Acceleration

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
8	9	8.2

No opportunity yet to test CLK350, but Mercedes pegs coupe at 6.4 sec 0-60 mph, convertible at 6.7. Test CLK320 coupe did 7.2 sec--quick enough for most needs. CLK500 fast by any measure at about 5.7 sec 0-60 in our test, with plenty of ready power from any speed. CLK55 goes like a rocket. Convertibles weigh about 250 lb more than comparable coupes, so are slightly slower.

Fuel Economy

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
5	4	4.2

No opportunity yet to measure with CLK350 or CLK500. Test CLK55 averaged 18.7 mpg in mostly highway driving. All require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
7	5	4.3

All CLKs impressively composed at high speeds. Coupes take bumps with only slightest jiggle, thump. Convertibles ride about as well as equivalent coupes, but do exhibit some rough-road shake. CLK55 adds to that a stiff sport suspension that reacts abruptly to broken pavement.

Steering/Handling/Braking

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
7	7	8.5

Not sports car agile, and coupe's rigid structure gives it better rough-road composure than convertible. 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

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
7	6	4.1

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 absence of middle roof posts. Top up, convertibles nearly as quiet as coupes.

Controls

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
6	6	6.3

Typical of Mercedes, switchgear mostly convenient, but some markings far from obvious. Bar-graph fuel and temperature gauges may be too small for some eyes. Navigation system a puzzle of tiny buttons. Cabin finish generally matches premium pricing, though some test coupes had a few creaks and door rattles.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
7	7	5.7

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)

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
2	2	.7

Seat well-shaped but accommodates only two and feels hard. Roomy, it's not. Backrest contour may squeeze larger folks. Scant head clearance, 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

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
2	2	2

Coupes have useful load space, fold-down seatbacks with in-trunk releases. Convertibles lack folding seats and forfeit lots of trunk volume to folded top--enough to cut suitcase capacity from two to one. Cabins have door and seat pockets for small stuff, but just two cupholders. Glovebox, console bin almost useless if housing optional CD changer and phone, respectively.

Value within Class

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
6	4	4.5

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

CLK500 cpe	CLK55	Class Average
57	52	48.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		48
High Score		58