Acceleration

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
6	8	7.7

No opportunity to test '04 convertible. Among coupes, CLK320s move well enough: 7.2 sec in 0-60-mph test. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. Pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery, however, and downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. Have not yet tested CLK55.

Fuel Economy

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
5	5	4.8

Test CLK500 averaged 19.4 mpg. Expect only slightly better with CLK320s. All CLKs require premium fuel.

Ride Quality

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
7	6	4.1

Base-suspension CLK320 soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320s with Sport Package ride harder, are more fidgety on firmer suspensions, lower-profile tires.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
7	7	8.6

Not BMW-agile even with Sport Package, but all CLKs corner with precision, modest body lean, fine grip and stability. Braking strong with excellent control, but pedal action felt spongy in some test cars, touchy in others.

Quietness

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
7	7	4

Engines classy, muted even at full throttle. Rough-surface tire noise present, but also quite low. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one had slight whistle around driver's door window.

Controls

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
6	6	6

Typical Mercedes switchgear mostly works well, but some markings aren't obvious. Dashboard lighting could be brighter, and coupe bar-graph fuel and temperature gauges may be too small for some eyes. Difficult-to-use navigation system a puzzle of teensy buttons. Remote keyfob can open/close coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing, though some plastics look relatively cut-rate. Coupes have solid overall road feel, but one test model's driver door rattled.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
7	7	5.4

Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout with enough adjustments to suit most drivers, though one tester complained of subpar long-distance comfort. Visibility generally good in coupes. Long doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.

Room/Comfort (rear)

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
3	3	.7

Seating for just two on hard cushions. Scant head room, almost no leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Entry/exit a squeeze despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.

Cargo Room

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
2	2	2.2

Tight, but not too bad for the exterior size. Coupe's fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases help packing. Cabins have useful door and seat pockets for small stuff, but dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if housing optional CD changer and phone, respectively.

Value within Class

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
4	3	4.6

Though no big improvement on previous CLK coupes, the '3s boast a bit more room, a more solid feel, the implied safety of curtain side airbags, and new options like "smart" cruise control that will appeal to some buyers. No sporty 2 dr is really practical, but all CLKs offer high style and Mercedes cachet, plus the strong resale values associated with the brand.

Total Score

CLK320 coupe	CLK500 coupe	Class Average
54	54	48.1

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		38
Average Score		48
High Score		61