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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Date Published: 2/20/08

2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
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MSRP:
$43,900 - 68,750

Invoice:
$40,827 - 63,938

Class:
Premium Sporty/performance Car
2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK
Expert Rating Summary
Category CLK320 coupe Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Sporty performance Car Average Rating
Acceleration 6 7.7
Fuel Economy 5 4.8
Ride Quality 7 4.1
Steering/Handling/Braking 7 8.6
Quietness 7 4
Controls 6 6
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 7 5.4
Room/Comfort (rear) 3 .7
Cargo Room 2 2.2
Value within Class 4 4.6
Total Score: 54 48.1
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
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2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK Review
Mercedes-Benz redesigns its CLK coupes and convertibles for 2003, giving the coupe true hardtop styling without middle roof posts. The convertible is due to bow midyear as an early 2004 model. Both come in three trim levels. CLK320s have a V6. CLK500s have a 5.0-liter V8 and replace CLK430s, which had a 4.3-liter V8. CLK55s, developed by Mercedes' AMG performance arm, have a 5.4-liter V8. All use a 5-speed automatic transmission with manual-shift feature. ABS, antiskid/traction control, and front and rear side airbags are standard. Convertible front side airbags cover head and torso. Coupes have head-protecting curtain side airbags. The '03s are slightly larger and some 120-to-250 lb heavier than their predecessors. Styling is altered, but interior dimensions change little. Convertibles have a fully automatic power top and roll bars in the rear headrests designed to pop up if sensors detect an impending rollover. Tires are wider at the rear than at the front. Seventeen-inch wheels are standard on V8 models and optional on CLK320s in place of 16s. CLK55s have a sport suspension. CLK500 convertibles have exclusive AMG-designed trim. Mercedes' TeleAid assistance is standard. Options include Mercedes' COMAND video-screen control for audio and available navigation and phone systems. Also available is rear-obstacle detection, Mercedes' Distronic cruise control to maintain a set following distance, and its Keyless Go credit-card-sized transmitter to work locks and ignition by touch.
Competition
With wide price ranges and numerous body configurations, this diverse segment has two clear Best Buy choices--the refined Lexus LS 430 and the unique Audi A6. The LS 430 can't be beat for comfort and features at around $55,000, while the A6 earns Best Buy status for its blend of space, performance, design sophistication, powertrain choices, and workmanship at prices below those of most rivals.

We Recommend the Acura RL--a steal at around $45,000 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. If you are looking for something a bit more sporting, we Recommend BMW 5-Series. If your taste ranges more toward the luxury end, then take a look at the roomy Cadillac DeVille.
News
As noted, the CLK convertible shifts to the basic new coupe design for 2004 in V6 and V8 versions. The update brings a little extra length and width that should benefit passenger and cargo space. There's no folding metal roof, however, Mercedes opting for another power cloth top.

Likely to arrive soon after the redesigned convertibles is a new performance-oriented CLK vetted by Mercedes' AMG performance division. A supercharged 3.2-liter V6 replaces the previous model's normally aspirated 5.4-liter V8. Rumored horsepower is little changed, however, at around 354. We've heard that 0-60 mph will take just over 5 sec. The new AMG will reprise as a coupe, but a CLK32 convertible may be added to counter BMW's drop-top M3.

The new CLKs were engineered to accept Mercedes' 4-Matic all-wheel drive, and that should be available by 2005, perhaps sooner. Also said to be coming is a 6-speed automatic transmission to replace the current 5-speed, though when is unclear.

Mercedes is enjoying record U.S. sales, and the CLKs have been doing their part. On a year-to-year basis, the sporty 2-dr models rose 8.1 percent in calendar 2001 and another 2.2 percent in the first nine months of 2002.
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