REVIEWS AND ROAD TESTS

Once in a while does no harm

In the past, Mercedes has never shown a particularly talented hand when it came to designing coupes, or even convertibles.

While these body types are usually associated with strong emotions and extra creativity, its models looked more like sedans, minus two doors. This being said, the CLK makes a welcome break with tradition in the form of an appealing blend between the E-Class (esthetics) and the older C-Class (chassis).Doors open onto a bright and attractive interior. Tasteful wood inlays share space with the luxurious leather on the console and doors. The list of accessories and innovations is every bit as impressive as the remote control electronic key that lets you roll down windows and open the sunroof automatically so the car will be nice and cool by the time you get inside. Wonderful! As is the voice-controlled Command system, until recently reserved exclusively for the S-Class.

Bucket seats may seem a bit firm at first but as the kilometres fly by, they prove to be extremely comfortable, with just the right amount of support. It’s too bad that to add to comfort, Mercedes set aside the idea of offering fulling adjustable seat belts for front-seat passengers and decided on a steering column that’s depth-, but not height- adjustable. Given the limited headroom and leg room, rear seats are best suited to children, all the more so since rear visibility is barely adequate for certain specific types of manoeuvres. Luckily, rear seats fold down to provide more room than the small trunk can provide on its own.Besides distinctive styling, a coupe should offer performance levels that are more electrifying than anything you can find on a sedan. Although it’s lighter than the C-Class, the CLK320 coupe offers respectable capabilities on the road, and in comparison it gets along better than the Volvo C70, even though the latter is peppier. In its defence, buyers should note that Mercedes uses a fairly sluggish and unresponsive automatic transmission in tandem with its 3.2-liter six- cylinder engine. For a more exciting ride, motorists should choose the 4.3-liter V8. Solid, energetic and powerful, this V8 unquestionably spells a certain loss of agility for the CLK, but it has quite a personality! If you’re really out for excitement, go for the CLK 55 AMG and its strong 5.5-liter V8 (342 horses).

Regardless of what powertrain you choose, from the road stability standpoint the CLK is something else! This Mercedes is particularly fond of wide-open curves, where it can really show its mettle. The suspension is stiff on bumpy roads, but never to the point of making passengers uncomfortable. In addition, its short turning radius contributes to the CLK’s good handling. On the down side, the steering system provides minimal feedback on road conditions.

With a personality more remarkable for its classiness than its sportiness (with the exception of the CLK 55 AMG), the CLK coupe still has a number of qualities, most notably more refinement and smoothness than many of its rivals.

PROS
Exceptional manufacturing quality
Proven handling ease
Powerful V8

CONS
Heavy feel
Unresponsive and balky transmission

Germany

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