2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
Please enter a valid mileage
Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
By KBB.com Editors
The CLK is Mercedes-Benz's mid-level premium coupe and convertible line. Although the CLK costs significantly more than its competition, Mercedes-Benz believes the brand's name and engineering excellence command the higher price. Styling, performance and luxury hold strong sway with consumers in these market categories, and the CLK Coupe and Cabriolet are prime examples. The CLK Coupe stands out from the few others in this segment by touting a pillarless hardtop design and a stunning profile. Where the CLK350 and CLK550 clearly place luxury above any really serious performance ambitions, the 475-horsepower CLK63 AMG makes no bones about its intentions. True driving enthusiasts, however, may turn to Audi or BMW, as the CLK63 AMG still is not offered with the choice of a manual transmission.
If you wish the E-Class Sedan were available in coupe or convertible form, the CLK is about the closest you're going to get, short of a custom job. A rigid body, firm ride and well-insulated top (on the Cabriolet) await the CLK's lucky owners. There aren't many rivals in this price range, making the CLK a rather exclusive vehicle.
The high price tag for the Cabriolet and V8-powered models is the only negative on our radar screen. In true two-door fashion, the CLK offers little in the way of rear-seat legroom and a manual transmission is not offered on any model.
The CLK500 becomes the CLK550 as the 382-horsepower, 5.5-liter V8 becomes the car's new engine. A new Sport Package includes 10-spoke, 17-inch wheels, shorter springs and perforated brake discs. The package is available on both the CLK350 and CLK550.
Driving Impressions The CLK550's new V8 develops 382 horsepower, which rockets the car forward while leaving behind the unmistakable note of a V8 exhaust. The wonderfully neutral handling requires only minor input...
to the steering wheel and offers excellent feedback. Mercedes-Benz also includes two settings for the smooth-shifting seven-speed transmission; one for comfort and one for sport. In the comfort setting, the transmission starts in second gear, reducing the amount of torque to the wheels and thus improving traction. This setting is very useful for those who drive in snow and rain.Pop-Up Roll Bars
Integrated pop-up roll bars on the CLK Cabriolet remain out of sight until needed.
Side Turn Signals
Turn signals built into the base of the side-view mirrors are visible to drivers next to you.
Interior
The CLK's interior received a thorough update last year, more an improvement than a replacement. Familiar Mercedes-Benz styling cues were augmented by better ventilation controls, while the power seat controls were mounted on the door to form the shape of a seat. Clever features abound, such as the electronic arm that extends for front-seat occupants or the power-operated front seats that automatically move forward when the seatbacks are tipped up. We found the CLK's seats offer a wide range of positions, including the ability to raise the seat bottoms to a significant rake. This is a favorite position for long-legged drivers who need more thigh support. Oddly, the standard seats do not offer any form of adjustable lumbar support.
ExteriorIntroduced in 2003, the CLK's timeless design remains fresh and alluring. The stunning Cabriolet takes full advantage of the rakish CLK lines and, with the top removed, looks as though it was born to be a convertible. One of the great features on the Coupe is the absence of a center pillar between the front and rear window on each side. Not only does this design create a beautiful visual profile, it actually improves active safety by allowing an unobstructed view, with the windows in place or lowered.
There are three CLK trim levels: The V6-powered CLK350, V8-powered CLK550 and special edition CLK63 AMG. The base CLK350 has a seven-speed automatic transmission, front and rear fog lights, Bose audio, front and rear side-impact and head-curtain airbags, automatic roll bars (Cabriolet), 10-way power leather seats, automatic slip control, traction control, 16-inch alloy wheels, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with touch controls and memory for the front seats, outside mirrors and steering column position.
Options include heated and cooled front seats, power glass moonroof, power rear sunshade, COMAND audio and navigation control, Keyless Go, rear side-impact airbags, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, Distronic radar-guided cruise control, bi-xenon headlamps and an electronic trunk closer.
Last year's addition of the potent 3.5-liter V6 to the CLK lineup was a wise and welcome move. Though not as lightning-quick as the new 5.5-liter V8, the V6 gives the CLK the quick throttle response buyers expect from a $50K-plus automobile. For those who insist on top performance, the 6.3-liter V8 in the CLK63 AMG really turns up the volume.
3.5-liter V6
268 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
258 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2400-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/28
5.5-liter V8
382 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
391 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2800-4800 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23
6.3-liter V8
475 horsepower @ 6800 rpm
465 lb.-ft. of torque @ 5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/20
To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class vehicles for sale near you.
Based on 258 Ratings for the 2003 - 2009 models.
Review this carBy phill (GA) on Monday, May 06, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 33,000
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "cannot drive anymore brain cancer no vision"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"beautiful metallic black light beige interior..woodwheel.igot it as a birthday present in 2004 it has always been pampered and cared for..I can longer drive so I just go smell her!!!I hate to sell her but she just sits in the garage"
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By luvtoshop (CA) on Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 82,868
overall rating 10 of 10rating detailsPros: "fun to drive with the top down, or up!"
Cons: "the price I bought it for!"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"We just bought our Mercedes about 3 Months ago and I must say, no problems YET! I haven't hear much about this car but people whom have checked it out tell me "sound vehicle". I just love the convertible now that it's spring, my Grandkid's just think it's so fun to put the top down!"
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By holdenta (TX) on Friday, April 05, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "Outstanding vehicle"
Cons: "None other than cost for those concerned"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10
"I purchased the vehicle last year and really love it. Unfortently I am working out of state so my wife gets to enjoy it all the time and I only drive it during my short visits. It is pure luxury and I can say that clearly since I was driving a Jaguar prior to that. Living in Houston, TX we get to have the top down a lot. If anyone wants a wonderful car this is the one."
1 person out of 1 found this review helpful
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By CJ topless (CA) on Thursday, March 14, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 115,000
overall rating 9 of 10rating detailsPros: "looks, style, class, prestige"
Cons: "should have made these hardtop converts like bmw"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8
"I bought this car a year ago and I have put 15,000 miles on it. I'm the type to use the features of a convertible more than most. I drive it with the top down as often as I can and it's a lot of fun. I really think it's a car that looks best when a beautiful girl is behind the wheel but as a guy, I think the black on black model looks the most masculine. Handles well, lots of power, average gas mileage, no real service issues but I hear that there are 2 types of transmissions between 04 and 09 and the one with the problems is the type 9. Mine has the type 7 apparently (according to the dealer) so it had no problems. Strong car that holds it's value as do most convertible models."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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By Joey (FL) on Thursday, February 28, 2013
I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000
overall rating 3 of 10rating detailsLikely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1
"I've owned this car for 9 months. It has spent 6 weeeks in the shop. No one sems to be able to fix it including Mercedes. Today it left my wife stranded, again."
1 person out of 2 found this review helpful
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By Jon on Tuesday, February 12, 2013
I owned and sold this car
Reason: It was time for something new - My approximate mileage is 49,500
Pros: "FASSSSST, V8, good looks, fun to drive"
Cons: "Little bit of a pain to get to rear seats"
Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 7
"I bought my 2007 Mercedes CLK550 new at the very end of 2006. It was white with tan premium leather. I got heated front seats, premium sound, premium package 1 and XM radio. I sold it December, 2012 and bought a 2012 GL550. I miss the convertible a lot! I miss going from 0-60 in 5 seconds! The CLK550 has some engine! 5.5 liter V8 engine with I think just under 400 HP!!!!! The car lost value fairly quick, I paid about $68,000 for this car and when I traded it for my '12 GL550 I only got about $23,000. That's only 1/3 of the value and the car was only 5 years old (5 and a half now, I think). I got 1/3 of the value back on another one of my old cars that was 9 years old. I'm just getting 1/3 and this car is 5 years old. It was a great car! I wish it was slightly easier to get to the back but, I learned to deal with it. I think this car would be a good extra summer car for me. I might consider buying it back from the dealer to keep as an extra car along with my GL550. Oh well."
3 people out of 3 found this review helpful
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