New Car Review: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Coupe
SEE ALSO: Mercedes Buyer's Guide
DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH CAREY RUSS Not long ago, Mercedes-Benz was the epitome of European conservatism. But, from the mid-1990s, the German manufacturer has been anything but conservative in styling and its product cycle strategy. Automobiles once designed for the older executive, and with very long product life cycles, have given way to progressively more youthful machinery, with rapid development and evolutionary cycles. The CLK luxury sports coupes are an excellent example of these trends. Prior to the introduction of the CLK in 1998, Mercedes-Benz coupes were premium luxury cars, and luxury coupes in all segments were dying breeds. The CLK plays in the seriously- competitive mid-luxury segment, and has been very successful since its debut. But, in the five years since the original CLK's launch, Mercedes-Benz came out with its flagship luxury coupe, the elegant, luxurious, and expensive CL class. No surprise, the second-generation CLK borrows heavily from the CL in style and appointment. Like its predecessor, the newest CLK is offered with a choice of V6 or V8 engines. The V6 in the CLK 320 is the familiar 215-hp 3.2-liter, but the CLK 430 has become the CLK 500, with the old 4.3-liter V8 replaced by the 5.0-liter engine also found in CL and SL models. Both feature new, more youthful styling, with subtle differences in exterior and interior trim between the two. I've been driving a new CLK 320 for the past week, and have been very favorably impressed. Coupes are often bought for style, and it has plenty of that. But it also scores high in real-world factors, building on the comfort and space offered in the first-generation CLK. It's a car that can be happily driven every day, not just on special weekends. APPEARANCE: Even though it's actually slightly larger and heavier than its predecessor, the rounded masses of the original CLK have been replaced by crisper, more angular bodywork that makes the new CLK look smaller and lighter. This is enhanced by its lack of B-pillars. At the front, the contemporary wide, low Mercedes-Benz coupe and roadster grille flanked by twin-oval headlights establishes identity even without the prominent three- pointed star, and shows close kinship to the company's premium CL coupes and SL roadsters. The shape of the headlights is carried back through the front fenders. From the side, the CLK's classic long-hood, short-deck proportions are evident. The sloping windshield and backlight give the long passenger cabin a nearly symmetrical look. The rear of the trunk lid has a slight ducktail lip, and large, rounded triangular taillights show a relationship to the company's E-Class sedans. COMFORT: The passenger cabin's large expanse of glass and an elegant design unique to the CLK but inspired by the CL give the new CLK's interior a spacious, airy look. It's no illusion, as most interior dimensions have increased, especially in the oft-forgotten (in coupes) rear seat. In front are comfortable, firmly-supportive power-adjustable buckets. Rear access is helped by the ``Easy Entry'' system, which folds the front headrest down and moves the front seat forward when a lever on the front seat back is lifted. Power ``seatbelt presenters'' at the top of the B-pillar stubs keep the front shoulder straps out of the way until needed by the front occupants. There is good room for two medium-sized adults (5' 9") in the rear seat, and a 60/40 split seatback adds versatility. Back up front, the instrument panel is further away from the front seats than previously, which not only adds a feeling of space, but safety as well. The steering wheel is power-adjustable for both tilt and reach, and has auxiliary audio, phone, and trip info controls. If outfitted with the optional six-disc CD changer and Mercedes cell phone, as my test car was, interior storage takes a small hit, as the phone takes up all of the center console box and the CD changes uses most of the glove box. Still, there is much more space inside, and in the trunk, than is usually associated with a coupe. This is a practical everyday car. SAFETY: Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront of safety research and engineering, and the new CLK reflects this. It features a strong central structure with front and rear crumple zones, eight airbags, antilock disc brakes with Brake Assist and ESP electronic stability control, and the TeleAid emergency response system. ROADABILITY: Despite its lack of B-pillars, the new CLK's unibody structure is more rigid than that of the original, providing a solid base for the suspension. The front suspension is new, and is now a strut type with dual lower links designed to better deal with poor surfaces in comfort. Like the original CLK, the new one is strikes a balance between sports and touring that is biased toward long-distance comfort, but still with the ability to thoroughly enjoy the scenic route - in refined comfort, with plenty of room. PERFORMANCE: The 2003 CLK 320's namesake 3.2-liter engine is one of the few major pieces that is largely unchanged from previous models. And change really wasn't needed. It's smooth, quiet, and unobtrusive, as a luxury powerplant should be, and its maximum 215 horsepower and 229 lb-ft of torque give the car good acceleration and high-speed cruising abilities. The sophisticated electronically-controlled five-speed automatic transmission features adaptive logic circuitry that adapts shifting to the driver's driving style, and also holds lower gears while climbing hills and shifts to a lower gear for engine braking when descending grades. It suits the CLK 320's character very well, with little need to shift manually for better performance. But, for those so inclined, ``Touch Shift'' manual mode is standard, and allows easy manual control. CONCLUSIONS: Mercedes-Benz has improved on an already very good automobile with the 2003 CLK. SPECIFICATIONS 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Coupe Base Price $ 43,900 Price As Tested $ 49,240 Engine Type single overhead cam 18-valve V6 Engine Size 3.2 liters / 195 cu. in. Horsepower 215 @ 5700 rpm Torque (lb-ft) 229 @ 3000-4600 rpm Transmission 5-speed electronically-controlled automatic with ``Touch Shift'' manual mode Wheelbase / Length 106.9 in. / 182.6 in. Curb Weight 3,515 lbs. Pounds Per Horsepower 16.3 Fuel Capacity 16.4 gal. Fuel Requirement 91 octane unleaded premium gasoline Tires Continental Conti Touring Contact F: P205/55 HR16 R: 225/50 HR16 Brakes, front/rear vented disc / solid disc, anti-lock and Brake Assist standard Suspension, front/rear independent strut / independent multilink Drivetrain front engine, rear-wheel drive PERFORMANCE EPA Fuel Economy - miles per gallon city / highway / observed 19 / 27 / 21 0 to 60 mph 7.4 sec (mfg) OPTIONS AND CHARGES Desert Silver color $ 655 Integrated 6-disc CD changer $ 400 Motorola V60 phone $ 1,595 Heated front seats $ 650 K3 value added package - includes: glass sunroof, power rear window sunshade $ 1,375 Destination and delivery $ 665