2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Mercedes-Benz CLK - What the Auto Press Says
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. The CLK carries one of the highest prices in the upscale midsize segment, and one of the oldest designs. Mercedes will eliminate the car from its lineup in the 2010 model year, replacing it with an E-Class coupe and convertible.
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."
Those comparisons, however, are not entirely fair. The CLK's base price is higher than any of the cars mentioned -- the key reason Mercedes will drop this car from its lineup for 2010. The CLK remains a fine car -- there are few cars in this class that are anything less than a pleasure to drive -- but it is an aging design priced higher than many newer, more exciting cars.
The CLK shares some of its architecture with the previous generation of Mercedes' C-Class sedan -- a car that has been replaced. The age of the design is part of why the CLK trails the top of the class in handling balance and acceleration. Cars like the Infiniti G37 and the Lexus IS (both also available as convertibles) 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. 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. For the 2010 model year, Mercedes will stop building the CLK. The marque will introduce an E-Class convertible and coupe, which share the CLK's pillarless design but take the look farther upscale to the Large Luxury Car class, where this car's pricetag belongs.
- "The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class offers a stylish but somewhat overpriced combination of comfort and performance." -- Edmunds
- "Mercedes-Benz's current CLK coupes and convertibles are fine cars.. but. aggressive or intimidating they are not." -- Car and Driver
- "The Mercedes-Benz CLK feels right in just about any role. It's good looking, stylish, sporty to drive and personal, yet roomy and comfortable for four adults." -- New Car Test Drive
- "As with most Mercedes-Benz models, the CLK is pricey. But it is a strong player in the luxury coupe market that will attract envious glances as you drive down the highway." -- The Auto Channel
- "The CLK is quite luxurious, with a smooth ride, velvety controls and a long list of standard amenities." -- Forbes
CLK Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is powered by a pair of powerful engines and accelerates quickly, but most reviewers say it still doesn't have the quick reflexes of the top performers in this class. According to Motor Trend, "In V6 or V8 form, the Mercedes coupe isn't for slicing through twisties in the manner of the BMW 3 Series coupe, although there's nothing wrong with the way the CLK gets around corners -- it's quick and nearly neutral." Read More
CLK Exterior - NA
The automotive press thinks the CLK is gorgeous. Its unique design has no B-pillar between the front and rear windows. "There is no post at the center to obstruct vision and fresh air," explains The Auto Channel. "This gives the CLK a clean look that isn't available in many cars." The look, however, has been on the road now for more than seven years. It's unquestionably dated, especially when set next to the new C-Class. Read More
CLK Interior - 8.6 (Very Good)
The CLK is one of Mercedes' best interiors in recent memory, according to reviewers. Some even find the back seat usable. "After years of mixing value into its equation, Mercedes has sifted proper levels of content, style, and quality back into its interiors," writes Motor Trend. Read More
CLK Safety - NA
The 2009 CLK Coupe has not been crash tested by the federal government or the insurance industry. The car offers a long list of safety equipment, but convertibles notably lack head curtain airbags. Read More
CLK Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercedes guarantees 2009 vehicles for four years or 50,000 miles through a basic warranty. Read More
