boost

I like the current CLK for what it is - inconspicuous and elegant.

I do agree it doesn't have the presence of the E92 (which I love).

I also agree the non-AMG models are quite expensive for what they are. 3.35ci vs. CLK500 in Australia it definitely loses on value. And M3 vs. RS4 vs. CLK63 the AMG is cheaper, but isn't a better performance car from what I've read (so it's fairly priced as slightly cheaper in Australia)

TauronB2G - 11/24/2007 5:06:07 PM

+1 Boost

Its interesting that you mention the CLK63 and the M3 in the same sentence. Nobody else ever does. People always want to compare the CLK to the 3 series and the A4 rather than the 6 series and Audi's A5. Then in the next thought they compare the CLK 63 to the M6. Which is it?
T

S4cabriofoxone - 11/25/2007 2:17:27 AM

+1 Boost

The CLK is sized like a 3 Series but priced like a 6 Series. It's as simple as that. IMO its closest competitor is the Audi A5/S5/RS5. Nobody compares the CLK to an A4, because the A4 is a sedan.

TauronB2G - 11/25/2007 4:24:06 PM

+1 Boost

CLK interiors are bigger than the 3 series and by the way the feel bigger than the 6 series too. Has all the options a 6 series has and in V8 form more power and a bigger engine. Not to mention in the convertibles form the same type of top.
Im not interested in the coupes at all only the convertibles with the V8's. The 3 series does not compete!!!

S4cabriofoxone - 11/26/2007 12:04:52 AM

+1 Boost

The 335i convertible is just about as fast as your car.

Interior specs (inches):
335i Cab / CLK Cab
Front Headroom 38 / 38.4
Rear Headroom 36.5 / 36.3
Front Shoulder Room 55.3 / 53.2
Rear Shoulder Room 49.3 / 48.5
Front Legroom 41.8 / 42.0
Rear Legroom 31.9 / 30.4
Trunk Space 9.0 cu. ft. / 8.6 cu. ft.

So there you have it. The CLK only beats the 3er in two categories.