New-Generation Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupes Now On Sale

MONTVALE, N.J., Aug. 15 -- After five years of unprecedented sales success, the stylish Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class coupes are being replaced this week with two all-new exciting models that raise the design bar yet again. Base price for the V6-powered CLK320 coupe will be $44,565 and the new CLK500 -- using a 5.0-liter V8 -- will start at $52,865. Both prices include a $665 destination charge. The current-platform CLK320 and CLK430 Cabriolet models will continue for the 2003 model year.

Dave Schembri, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA said, "The new-generation CLK coupe takes style to a unprecedented level with its pillarless hardtop design. With no visible B-pillar, the new CLK offers an expansive, airy feeling and panoramic views. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer with the passion and engineering expertise to offer this type of design. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that the CLK has won Automotive Lease Guide's residual value award for the highest projected resale value in the luxury car segment for the fourth consecutive year."

This new-generation of CLK-Class coupes enter the market a short five years after the first CLK came to market. Inspired by the premium-luxury CL-Class coupes, all four side-windows of the CLK fully retract without posts to create an open, airy feel that conventional coupes cannot match. The fun-to-drive quotient is also enhanced with a more responsive suspension and new steering system.

The CLK320 coupe is powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6, while the new CLK500 replaces the CLK430 and uses the same 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 as the larger CL500.

In addition to the larger-displacement V8 engine, the CLK500 is equipped exclusively with an AMG wheel and body design package, plus larger brakes and additional detail differences from the CLK320. A five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with TouchShift allows manual selection of forward speeds by pushing the gear lever slightly left to downshift or right to upshift while in the "Drive" selector position.

The original CLK coupe's ability to carry four people and their luggage helped the car succeed in a market segment that has since seen other luxury coupes disappear. The new CLK is even roomier and more practical than its predecessor, adding rear headroom, elbow / hip room and knee room. The split fold-down rear seat now folds completely flat for even greater carrying capacity.

Mercedes Engineering Makes Hardtop Safety Possible

It took Mercedes-Benz engineering to design a coupe body that could ensure the highest level of side impact protection without using full-height B-pillars. Though no pillars are visible, the car benefits from a sturdy structure up to the window-sill line behind the doors. Torsional stiffness is 40 percent greater than before, thanks in part to the body structure's high-strength tubular supports in the A-pillars and lower B-pillars.

The new CLK adds the latest Mercedes-Benz safety technology, including two dual-stage deployment front airbags, four side airbags and two full-length side-curtain airbags. The full array of Mercedes dynamic handling technology is also present, including anti-lock brakes (ABS), straight-line traction control, ESP stability control, Brake Assist and the BabySmart seat recognition system.

High-End Luxury In A Mid-Luxury Coupe

Smooth contours and soft surfaces define the CLK interior. The flowing lines of the dashboard are complemented by the soft-touch surface made from a polyurethane skin, providing a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance. The instrument panel uses new vertical LCD bar graphs for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature, providing more accurate readings for these functions.

Exclusive to the CLK, the interior design adds the automatic front seatbelt presenters. When front occupants close their doors, rods extend with the buckle for each side, making it easier for the occupants to reach the belts. The belt presenters retract once the seat belts are latched.

Standard luxury features include dual-zone electronic climate control with a sun sensor to optimize air distribution. A separate blower for the rear seat outlets ensures optimal comfort for each passenger. A new premium music system uses eight strategically located speakers and digital processing to actively adjust system output to compensate for ambient noise. The 10-way adjustable power front seats are unique to the new CLK.

The multi-function steering wheel comes from the SL coupe/roadster and is power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on its spokes provide an easy and convenient way to control many of the car's systems. The display in the center of the speedometer is linked to the illuminated buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, allowing the driver to view the selected radio station, a personal phone book or even navigation instructions when the optional COMAND system with GPS navigation is ordered.

Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers, entrance lights and auto-dimming interior and left exterior mirrors add an extra layer of luxury that helps take some of the stress out of daily driving. All of these features are standard in both CLK models. The bi-level glove compartment's upper shelf accommodates the optional 6-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf that is still larger than the glove compartment in the previous model. The center console houses an adjustable-height armrest that also doubles as a storage compartment.