2000 Mercedes-Benz CLK: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

The sporty 2-door offshoots of Mercedes' compact C-Class sedan continue in coupe and convertible body styles. A V8 ragtop is new, and all CLKs get a standard antiskid system, new outside mirrors with turn-signal indicators, and an optional satellite navigation system with in-dash screen. Convertibles have a power top and defrosted-glass rear window. CLK320s retain a 3.2-liter V6, the CLK430s a 4.3-liter V8. The only transmission is a 5-speed automatic, now with manual-shift feature. Other standards include antilock brakes, traction control, front side airbags, M-B's TeleAid emergency assistance system, and the antiskid Electronic Stability Program, which had been optional for V6 CLKs. The CLK320s also get new wheels and lower-body sections. V8 models boast larger brakes, firmer suspension, 17-inch wheels (versus 16s) and performance tires, and different lower-body cladding. All Mercedes vehicles now include some maintenance items in the 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty.
Coming for 2001 are minor styling revisions to existing models and a new high-performance coupe, the CLK55 AMG, with the same 342-horsepower 5.4-liter V8 found in other AMG Mercedes. The CLK55 is claimed to be the quickest showroom Benz ever, with a quoted 0-60 mph time of 5.2 seconds.

COMPETITION

This diverse segment offers the widest price range. It covers everything from the $33,000 Saab 9-5 to the $128,000 Mercedes-Benz SL500. Obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $42,000 fully equipped. Though it is a front-drive V6 in a field of V8 rear-drive models, it has a great ride, plenty of power, and is quite luxurious. In the same vein, the more-expensive Lexus LS 400 continues to impress, excelling in every way except for handling.
If you are looking for something a bit more sporting we recommend the BMW 5-Series, Jaguar S-Type, or Lexus GS 300/400. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the new Cadillac DeVille or Mercedes-Benz CLK.