2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our road test for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK includes a full evaluation of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK help you decide if a 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK is right for you.

2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8 models)	Rear-seat entry/exit

Steering/handling	Rear-seat room

	Navigation-system controls

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Acceleration

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
6	6	8	9	8.1

Test CLK320 coupe ran 0-60 mph in 7.2 sec--quick enough for most needs. No opportunity yet to test CLK500 with 7-speed automatic transmission, but the 5.6 sec 0-60 claimed by Mercedes matches the time we got with previous 5-speed test model. Also no chance yet to time CLK55, but it goes like a rocket. Convertibles weigh about 250 lb more than comparable coupes, so are slightly slower. All engines have fairly "soft" throttle response that annoys in low-speed driving, delays midrange passing power.

Fuel Economy

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
5	5	5	4	4.4

In city/highway use, test CLK320 convertible averaged 20.1 mpg, a coupe 20.3. No opportunity yet to measure CLK500s with 7-speed transmission, but they should be close to previous 5-speed-model test averages of 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	6	4

Among coupes, CLK320 and CLK500 take bumps with only moderate jiggle, thump, and fidget. CLK55 reacts abruptly to broken pavement on its stiffer sport suspension. Convertibles ride about as well as equivalent coupes, feel reassuringly solid, exhibit little rough-road 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	8.6

Not sports-car agile, but every CLK corners with modest body lean, fine grip and stability. Braking strong with excellent control, but pedal action spongy in some test cars, touchy in others.

Quietness

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
7	6	7	6	3.9

Engines sound classy, don't intrude much even at full throttle. Some rough-surface tire thrum, most audible in CLK55s, but not irksome. Coupes suffer little wind rush despite no middle roof posts, but a test CLK320 had a mild 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	6.2

Typical Mercedes switchgear is mostly convenient, but some markings not obvious. Bar-graph fuel and temperature gauges may be too small for some eyes. Navigation system a puzzle of tiny buttons. Remote keyfob operates windows and optional coupe sunroof from outside, handy on hot days. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing, though some test coupes had a few creaks and door rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
7	7	7	7	5.6

Cozy feel but ample leg space, decent 6-footer head room. Good basic helm layout, but low-set seats not ideal for all-day comfort, and may be short on thigh support for some drivers. Visibility generally good in coupes but also top-up in convertibles, thanks to roof's fairly slim 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	.4

Seat well-shaped but accommodates only two and feels hard. Backrest 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 backrest.

Cargo Room

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
3	2	3	3	2

Coupes have useful load space, fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases. Convertibles lack folding seats and forfeit a critical 2 cu ft of space. Cabins have door and seat pockets for small stuff, but just one cupholder. Dashboard glovebox and console bin almost useless if housing optional CD changer and phone, respectively.

Value within Class

CLK320 cpe	CLK320 conv	CLK500 cpe	CLK55 cpe	Class Average
7	7	6	4	4.6

Stylish, solid, and sporty, CLKs make sense for disposable-income buyers who value fashion over 4-dr utility. Performance that ranges from ample to outstanding, numerous safety features, and Mercedes' strong resale values help cinch a Recommended ribbon.

Total Score