Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class | |
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Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (A209)
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Overview | |
Manufacturer | Mercedes-Benz |
Production | 1997–2009 |
Assembly |
Bremen, Germany Monterrey, Mexico |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Mid-size luxury sports car (E) |
Body style | 2-door coupé 2-door convertible |
Layout | FR layout |
Related |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz E-Class Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C124/A124) |
Successor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207) |
First generation | |
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Overview | |
Production | 1997–2003 |
Designer | Michael Fink (1993) |
Body and chassis | |
Related |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 105.9 in (2,690 mm) |
Second generation | |
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2007–2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 350
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Overview | |
Production | 2002–2009 |
Body and chassis | |
Related |
Mercedes-Benz C-Class Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class |
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a series of mid-size luxury coupés and convertibles produced by German car manufacturer Mercedes-Benz in two generations. Although its design and styling was derived from the E-Class, the mechanical underpinnings were based on the smaller C-Class, i.e. respectively based on the W202 and W203 platforms of the C-Class. It was positioned below the Mercedes-Benz CL-Class and SL-Class, but above the SLK-Class. The CLK name derives from the German Coupé Leicht Kompakt (or Kurz), translated Coupé-Light-Short. In 2009 Mercedes ceased to use the CLK designation moving the segment designation back to E-Class Coupe/Convertible instead, as it had called this specific line of its vehicles previously before the CLK moniker was introduced in 1997.
The first-generation W208/C208 CLK was introduced in 1997, and was based on the W202 Mercedes-Benz C-Class launched three years earlier. The W208 coupé was replaced by the W209 CLK-Class in 2002 (for the 2003 model year), although the convertible remained in production until 2003 when replaced by the C209 CLK.
The CLK introduced a new market niche for Mercedes-Benz. Although the W208 used components from the E-Class (W210), aesthetic based on the E-Class and had a specification level higher than the E-Class, it was in fact based on the less expensive C-Class (W202) platform. Two versions were initially available: the four-cylinder CLK 200 (136 PS (100 kW; 134 bhp)) and four-cylinder supercharged and CLK 230 Kompressor 193–197 PS (142–145 kW; 190–194 bhp).
The CLK320 Coupé was introduced in the 1997 model year, powered by a 218 PS (160 kW; 215 bhp) 3.2 L V6 engine. The CLK GTR FIA GT1 racing car appeared in 1998, powered by a 5.9 L V12 engine; 25 road-going CLK GTRs were made. The CLK 320 Cabriolet and the 279 PS (205 kW; 275 bhp), M113 4.3 L V8-powered CLK430 appeared in 1999. All models were available in both coupé and convertible form. In Europe, the supercharged I-4 powered CLK200 Kompressor was also available, reaching impressive 193 bhp, thanks to euro2 permissive emission specs. In late 1999 for the 2000 model year, a facelift was launched which incorporated, among others, a revised instrument cluster with a bigger multifunction display, steering wheel with controls for the multifunction display and radio, Tiptronic automatic gearbox, revised bumpers and new side skirts. Wing mirror-mounted turn signals were not implemented until 2001 for the 2002 year model.