Mercedes announces new CLK-Class

Mercedes announces new CLK-Class
Bolstered by a new V8 engine developing 285 kW/388 hp, the CLK 500 Coupé and Cabriolet models now serve up sports car-esque driving pleasure. The newly developed 5.5-litre V8 engine boasts a peak torque of 530 Nm (outgoing model: 460 Nm), allowing the CLK-Class to deliver a virtuoso performance: the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds (outgoing model: 5.9 seconds), while the top speed is 250 km/h (electronically limited). Despite the 26 per cent boost in power, NEDC combined fuel consumption remains at an impressive 11.4 – 11.5 l per 100 km, matching the excellent figure posted by the previous model.

Now customers can further upgrade their CLK models by adding the sports and styling package, which includes leather multicontour seats, metallic paintwork, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel with shift paddles (with the automatic transmission) and aluminium sports pedals. The six and eight-cylinder petrolengined versions with an automatic transmission boast the special 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed transmission (standard in the CLK 350 and 500). In terms of exterior features, the package comprises 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, AMG bodystyling – for the front and rear apron and the side skirt panels – as well as an AMG spoiler lip on the boot lid and a chromed AMG twin tailpipe. These visual enhancements lend both the Cabriolet and the Coupé an even more dynamic aura. Plus the sports suspension and perforated front brake discs make the CLK even more of a pleasure to drive. The sports and styling package is available now for € 4402.00 (incl. 16 % VAT).

MercBasherMercBasher - 7/19/2006 12:27:23 PM
+3 Boost
So its still called the CLK500 even with the 550 engine?


quizzquizz - 7/19/2006 1:16:45 PM
+2 Boost
Other than the new engine, the car remains practically unchanged.

Kind of a stretch to call it "new CLK class"


BMW530iBMW530i - 7/19/2006 2:28:39 PM
+1 Boost
Carmakers have a knack of calling a facelifted car "new". In a way though, there are also technical and mechanical changes aside from exterior ones, so technically, the car can be classified as new.


kart1kart1 - 7/19/2006 2:34:24 PM
+1 Boost
Every couple of years these new cars come out to keep the public interested. It is just marketing and selling point. Why else would cars get more horsepower and standard features 2-3 years after the debut?
New CLK class = Facelift, engine upgrade, a couple of extra features.
All New CLK class = Redesigned


MPowerMPower - 7/19/2006 3:56:37 PM
+1 Boost
To MercBasher:
Actually the CLK is called CLK350 and CLK550 you can check it out in the mbusa.com web site.
This car is great. And it would of sell more if it wasn't for its high price, and being built on a c-class chasis; they could afford to lower the price.


BMW530iBMW530i - 7/19/2006 4:04:46 PM
+1 Boost
The new C-Class chassis is actually quite capable. Like I said many times before, I've driven these new C-Classes in Europe (rentals) and I've been impressed, seriously impressed. The Euro C-Class feels very close to a BMW 3-series, not on the same level as the BMW, but very close. The C-Classes in the US don't feel like that at all. MB waters them down for the target market.


thecarthecar - 7/19/2006 4:33:07 PM
+1 Boost
there's 2 kinds of cars:
The New -> facelifted
The ALL New -> Next Gen


SixxFiveSixxFive - 7/19/2006 4:50:53 PM
+1 Boost
BMW530i: what do you mean that Mercedes "waters down" the c-class for the USA? They take all of the sport out and make it all luxury and mushy-mushy?


BMW530iBMW530i - 7/19/2006 7:58:27 PM
0 Boost
@ SixxFive

Well the Euro C and E-Classes have a more direct steering feel to them. The suspension also feels stiffer. In the US, I've only driven the C240 and the E320 and E500 and the steering feel on those is a little vaguer than their Euro counterparts. And our MB's tend to be more comfy too, since the suspension is softened up. I suspect Mercedes' does this because the majority of roads in Europe require a well-handling car, and in the US, this is often not the case. ;)


chewychewy - 7/19/2006 8:57:06 PM
+1 Boost
I like the front bumper, it looks very sporty.


SteveSteve - 7/20/2006 11:31:10 PM
+1 Boost
Still, a work of art. One of the most beautiful convertibles around.


H_CharlesH_Charles - 7/21/2006 9:08:05 AM
+1 Boost
A welcome change, but MB really needs to add Bluetooth to their lineup. This car will run upwards of $60 grand, and still no integrated Bluetooth unless you buy their proprietary phone system.
Dealers are forced to install aftermarket Parrot systems. Lame.
Get with 21st century, MB.



BMW530iBMW530i - 7/22/2006 3:00:44 PM
+1 Boost
I would expect the CLK500 do to it in the mid 5's, especially with the new engine and 7-spd A/T transmission.

However, it can be expected that Mercedes' overstated the 0-60 times so no one can sue them if they don't achieve these times. Carmakers always do this in their 0-60 ratings. ;)


LWKHLWKH - 7/23/2006 8:51:02 AM
+1 Boost
BMW DESIGNS ARE THE BEST: STRIKING, FUTURISTIC, FASHIONABLE, YOUNG MINDED, SPORTY!

You know, all you people who are complaining about BMW's recent design is just jealous of them! BMW is the no.1 luxury car brand in the world and the 3, 5, 7 sold the most cars in its market segment in 2005 worldwide, beating Merc and Audi BY FAR!

So this simply says it, BMW's design is the way the people want it, togather with reliable first class innovation, quality and character, it can be nothing but the choice of sensible and educated buyers! The new 3 Series design is a work of art, look at the sharp front and muscular side, what car in the world can match that??? It is something potent, first and striking. It stands out from the normal cars like Merc and Audi!

That's why BMW's 3 is World car of the year and top 3 for World car design of the year! If you want to moan, why not try the ugly CLS, look what Sh1t it looks like: ugly headlights with an overcurved shoulderline (looks like it has been crashed from front and rear), ugly rear lights, too! Shame, what a piece of TRASH! The other one is the new S class - headlights so dull and fogged, can't they ever come up with something orginal and exciting?

I suppose because they appeal to the almost dead old population, who still think that Merc is a respected brand! I don't even want to get to the snoek fish degin of the Audi grille and the crying taillights of the A4, the sales show! By the way, why did Merc copy the iDrive, bootlid and interior design of the 7 if it was so ugly to some antiBMW people? Bangle is King and he should stay! BMW is not BMW without his works of art! Too bad for those who do not like it, you must then close your eyes, but the majority of thsi world loves it and that's what matters. We cannot help it that you lack taste!
Copyright 2026 AutoSpies.com, LLC