| Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209) | |
| Manufacturer: | DaimlerChrysler (2001–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2009) |
| Class: | Grand tourer (S) |
| Layout: | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
| Wheelbase: | 27151NaN1 |
| Length: | 4638- |
| Width: | 17401NaN1 |
| Height: | 1400- |
| Weight: | 1540- |
| Predecessor: | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208) |
| Successor: | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207) |
| Sp: | uk |
The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of grand tourers, produced between 2001 and 2009. There were two body styles available: a 2-door coupé (C209) and a 2-door convertible (A209). The latter being assembled at the Karmann plant in Osnabrück. It was also the last complete car made by Karmann before closing the facility.[1]
It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.[2]
The C209/A209 CLK is based on the Mercedes W203 C-Class platform, and uses rack-and-pinion steering, instead of the recirculating ball design from the previous generation.[3] It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension.[3] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 611NaN1 longer, 181NaN1 wider, and 281NaN1 taller.[4]
At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine were available, which were all replaced by 2006.[5]
The production version CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.[6]
Convertible CLK models feature a three-layered electric soft top, that can be operated via the keyfob or at speeds up to 8 km/h (5 mph) in 20 seconds.[7] Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004.[8] The CLK Cabriolet was unveiled at the 2003 Geneva Motor Show.[9]
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.[10] [11] Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification.[12] Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, while Avantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and a 151NaN1 lower ride height.[13]
In 2005, a Sports edition, based on the Avantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights.[14] [15] An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. The Elegance and Avantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.[16]
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | NaN0NaN0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 200 Kompressor | 2002–2006 | M271 E18 ML 1.8 L supercharged I4 | 1200NaN0 at 5,500 rpm | 2400NaN0 at 3,500 rpm | 9.9 s | |
| 2007–2010 | 1350NaN0 at 5,500 rpm | 2500NaN0 at 2,800 rpm | 9.1 s (8.8 s manual) | |||
| CLK 200 CGI | 2003–2005 | M271 DE18 ML 1.8 L supercharged GDI I4 | 1250NaN0 at 5,300 rpm | 2500NaN0 at 3,000 rpm | 9.2 s | |
| CLK 240 | 2002–2005 | M112 E26 2.6 L V6 | 1250NaN0 at 5,500 rpm | 2400NaN0 at 4,500 rpm | 9.5 s | |
| CLK 280 | 2005–2010 | M272 E30 3.0 L V6 | 1700NaN0 at 6,000 rpm | 3000NaN0 at 2,500 rpm | 7.4 s | |
| CLK 320 | 2002–2005 | M112 E32 3.2 L V6 | 1650NaN0 at 5,700 rpm | 3100NaN0 at 3,000–4,600 rpm | 7.9 s | |
| CLK 350 | 2005–2010 | M272 E35 3.5 L V6 | 2000NaN0 at 6,000 rpm | 3500NaN0 at 2,400–5,000 rpm | 6.2 s | |
| CLK 500 | 2002–2006 | M113 E50 5.0 L V8 | 2250NaN0 at 5,600 rpm | 4600NaN0 at 2,700–4,250 rpm | 5.7 s [17] | |
| CLK 550* | 2007–2010 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 | 2850NaN0 at 6,000 rpm | 5300NaN0 at 2,800–4,800 rpm | 5.2 s | |
| CLK 55 AMG | 2002–2006 | 2700NaN0 at 5,750 rpm | 5100NaN0 at 4,000 rpm | 5.2 s | ||
| CLK DTM AMG | 2004-2006 | M113 E55 5.4 L V8 | at 6,100 rpmat 7,000 rpm | at 3500 rpm | 3.9 s | |
| CLK 63 AMG | 2006–2010 | M156 E62 6.2 L V8 | at 6,800 rpm | 6300NaN0 at 5,000 rpm | 4.6-4.5 s | |
| CLK 63 AMG Black Series | 2007–2009 | M156 E62 6.2 L V8 | at 7,200 rpm | 6300NaN0 at 5,250 rpm | 4.3-4.1 s |
*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.
| Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | NaN0NaN0 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLK 220 CDI | 2005–2009 | OM646 DE22 2.1 L I4 | at 4,200 rpm | 3400NaN0 at 2,000 rpm | 10.4 s (10.2 s manual) | |
| CLK 270 CDI | 2002–2005 | OM612 DE27 2.7 L I5 | at 4,200 rpm | 4000NaN0 at 1,800–2,600 rpm | 9.4 s | |
| CLK 320 CDI | 2005–2010 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 | at 3,800 rpm | 5100NaN0 at 1,400 rpm | 6.4 s (6.9 s manual) |
The CLK DTM AMG is a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, built to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the 2003 German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season.[18] Only 100 coupés and 80 convertibles were built for the European market only, with the coupé version produced for the 2004 model year, and the convertible version made for the 2006 model year.[19] The road version features a supercharged SOHC 3 valves per cylinder V8 engine rated at at 7000 rpm and at 3500 rpm of torque, with power sent through a 5G-Tronic automatic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of .[20] Weighing, the CLK DTM AMG goes from in 3.9 seconds.
The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG coupé, produced between 2007 and 2009.[21] 500 examples were produced in total, with 349 headed to the United States and only 120 examples built with right-hand drive. It is powered by the M156 6208cc V8, producing at 6,800 rpm and of torque at 5,250 rpm. It uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes' SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission.[22] [23] Additional features also include a manually adjustable suspension system designed and manufactured by KW, a limited-slip differential, larger air intakes, bucket seats, 19-inch alloy wheels, a spoiler, diffuser, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre.[24] [25] The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight,[26] and the top speed has been increased to .[27]
In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as an F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as an F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[28]
A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:
The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:[35] [36]
| Year | EU total | US total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 35,777 | 17,251 | |
| 2003 | 54,305 | 19,230 | |
| 2004 | 47,690 | 22,556 | |
| 2005 | 34,601 | 18,227 | |
| 2006 | 27,547 | 16,415 | |
| 2007 | 22,117 | 15,009 | |
| 2008 | 14,520 | 10,844 | |
| 2009 | 8,416 | 7,150 | |
| 2010 | 221 | 585 | |
| Total: | 245,194 | 127,627 |
See main article: Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM. The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from 2002 DTM season and won the 2003 DTM season.