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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review
Stylish coupes and convertibles great for many roles.
2008 CLK-Class Review Summary & Specifications
The Mercedes-Benz CLK is a rare blend of style, luxury and sporty driving performance. It's elegant, tasteful and engaging inside and out, and its design should wear well with time. There's room inside for two couples during an evening out. Both the coupe and convertible will work as all-season cars in most locales. The V6-powered CLK350 will satisfy most owners, while the CLK550 V8 delivers high performance by nearly any measure. The CLK63 AMG is strictly for enthusiast drivers. The CLK550 so good in most respects that those less committed are not likely to appreciate what the CLK63 adds for its price premium.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Tom Lankard reported from Santa Barbara, California; with Mitch McCullough reporting from Los Angeles, and J.P. Vettraino in Detroit.
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| Vehicle Category | Luxury Cars |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe ($46,450); CLK350 Cabriolet ($54,500); CLK550 Coupe ($55,150); CLK550 Cabriolet ($63,200); CLK63 AMG Cabriolet ($89,500); CLK63 AMG Black Series ($135,000) |
| Engines (standard) | 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 7-speed TouchShift automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 268-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24-valveV6; 382-hp 5.5-liter dohc 32-valve V8; 475-hp 6.3-liter dohc 32-valve V8 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 7-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | dual two-stage front-impact airbags; front passenger side-impact torso airbags (coupe) or head and torso airbags (convertible); curtain-style, full cabin head protection airbags (coupe); automatic-deploying roll bars (cabriolet); Tele Aid emergency communication; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability program |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear passenger side-impact airbags ($390) |
| Basic Warranty | 4 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Osnabrueck, Germany |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-367-6372 |
| Manufacturer URL | www.mbusa.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 46450 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe ($46,450) |
| Standard Equipment | dual-zone automatic climate control with pollen and dust filter; leather upholstery; 10-way power-adjustable front seats; power tilt/telescope steering wheel; 3-setting memory for front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors; 6-speaker AM/FM/CD stereo; one-touch up/down power windows; keyless remote locking; trip computer |
| Destination Charge | 875 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Sport Appearance Package ($490) includes sport suspension, cross-drilled brake rotors and ten-spoke alloy wheels; heated front seats ($700) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 48415 |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 268 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 258 @ 2400 |
| Fuel Economy | 19/28 |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 |
| Length/Width/Height | 183.2/68.5/55.4 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 35.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 37.1/53.7/42.0 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 35.8/45.9/33.0 |
| Trunk Volume | 10.4 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | |
| Front Suspension | independent three-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | independent five-link, coil springs, gas-pressurized shocks, stabilizer bar |
| Ground Clearance | 3585 |
| Curb Weight | |
| Stock Tires | 225/45ZR17 front; 245/40ZR17 rear |
| Brakes Front/Rear | vented disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.4 |
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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
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