Description
Known internally as the C209, the second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK was unveiled at the 2002 Geneva Motor Show to even higher acclaim than its predecessor. Its exterior design was partly to thank for the great reception, as Mercedes-Benz had finally decided to give its designers more freedom, who chose to remove the B-pillar and pen a traditional coupe in the process.
Like the original CLK, the model had no direct rival, as it sat between the more compact C-Class and the mid-size E-Class in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This meant it could be priced higher than its traditional competitor from BMW, the 3 Series Coupe, while offering slightly more interior room and better equipment.
Despite being closer in amenities and design to the larger E-Class, the 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209) was based on the smaller W203 C-Class platform, which had a few technical downsides. The biggest one was the smaller wheelbase, which somewhat reduced the available passenger leg space. That said, the four seats were reasonably comfortable, and the CLK had more interior room than the BMW 3 Series Coupe E46.
In addition, the W203's more modern platform also had many benefits. For example, unlike its predecessor, the 2002 CLK used a rack-and-pinion steering system instead of the previous model's old recirculating ball design. This meant that, despite the increased size and weight, the model drove miles better and had a more appropriate platform for more powerful models, including the massively quick CLK DTM AMG with 582 PS (574 HP).
The Mercedes-Benz CLK (C209) exterior design combined timeless and elegant elements, such as the swooping roof, frameless windows, and the lack of a B-pillar, with Mercedes-Benz features from both the C-Class W203 and the E-Class W211. For example, the front end featured the C-Class' then-signature twin-headlight design, while the taillights were more similar to those on the E-Class W211.
As with other Mercedes-Benz two-door cars of old, the subtle chrome grille incorporated an oversized three-pointed star in the middle. Despite the hodge-podge of design elements from different models, the result was a cohesive design that stood the test of time. That cannot be said about its interior design, which still had large buttons on the center console and used fake ones in lower-specced versions.
Powertrain-wise, the model was once again a mix between the C-Class and the E-Class, with four- and six-cylinder engines comprising most of the lineup, while the top-of-the-range versions used naturally aspirated V8s, including on the CLK 55 AMG version. Somewhat odd for a dynamic model, the CLK C209 also came with three diesel engine choices for markets outside the US. These included a four-cylinder, a five-cylinder, and a range-topping 3.0-liter V6 diesel. All engines sent their power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual or a 5-speed automatic transmission, which was replaced with the 7G-Tronic on the 2005 facelift.
Press Release
Mercedes-Benz will continue its long coupé tradition by launching a stylistically scintillating and technically sophisticated car in the spring of 2002: the new CLK-Class is ready to impress.
The attractive two-door model will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show before going on show at the Stuttgart manufacturer's sales and service outlets and authorised dealerships on May 4, 2002.
The new CLK Coupé is a unique model series within the Mercedes-Benz passenger car portfolio. A fact emphasised by a two-door design – newly developed right down to the finest detail – which exudes both elegance and dynamic progression. Prominent styling elements – such as frameless, fully-lowering side windows that form a continuous band, a classic Mercedes radiator grille with central three-pointed star, the new reinterpretation of the twin-headlamp face and the sweeping curve of the coupé roof – highlight the confident character of the new CLK-Class.
Seven engines with power outputs ranging from 163 hp to 367 hp. Complete with its newly developed chassis, more powerful engines and the ultimate in Mercedes-Benz equipment and technology, the new Mercedes Coupé serves up a driving experience that is unique in this vehicle class. Mercedes customers can choose from seven engines, three types of transmission, two design and trim lines and numerous attractive colour combinations. Six of the seven engines on offer are new developments or further improved models, providing up to 20 kW/27 hp more power and 15 percent more torque than their predecessors. Yet, on average, the new CLK models consume six percent less fuel.
Topping the new CLK range are two V8 models that deliver performance on a par with a typical sports car: the CLK 500 (225 kW/306 hp) and the CLK 55 AMG with a further developed powerplant that now produces an impressive 270 kW/367 hp. The high-power engines propel these CLK Coupé models from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.0 or 5.2 seconds respectively.
Direct-injection petrol engine consuming 16 percent less fuel
A new generation of four-cylinder engines will also celebrate its debut. In terms of power delivery, torque characteristics, refinement and fuel consumption, these powerplants set new standards in this displacement class, thanks mainly to their unique TWINPULSE system. There are two four-cylinder models available: the CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR (120 kW/163 hp) with conventional fuel injection and the CLK 200 CGI (125 kW/170 hp) with direct petrol injection. The TWINPULSE system combines numerous technologies – including balancer shafts, compressor, intercooler, variable valve timing and four valves per cylinder – to ensure low fuel consumption, sheer driving pleasure and a level of refinement similar to that of a six-cylinder model.
To complement the TWINPULSE system, Mercedes-Benz equips the new CGI petrol engine with leading-edge, direct-injection technology which reduces fuel consumption to a meagre 7.9 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), a figure which is 16 percent lower than that of the preceding model. Meanwhile the new CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR consumes 8.6 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), making it around 8.5 percent more economical than its predecessor
.
Mercedes-Benz has added a second six-cylinder engine to the new CLK-Class line-up, in the form of the tried-and-tested 2.6-litre model with an output of 125 kW/170 hp. The powerful 3.2-litre V6 version (160 kW/218 hp) remains part of the engine range. A new innovation in this coupé class, the high-powered CLK 270 CDI diesel model has a sophisticated five-cylinder engine with common-rail injection beneath its bonnet. It develops 125 kW/170 hp and, with a fuel consumption of just 6.7 litres per 100 kilometres (NEDC combined), it is one of the most economical engines in its class.
Increased body rigidity, leading cd figure and exemplary safety
The Mercedes engineers have made further advances in the field of body technology, particularly with respect to safety and aerodynamics. Torsional stiffness has been improved by 40 percent whilst the percentage of high-strength steel alloys used for the bodyshell – to create a lightweight yet extremely strong design – has almost doubled. A cd figure of just 0.28 makes the new CLK Coupé the new leader in this vehicle class. In addition, substantially reduced body lift on the front and rear axles means the new model has what it takes to provide an extremely high level of active safety and directional stability.
Standard equipment in the new Mercedes Coupé includes a range of state-of-the-art occupant protection systems: adaptive front airbags, sidebags and windowbags as well as belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats. For the first time, passenger weight is one of the factors taken into account before the two-stage front-passenger airbag is deployed, to ensure an optimum level of protection every time. The CLK-Class therefore displays the practical features of the Mercedes safety concept and, at the same time, meets the strict requirements of the latest crash tests.
Compared to its pre
decessor, the new CLK Coupé is 71 mm longer, 18 mm wider and 42 mm higher. The wheelbase has been extended by 25 mm and now stands at 2715 mm. These enhanced dimensions afford the occupants even more space and comfort: in terms of the space between seats, headroom, rear knee room, elbow room and shoulder room, the interior of the new CLK-Class has really grown in stature.
Interior featuring sublime forms, the finest materials and exclusivity in abundance
Smooth forms, high-grade materials, attractive colours and a design displaying superb attention to detail combine to create an interior ambience that arouses an immediate feeling of contentment. New interior developments such as the instrument panel, centre console, door panelling and seats further emphasise the unique character of the CLK-Class. All the controls are within easy reach whilst the main dial instruments – speedometer, rev counter and clock – feature a classic round design and deliver crystal-clear information. Exquisite details such as the chrome surrounds on the dial instruments and the generous fine-wood or aluminium trim on the centre console enhance the high-quality feel of the interior. There is also a range of automatic systems, to help relieve driver stress and ensure optimum ease of use.
In the rear of the Coupé, the asymmetrically split-folding seat backrests and cushions – fitted as standard – fold forward individually or together, enabling variation of the luggage space. The rear loading area is virtually flat when the seats are folded down.
Standard equipment for an exceptionally high level of safety and comfort
The standard equipment package for the new CLK-Class is even more extensive than that for the previous model and is worth an extra € 2800. Alongside windowbags, automatic belt feeders, power-operated rear windows, Headlamp Assist, rain sensor, mixed-profile tyres and an adjustable steering column, the package also includes a highly effective automatic climate control system. This system works based on up-to-the-second information it receives from sensors regarding inside temperature, outside temperature and humidity. Options include the added luxury of the THERMOTRONIC system with additional solar sensor, pollutant sensor, rear blower and activated charcoal filter. This system is fitted as standard in the CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG models with V8 engine.
Debut for DISTRONIC and other innovations in this vehicle class
Another first for the CLK-Class is a range of options which includes some of the best leading-edge, high-tech systems Mercedes has to offer: DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control, KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system, bi-xenon headlamps and LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control for telephone and car radio.
To enable individualisation of the CLK Coupé, Mercedes-Benz has developed two lines: ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE. Each makes a different statement through its unique design and equipment features.
