2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK: Road Test
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2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK ▼
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- MSRP: $45,000 -$79,950
- Invoice: $41,850 -$74,354
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Our road test for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK help you decide if a 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 8 | 9 | 7.7 |
Among coupes, CLK320s satisfy in most all situations; tested at 7.2 sec 0-60 mph. V8s quicker: 5.6 sec for test CLK500. No opportunity to time CLK55, but it's a paragon of smooth, ready muscle. Convertibles weigh about 250 lb more than coupes, yet differ little in acceleration. On all, pedal travel not always commensurate with power delivery. CLK320/500 downshifts can be tardy in passing situations. CLK55 power overcomes any delay, and steering-wheel buttons quicken manual-mode shifts.
FUEL ECONOMY
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 4 | 4.7 |
Test CLK320 convertible averaged 20.1 mpg in mix of city/highway driving; a coupe averaged 20.3. Test CLK500 coupes averaged 15.0 mpg in mostly city driving, 19.4 with more highway miles. CLK55 averaged 18.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. All require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Base-suspension CLK320 coupe soaks up most rough stuff with little jiggle or tire slap. CLK500 and CLK320 coupes with optional 17-inch low-profile tires only slightly more fidgety on bumps. CLK55 reacts abruptly to broken pavement on stiffer-yet sport suspension. Convertibles ride about the same as coupes; they're impressively solid with little cowl shake. All CLKs are composed at high speeds.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 8.4 |
Not sports-car agile, but every CLK corners 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 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 4 |
Engines classy, muted even at full throttle. Rough-surface tire noise present, but not intrusive. CLK55 elevates road noise. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite lacking middle roof posts, but one test CLK320 had low whistle around driver's door window. Top up, convertibles nearly as quiet as coupes.
CONTROLS
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Typical Mercedes switchgear close at hand and mostly works well, but few markings are obvious, and 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 opens/closes coupe windows and optional sunroof, handy for hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing. Coupe test cars suffered some creaks and door rattles.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.4 |
Cozy but with ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout, though low-set seats not ideal for long-distance comfort, and may be short on thigh support for some drivers. Visibility generally good in coupes. Same for convertibles, making top-up visibility among best of any ragtop's thanks to fairly narrow rear "pillars." Long, cumbersome doors, lowish build hamper entry/exit.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | .6 |
Seating for just two on hard but well-shaped cushions. Backrest's contour may squeeze larger folks. Scant head room, little leg space unless front-seaters move well forward. Stoop-and-crawl entry/exit despite front seats that power ahead on tipping the backrest.
CARGO ROOM
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 2.2 |
Coupe has useful load space, fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases that help packing. Convertible lacks fold-down rear seatback and forfeits a critical 2 cu ft of space. Cabins have door and seat pockets for small stuff, but just one cupholder. And dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if fitted with optional CD changer and phone, respectively.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 2 | 4.6 |
Stylish, solid, and sporty, CLKs make sense for well-heeled buyers whose lifestyle can accommodate a 4-seat 2-dr car. Balancing their pricey impracticality are strong resale values and a long list of safety features.
Total Score
| CLK320 cpe | CLK320 conv | CLK500 cpe | CLK55 cpe | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 54 | 53 | 55 | 51 | 47.4 |
Total Score: 53
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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