Details of Cars

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class: the C-Class-based coupé

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2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor
A 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK 200 Kompressor. Photo by Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a former line of luxury coupés and convertibles produced between 1996 and 2010. Its styling came from the E-Class, but its mechanical parts were those of the smaller C-Class.

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class at a glance

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class key facts
Production 1996–2010
First generation C208 coupé and A208 cabriolet
First generation coupés 233,367 built
First generation cabriolets 115,161 built
Second generation C209 coupé and A209 cabriolet, from 2002
Position in range between the SLK-Class and the CL-Class
Based on C-Class platform
Styling derived from the E-Class
Engines in 2002 2.6, 3.2, 3.5 and 5.0-litre petrol; 5.4 V8; 2.1, 2.7 and 3.0 diesels
Replaced by E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet in 2010

This article is based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

History of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class

Before the CLK, the E-Class range included a coupé alongside the saloon. The first CLK, coded C208 or A208 for the cabriolet, arrived for 1997 on the platform of the W202 C-Class, which had appeared three years earlier. Its body looked like the larger E-Class, but underneath it was the smaller car, and the range sat between the SLK and the CL-Class. In coupé form 233,367 cars were built, along with 115,161 cabriolets.

Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé C208, rear view
First-generation CLK Coupé (C208) from the rear. Photo by M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons.

The first-generation coupé was replaced by the C209 in 2002 for the 2003 model year, though the convertible stayed in production until March 2003. The second generation was launched in 2002 with production starting in June, again as a hardtop coupé and a soft-top cabriolet. At introduction the range offered 2.6-, 3.2- and 3.5-litre V6 petrol engines, a 5.0-litre V8, a 5.4-litre V8 and diesel options of 2.1, 2.7 and 3.0 litres.

The name CLK has never been officially explained: it may stand for Coupé, Luxus and Kurz, or Coupé, Leicht and Kurz. The cars competed mainly with the two-door BMW 3 and 6 Series, the Audi A4 Cabriolet and A5, and the Maserati Coupé. In 2010 the CLK was discontinued and its place taken by the C207 E-Class Coupé and A207 E-Class Cabriolet, which were still built on the C-Class platform but carried E-Class styling.

Design and features

  • Mixed parentage: E-Class looks on C-Class mechanicals.
  • Two bodies: hardtop coupé and fabric-roof cabriolet.
  • Wide engine range: from a 2.1-litre diesel to a 5.4-litre V8.
  • Two generations: the C208/A208 and the C209/A209.

Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class versions

  • C208 coupé (1997–2002): the first CLK.
  • A208 cabriolet (1998–2003): 115,161 built.
  • C209 coupé (2002–2009): second generation.
  • A209 cabriolet (2003–2009): second-generation convertible.
  • AMG versions: CLK 55 AMG and CLK 63 AMG.

The CLK sat between the SLK and the CL-Class and was replaced by the E-Class Coupé. Its racing derivative was the CLK GTR. More in the Mercedes-Benz collection.

Video: Mercedes-Benz CLK 200

Video by YouTube on YouTube.

Sources

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