2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

These four-passenger coupes and convertibles slot between Mercedes' C-Class and E-Class sedans in size and price. CLK coupes have hardtop styling with no middle roof posts. Convertibles have a power fabric top, heated glass rear window, and roll bars in the rear headrests designed to pop up in an impending rollover. Three model levels are offered. The CLK350 has a 268-hp V6. The CLK500 has a 302-hp V8. CLK350 and CLK500 are offered in both body styles. Available as a convertible only is the high-performance CLK55 with a 362-hp V8 developed by Mercedes' AMG performance arm. All CLKs have an automatic transmission, a 5-speed in CLK55s, a 7-speed in the others. All have a manual shift gate, with V8 models also getting manual-shift steering wheel buttons. All CLKs come with ABS and traction/antiskid control. Front side airbags are standard; the convertibles' cover head and torso. Coupes have curtain side airbags. Rear side airbags are standard on CLK55s, optional on the others. All come with Mercedes' Tele Aid assistance. Options include a navigation system and Mercedes' Keyless Go, which uses a pocket transmitter for ignition and door-lock operation.

Competition

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.

Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.

News

Sources still expect redesigned 2008 CLK coupes to arrive late in calendar '07, followed by updated convertibles as '09 models. As spinoffs of the redesigned 2008 C-Class, the new 2-drs should have slightly larger dimensions and wedgier, more "dynamic" styling. All-wheel drive may be a first-time option for some versions. In a 2007 curtain-raiser, the existing CLK500 becomes the CLK550 by switching to Mercedes' new 5.4-liter V8, gaining 80 hp in the process. Similarly, the CLK55 adopts the AMG division's new 6.2-liter high-performance V8 to become the CLK63; its horsepower jumps by no less than 113 to 475.

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration (V8 models)	Rear-seat entry/exit

Steering/handling	Rear-seat room

	Navigation-system controls

	Fuel economy (CLK55)

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Prices & Equipment

Model Prices

Prices Updated: 07/11/2006

Trim Name	Retail Price	Dealer Invoice	Destination Charge

CLK350 2-door coupe	$45,750	$42,548	$775

CLK350 2-door convertible	$53,700	$49,941	$775

CLK500 2-door coupe	$54,350	$50,546	$775

CLK500 2-door convertible	$62,300	$57,939	$775

CLK55 2-door convertible	$82,500	$76,725	$775

Price note: CLK55 adds $1000 Gas-Guzzler Tax.

Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.

NA = price note available, NC = no charge.

Rebates and Incentives

There are no rebates or incentives at this time.

Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.

Standard Equipment

CLK350

Powertrain

3.5-liter V6 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, traction control.

Safety

Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags (coupe), antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, front-seat active head restraints, brake assist, antiskid system, automatic roll bars (convertible), daytime running lights.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, Tele Aid assistance system w/one year service, power steering, power tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, 10-way power front seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat (coupe), power-folding rear headrests, wood interior trim, heated power mirrors w/passenger-side tilt-down back-up aid, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power convertible top (convertible), AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, analog clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, rain-sensing variable-intermittent wipers, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, rear defogger, automatic headlights, floormats.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires, alloy wheels.

CLK500 adds to CLK350:

Powertrain

5.0-liter V8 engine.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Rear spoiler (convertible).

CLK55 adds to CLK500:

Powertrain

5.4-liter V8 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.

Safety

Rear side airbags.

Comfort and Convenience Features

Heated front seats, aluminum interior trim, power trunk closer.

Appearance and Miscellaneous

Deletes: wood interior trim.

Sport suspension, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 255/35ZR18 rear tires.

Optional Equipment

Major Packages	Retail Price	Invoice Price
Premium Pkg.
CLK500 coupe	$2,200	$2,046
CLK500 convertible	$1,200	$1,116
Power sunroof (coupe), Harman/Kardon sound system, glovebox-mounted 6-disc CD changer, heated wipers.

Lighting Pkg.
CLK350, CLK500	$990	$921
CLK55	$1,000	$930
Bi-xenon headlights w/washers.

designo Silver/Graphite Edition
CLK350, CLK500, CLK55	$7,050	$6,557
Unique interior trim, wood interior trim (CLK55), special paint. CLK350, CLK500 require heated front seats.

Safety
Rear side airbags
CLK350, CLK500	$385	$358


Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
CLK55	$1,100	$1,023


Comfort and Convenience Features
COMAND navigation system
CLK350, CLK500, CLK55	$2,240	$2,083


6-disc CD changer
CLK55	$430	$400


Satellite radio
coupe	$699	$650
convertible	$500	$465
Requires monthly fee after 6th-month.

Keyless Go
CLK350, CLK500, CLK55	$1,080	$1,004


Comfort Pkg.
CLK350, CLK500	$990	$921
Multicontour ventilated front seats

Ventilated front seats
CLK55	$700	$651


Heated front seats
CLK350, CLK500	$690	$642


Wood interior trim
CLK55	$280	$260


Special wood interior trim
CLK500	$0	$0


Wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel
CLK350, CLK500	$530	$493


Wireless cell phone
CLK350, CLK500, CLK55	$925	$860


Power trunk closer
CLK350, CLK500	$510	$474


Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
CLK350, CLK500	$690	$642
CLK55	$0	$0


Sport suspension
CLK350, CLK500	$210	$195


Run-flat tires
CLK350, CLK500	$275	$256
Includes tire-pressure monitor.

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door coupe	Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door convertible

Wheelbase, in.	106.9	106.9

Overall Length, in.	183.2	183.2

Overall Width, in.	68.5	68.5

Overall Height, in.	55.4	54.4

Curb Weight, lbs.	3585	3845

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	10.4	8.6

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	16.4	16.4

Seating Capacity	4	4

Front Head Room, in.	37.1	38.4

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	42.0	42.0

Rear Head Room, in.	35.8	36.3

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	33.0	30.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Engines

	dohc V6	sohc V8	sohc V8

Size, liters/cu. in.	3.5 /213	5.0 /303	5.4 /332

Horsepower @ rpm.	268 @ 6000	302 @ 5600	362 @ 5750

Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm.	258 @ 2400	339 @ 2700	376 @ 4000

Availability	Standard	Standard	Standard

EPA City / highway mpg

5-speed automatic	--/--	--/--	16/22

7-speed automatic	18/27	17/25	--/--

Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Safety Features

Antilock Brakes

Traction Control

Antiskid System

Front Side Airbags

Curtain Side Airbags

Rear Side Airbags

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Test

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door coupe

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class 2-door convertible

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Manufacturer's Warranty

Class	Years/Miles	Comments

Powertrain	None/--	--

Bumper-to-bumper	4/50,000	--

Corrosion	4/50,000	--

Free roadside assistance	--/--	Unlimited

Free scheduled maintenance	None/--	--

Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.

Built in: Germany

Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive

< 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Photos

Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review:

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Road Test

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Prices & Equipment

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Specs & Safety

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Photos

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Full Review

All Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

All Mercedes-Benzs