2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Based on Mercedes' previous-generation C-Class sedan, this sporty 2-door lineup offers coupes and convertibles in three states of tune and equipment. CLK320 models have a 215-hp V6. CLK430s have a 275-hp V8. High-performance CLK55 AMG versions have a 342-hp V8, plus interior and body trim designed by Mercedes' AMG performance division. All have a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift feature, ABS, traction control/antiskid system, front side airbags, and Mercedes' TeleAid emergency assistance system. The convertible has a power top with heated glass rear window. For 2002, the CLK55 coupe is joined by a convertible companion. Newly optional for 320 models is a Sport package with aero bodywork and 17-inch wheels. And CLK430s gain standard aero body trim, light-gray gauges, blue-tinted windows, and new-look alloy wheels. Mercedes' COMAND system option controls audio, navigation and available cell phone from a dashboard screen. An Internet-based "InfoServices" feature displays user-selected information on the COMAND screen.

Competition

This diverse segment offers the widest price range and obviously our Best Buys are somewhere in between. We think that the Acura RL is a steal at $44,000 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. The refined Lexus LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at just under $55,000. Mercedes-Benz E-Class, though a bit long in the tooth, also continues to impress with its impeccable road manners and luxurious comfort.

If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend the BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille or Lexus GS 300.

News

CLK sales rose 6.5 percent in calendar 2000, then dropped a nominal 4 percent--fewer than 600 units--through the third quarter of 2001. Still, that's only the first year-to-year loss for these sportier C-Class-based 2-drs.

Redesigned CLKs are on the way for a probable U.S. debut by mid-2002 as early '03 models. Styling is new but evolutionary on a longer, lower and wider package. Wheelbase lengthens to provide more room for four than today's somewhat cramped 2+2 models. Coupes and convertibles will continue, as will existing V6 and V8 engines, but the hot CLK55 coupe steps aside for a supercharged V6 CLK32 AMG being prepped by Mercedes' performance division as a more focused challenger to BMW's racy M3. Rumored horsepower is 354, which is on par with the CLK55's V8 and promises 0-60 mph in just over 5 sec. Besides a coupe, Mercedes may add a CLK32 convertible to counter BMW's drop-top M3. Incidentally, all the new CLK convertibles will retain a folding fabric top, rather than adopting a hide-away hard top like the small SLK and its just-redesigned SL500 big sister. All-wheel drive will reportedly be optional on some and maybe all the new CLKs, though likely a year or two down the line. The only transmission should be a 5-speed automatic similar to today's unit, but Mercedes is said to be developing a 6-speed automatic as an eventual replacement.

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Rear-seat and cargo room

Acceleration	Rear-seat entry/exit

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
7	8	9	7.8

Test CLK320 coupe clocked 0-60 mph in a rapid 6.9 sec. We haven't timed a 430 or CLK55, but in test drives, both seem up to Mercedes' 0-60 claims of 6.1 and around 5 sec, respectively. The heavier convertibles are a bit slower than the coupes. Despite the standard traction control, our test CLK430 was virtually immobilized on snowy streets because of its low-profile performance tires.

Fuel Economy

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
5	5	3	4.6

In our tests, a CLK320 coupe averaged 21.6 mpg, a 430 convertible 20.2, and a CLK55 14.9. Premium gas is mandatory for all.

Ride Quality

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
7	6	4	4

Regular CLKs are firm but mostly comfortable, though expansion joints cause thumping and occasional sharp reactions. The CLK55 borders on harsh over bad pavement. Convertibles are solid for 4-seaters, but not devoid of rough-road body shakes or rattles.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
7	7	9	8.3

Sporty but mature manners, colored by Mercedes' typical, slightly weighty driving feel. Grip is good, steering accurate, but there's slightly more body lean than in the more overtly athletic BMW 3-Series coupes. CLK430s and, especially, CLK55s, hold the road very well.

Quietness

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
6	5	5	3.6

Road noise and minor wind hiss mar all models, with the CLK55 suffering intrusive tire rumble and a prominent exhaust note. Engines otherwise emit a pleasing, subdued snarl under hard throttle and are nearly silent at idle. Convertibles are noisier than coupes, but quiet compared to most ragtops.

Controls

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
5	5	5	5.3

Typical Mercedes design and function, but several switches are poorly marked or placed, and a steering wheel that telescopes but doesn't tilt is annoying and anachronistic. Optional COMAND/navigation system makes otherwise simple adjustments distractingly complicated.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
5	5	5	5.1

Snug feeling, and some 6-footers may wish for more head clearance. But there's sufficient working space for good comfort on even long drives.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
2	2	2	.6

Hard bench seat is shaped for two only, and the smaller the better. Leg room is minimal at best, and access demands a big scrunch even with front seats that power forward when their backrests are tilted.

Cargo Room

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
2	2	2	2.1

Usefully sufficient, but the convertible's trunk volume shrinks to just 5.8 cubic feet with the top lowered.

Value within Class

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
4	3	2	4.2

As spinoffs of the previous-generation C-class sedan, CLKs are starting to feel dated in some ways, such as their lack of a tilt steering column. But they nonetheless appeal for poise, Mercedes cachet, resale value, and engine performance.

Total Score

CLK320 cpe	CLK430 conv	CLK55 AMG cpe	Class Average
50	48	46	45.6

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		34
Average Score		45
High Score		61

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 02/21/2002

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CLK320 2-door coupe	$42,550	$39,572	$665

CLK320 2-door convertible	$49,600	$46,128	$665

CLK430 2-door coupe	$50,250	$46,733	$665

CLK430 2-door convertible	$57,300	$53,289	$665

CLK55 2-door coupe	$68,450	$63,659	$665

CLK55 2-door convertible	$79,000	$73,470	$665

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

CLK320

Powertrain

3.2-liter V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags w/automatic child-seat recognition system, front side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, automatic roll bar (convertible), TeleAid emergency assistance system.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate control, interior air filter, power steering, telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats w/driver seat memory, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/memory, driver-side mirror w/automatic day/night, passenger-side mirror w/tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power convertible top (convertible), wind deflector (convertible), Bose AM/FM/cassette/weatherband, digital clock, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, automatic day/night rearview mirror, universal garage-door opener, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, full-size spare tire, 205/55R16 tires, alloy wheels.

CLK430 adds to CLK320:

Powertrain

4.3-liter V8 engine.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Lower-body cladding, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.

CLK55 adds to CLK430:

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated multicontour front seats, rear seat trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power rear sunshade.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Xenon headlights w/washers, sport suspension.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Option Pkg. K2
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$1,795	$1,669
Integrated portable cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.

Option Pkg. K2A
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$2,190	$2,037
Voice-activated cellular telephone, 6-disc CD changer.

Option Pkg. K3
320/430 coupe	$1,370	$1,274
Power sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, power rear-window sunshade.

Option Pkg. K4
320/430 coupe	$1,580	$1,469
convertible	$1,685	$1,568
Heated front seats, rain-sensing wipers (convertible), Xenon headlights w/washers.

designo Espresso Edition
320, 430	$6,200	$5,766
55	$5,400	$5,022
Light-brown seat trim, light-brown/charcoal steering wheel and floormats, natural maple wood interior trim. 320, 430 require heated front seats or Option Pkg. K4.

designo Cashmere Edition
320, 430	$7,000	$6,510
55	$6,200	$5,766
Gray seat trim, gray/charcoal steering wheel, auburn maple interior trim, unique floormats. 320, 430 require heated front seats or Option Pkg. K4.

CP1 Sport Pkg.
320	$4,600	$4,278
Aerodynamics pkg., 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, unique alloy wheels.

Comfort and Convenience Features
COMAND System
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$2,080	$1,934
Navigation system, CD player. Deletes cassette player.

Navigation CDs
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$140	$130


Multicontour front seats
320, 430	$740	$688


Heated front seats
320, 430	$635	$591


Two-tone leather upholstery
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$0	$0
Requires special order charge.

Bird's eye maple interior trim
320	$0	$0
Requires special order charge. Std. 430, 55.

Burled walnut interior trim
320, 430	$0	$0
Requires special order charge.

Ski sack
coupe	$205	$191
Requires special order charge. Std. 55.

Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
320, 430	$640	$581
55	$0	$0
Some colors requires special order charge.

Special order charge
CLK320, CLK430, CLK55	$1,150	$1,150
Fee for one or more options requiring special order charge.

2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door coupe	Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	105.9	105.9

Overall Length, in.	180.2	180.2

Overall Width, in.	67.8	67.8

Overall Height, in.	54.0	54.3

Curb Weight, lbs.	3265	3650

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	11.0	9.4

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.4	16.4

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	36.9	37.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.9	41.9

Rear Head Room, in.	35.8	36.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	31.2	27.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	sohc V6	sohc V8	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.2 /195	4.3 /260	5.4 /322

Horsepower @ rpm.	215 @ 5700	275 @ 5750	342 @ 5500

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	229 @ 3000	295 @ 3000	376 @ 3000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	20/27	18/24	17/24

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door coupe

Mercedes-Benz CLK 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	4/50,000	--

Free roadside assistance	--/--	Unlimited

Free scheduled maintenance	4/50,000	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Photos

Also in the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review:

Mercedes-Benz CLK

Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test

Mercedes-Benz CLK Prices & Equipment

Mercedes-Benz CLK Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz CLK Photos

Mercedes-Benz CLK Full Review

All Mercedes-Benz CLKs

All Mercedes-Benzs