The Mercedes-Benz CLK ranks 8 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 28 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz CLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The automotive press considers the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe a beautiful car, but one that can't measure up to the performance many buyers expect from an entry-level luxury sport coupe.
Motor Trend puts it this way: "If you're looking for something slightly less edgy than the 3-Series, a coupe with a bit more room and refinement, and you don't care to row your own gears, Mercedes' new CLK is the CTS coupe that Cadillac refuses to build and the C70 that Volvo will soon stop building." The CLK shares much of its architecture with Mercedes' C-Class sedan, and like that car, it trails the top of the class in handling balance and acceleration. Cars like the Infiniti G37 (which will also be available as a convertible later in 2009) and the Lexus IS clearly have the C-Class beat on those measures. But this is a highly competitive class, and the lowest-ranked upscale midsize cars are still pleasant to drive.
Available as a coupe or a convertible, the CLK is sold in 350 and 550 trims, and as a convertible model. For 2009, the high-performance AMG CLK63 and CLK Black Series have been discontinued, but a limited number of ultra-luxurious "Grand Edition" models, which carry over some of the styling elements of the AMG editions, have been added. All models now include standard heated seats and a CD changer.
The CLK hasn't been redesigned since 2002. Mercedes plans a complete redesign of the car for next model year.
The automotive press considers the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupe a beautiful car, but one that can't measure up to the performance many buyers expect from an entry-level luxury sport coupe.
Motor Trend puts it this way: "If you're looking for something slightly less edgy than the 3-Series, a coupe with a bit more room and refinement, and you don't care to row your own gears, Mercedes' new CLK is the CTS coupe that Cadillac refuses to build and the C70 that Volvo will soon stop building." The CLK shares much of its architecture with Mercedes' C-Class sedan, and like that car, it trails the top of the class in handling balance and acceleration. Cars like the Infiniti G37 (which will also be available as a convertible later in 2009) and the Lexus IS clearly have the C-Class beat on those measures. But this is a highly competitive class, and the lowest-ranked upscale midsize cars are still pleasant to drive.
Available as a coupe or a convertible, the CLK is sold in 350 and 550 trims, and as a convertible model. For 2009, the high-performance AMG CLK63 and CLK Black Series have been discontinued, but a limited number of ultra-luxurious "Grand Edition" models, which carry over some of the styling elements of the AMG editions, have been added. All models now include standard heated seats and a CD changer.
The CLK hasn't been redesigned since 2002. Mercedes plans a complete redesign of the car for next model year.
