Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)
The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class range of mid-size / compact executive coupes produced between 2002 and 2010. The body styles of the range are:
- 2-door coupé (C209)
- 2-door convertible (A209)
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209/A209) | |
---|---|
Overview | |
Manufacturer | DaimlerChrysler (2002–2007) Daimler AG (2007–2010) |
Production | June 2002 – February 2010 |
Assembly | |
Body and chassis | |
Class | Grand tourer (S) |
Body style |
|
Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel drive |
Related | Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203) |
Powertrain | |
Engine | |
Transmission | |
Dimensions | |
Wheelbase | 2,715 mm (106.9 in) |
Length | 4,652 mm (183.1 in) |
Width | 1,740 mm (68.5 in) |
Height | 1,413 mm (55.6 in) |
Kerb weight | 1,465–1,685 kg (3,230–3,715 lb) |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C208/A208) |
Successor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207) Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W204) |
It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.[1] In some cases, the Mercedes-Benz C205/A205 C-Class also replaced it; with the 43 and 63 AMG versions being the sole example (as replacements for the CLK 55 and CLK 63).
Development and launch
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.[2] It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension.[2] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller.[3]
At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine was available, which were all replaced by 2006.[4]
Body styles
- C209 coupé (Japan)
- A209 convertible (United Kingdom)
Coupé (C209)
The production version CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show.[5]
Convertible (A209)
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.[6] Convertible models were originally manufactured by Karmann in Osnabrück in 2003, but production was later moved to Bremen, Germany in 2004.[7]
Equipment
Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.[8][9] Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification.[10] 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 15 mm (0.6 in) lower ride height.[11]
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.[12][13] 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.[14]
Models
Petrol engines
Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CLK 200 Kompressor |
2002–2006 | M271 E18 1.8 L Supercharged I4 |
120 kW (161 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 3,500 rpm |
9.9 s |
2007–2010 | 135 kW (181 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 2,800 rpm |
9.1 s (8.8 s manual) | ||
CLK 200 CGI | 2003–2005 | M271 DE18 1.8 L GDI I4 |
125 kW (168 hp) at 5,300 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 3,000 rpm |
9.2 s |
CLK 240 | 2002–2005 | M112 E26 2.6 L V6 |
125 kW (168 hp) at 5,500 rpm |
240 N⋅m (177 lb⋅ft) at 4,500 rpm |
9.5 s |
CLK 280 | 2005–2010 | M272 E30 3.0 L V6 |
170 kW (228 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
300 N⋅m (221 lb⋅ft) at 2,500 rpm |
7.4 s |
CLK 320 | 2002–2005 | M112 E32 3.2 L V6 |
165 kW (221 hp) at 5,700 rpm |
310 N⋅m (229 lb⋅ft) at 3,000–4,600 rpm |
7.9 s |
CLK 350 | 2005–2010 | M272 E35 3.5 L V6 |
200 kW (268 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
350 N⋅m (258 lb⋅ft) at 2,400–5,000 rpm |
6.2 s |
CLK 500 | 2002–2006 | M113 E50 5.0 L V8 |
225 kW (302 hp) at 5,600 rpm |
460 N⋅m (339 lb⋅ft) at 2,700–4,250 rpm |
5.7 s [15] |
CLK 550 | 2007–2010 | M273 E55 5.5 L V8 |
285 kW (382 hp) at 6,000 rpm |
530 N⋅m (391 lb⋅ft) at 2,800–4,800 rpm |
5.2 s |
CLK 55 AMG | 2002–2006 | M113 E55 5.4 L V8 |
270 kW (362 hp) at 5,750 rpm |
510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 4,000 rpm |
5.2 s |
CLK DTM AMG | 2004-2006 | M113 E55 5.4 L V8 |
428 kW (574 hp)
at 7,000 rpm |
800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft)
at 3500 rpm |
3.9 s |
CLK 63 AMG | 2006–2010 | M156 E62 6.2 L V8 |
354 kW (475 hp) at 6,800 rpm |
630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,000 rpm |
4.6-4.5 s |
CLK 63 AMG Black Series | 2007–2009 | M156 E62 6.2 L V8 |
373 kW (500 hp) at 6,800 rpm |
630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) at 5,250 rpm |
4.3-4.1 s |
Diesel engines
Model | Year | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CLK 220 CDI | 2005–2009 | OM646 DE22 2.1 L I4 |
110 kW (148 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
340 N⋅m (251 lb⋅ft) at 2,000 rpm |
10.4 s (10.2 s manual) |
CLK 270 CDI | 2002–2005 | OM612 DE27 2.7 L I5 |
125 kW (168 hp) at 4,200 rpm |
400 N⋅m (295 lb⋅ft) at 1,800–2,600 rpm |
9.4 s |
CLK 320 CDI | 2005–2010 | OM642 DE30 3.0 L V6 |
165 kW (221 hp) at 3,800 rpm |
510 N⋅m (376 lb⋅ft) at 1,400 rpm |
6.4 s (6.9 s manual) |
Special models
CLK DTM AMG (2004-2006)
It was a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, to celebrate the racing version of the CLK winning the 2003 German Touring Car Championship (DTM) season.[16] 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.[17] The road version, on the other hand, was a supercharged 5,439 cc (5.4 L; 331.9 cu in) SOHC 3 valves per cylinder V8 engine rated at 428 kW (582 PS; 574 bhp) at 7000 rpm and 800 N⋅m (590 lb⋅ft) at 3500 rpm of torque, channeled through a Mercedes-Benz 5G-Tronic transmission to the rear wheels, capable of a top speed of 322 km/h (200 mph).[18] Weighing 1,742 kg (3,840 lb), the CLK DTM AMG goes from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in 3.9 seconds.
CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007-2009)
The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG coupé, produced between 2007 and 2009.[19] 500 were produced in total worldwide, with 349 headed to the United States and only 120 produced in RHD. It is powered by the M156 6.2 L (6,208 cc) V8, producing 500 bhp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 6,800 rpm and 630 N⋅m (465 lb⋅ft) of torque at 5,250 rpm and uses Pirelli P-Zero Corsa tyres and features Mercedes' SpeedShift 7G-Tronic transmission.[20][21] 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, and a spoiler, diffuser, and wider fenders made of carbon fibre.[22][23] The rear seats have also been removed in order to save weight,[24] and the top speed has been extended to 299 km/h (186 mph).[25]
F1 safety car
In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as a F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as a F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.[26]
Model year changes
2004
- Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering[27]
2005 facelift
A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:
- Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, grille with three louvres instead of four, and restyled taillights[28]
- COMAND 2.0 upgraded to DVD-based COMAND-APS system, introducing iPod integration[29]
- Updated center console with improved layout and switches
- New 7G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the old 5G-Tronic system[30]
- The CLK 240, CLK 320, and CLK 55 AMG are replaced by newer models[31][32]
Sales figures
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 |
Motorsports
The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that won the 2003 DTM season.
References
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- "Model concept and equipment: exquisite in every sense | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes-Benz CLK Sport Edition: Exclusive Coupés and Cabriolets now even more dynamic and attractive | marsMediaSite". marsMediaSite. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
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- "2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG - driving a legend | Autocar". www.autocar.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG - Road Test & Review - Automobile Magazine". Automobile Magazine. 2005-01-01. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Five reasons why you need this Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG". www.topgear.com. 27 October 2016. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series". Car and Driver. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- Emslie, Rob. "For $51,888, This 2008 Mercedes CLK 63 AMG Could Be Your Ultimate Black Friday Deal". Jalopnik. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- rayadmin (2015-07-27). "2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class". J.D. Power Cars. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes-Benz CLK-class CLK 63 2008 Review". CarsGuide. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "KW Suspension - Mercedes AMG high-performance cars with KW Coilovers - Mercedes AMG high-performance cars with KW Coilovers". www.kw-suspensions.it. Retrieved 2023-03-20.
- "Mercedes-Benz CLK63 2008 Review". CarsGuide. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes CLK63 AMG Black Series (2008) review". CAR Magazine. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes-AMG GT S: Bernd Mayländer's new safety car". www.motorsport-total.com. Retrieved 22 July 2017.
- "209 series CLK-Class Coupés, 2002 - 2005 | marsClassic". marsClassic. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "2006 Mercedes CLK-Class Review @ Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
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- "2006 Mercedes CLK-Class Review @ Top Speed". Top Speed. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
- "Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Cabriolet (2003 - 2010) used car review | Car review | RAC Drive". www.rac.co.uk. Retrieved 2018-05-04.
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