Base MSRP Range: CLK 320 coupe - $44,000, CLK 320 convertible - $50,000, CLK 430 convertible - $58,000, CLK 500 coupe - $52,000, CLK 55 coupe - $69,000

Base Invoice Range: CLK 320 coupe - $41,000, CLK 320 convertible - $46,500, CLK 430 convertible - $53,500, CLK 500 coupe - $48,500, CLK 55 AMG coupe - $64,000
Price Quote

MSRP As Tested: all of them

Versions: CLK 320 coupe, CLK 320 convertible, CLK 430 convertible, CLK 500 coupe, CLK 55 coupe

Vehicle Category: Mid-Size Luxury Coupe and Convertible

Engine Location: Front Engine

Drive Wheels: Rear-Wheel Drive Rear-Wheel Drive

Engine As Tested: 3.2-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V-6 cylinder, 215-horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 229 lb-ft torque at 3,000 rpm. Optional engines include a 4.3-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V8 with 275-horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 295 lb.-ft. torque at 3,000 rpm, 5.0-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V8 with 302-horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 339 lb.-ft. torque at 2,700 rpm, 5.4-liter, Single Overhead Cam, V8 with 362-horsepower at 5,750 rpm and 376 lb.-ft. torque at 4,000 rpm,

Transmission As Tested: 5-Speed Automatic

Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 3.2-liter - 19/27. 4.3-liter - 18/24. 5.0-liter - 16/23. 5.4-liter - 16/22.

Standard Safety Features: Driver and front passenger, front and side airbags with child safety seat recognition system, rear-side airbags, power 4-wheel disc brakes, "> Antilock Braking System, antiskid system, In-Trunk Emergency Trunk Release, Daytime Running Lights, Brake Assist, Rear Obstacle Detection System, Remote Keyless Entry, automatic roll bar deployment in the convertibles.

Competition: Acura CL, Audi A4, BMW 3-Series, BMW M3, Chevrolet Corvette, Infiniti G35, Jaguar XK-Series.

The outgoing Mercedes-Benz CLK mid-size coupe had enough performance, style and luxury to make it the best-selling car in its class.

As if that wasn't good enough for Mercedes, now the CLK is bigger, better looking and more refined than ever. The 2003 model was completely redesigned to bring it closer to the super-luxurious, super-expensive CL-class dream coupe while keeping its price much more attainable — around $44,000 compared with the CL's lofty $100,000-plus price.

Even at half the smackers, the CLK looks and feels surprisingly similar to the top-of-the-line CL, with Mercedes' oft-noted bank-vault-solid construction, zippy acceleration and supple highway ride. It's a highly sophisticated machine with virtually nothing to complain about, unless you expect something sporty.

The CLK's ride and handling clearly lean toward the soft, luxurious side of the automotive spectrum. While it's far from the wallowing mushiness of American luxury barges, it lacks the taut suspension found in sports coupes of the BMW ilk and feels more like a sedan as it floats down the highway. Cornering is likewise uninspiring, but it does feel controlled and safe.

What it lacks in sportiness, however, it makes up for in luxury. The CLK aims to coddle its occupants in serene pleasure, unlike in the slightly harsher BMWs, as it stresses roadgoing silence and butler-like amenities that make passengers feel pampered. Consider:

• The seatbelt guides move forward to greet you when you turn the key, eliminating the need to contort your body backward to reach the shoulder belt. It's a little bit gadgety, but definitely a nice touch that makes entry easier.

• Front seating is superb and easy to adjust electronically. Switches on the door are shaped just like the seats, so adjustment is simple and highly intuitive.

• Cabin materials are first rate. Leather is soft and inviting, panels have a high-quality look and feel, and dash bits feel solidly secured and constructed in that great German tradition.

• Several high-end options are available to relieve driver stress, including intelligent cruise control, a fully-automated climate control system, voice-operated controls, and the "Keyless-Go" access and drive authorization system.

Even more than the luxurious upgrades, though, the most obvious change to the CLK is its appearance. It's slightly taller, wider and longer than its predecessor, so it lost a little of its hunkered-down stance in favor of comfortable sensibility.

That's not to say it looks dull — it doesn't. It still has a sporty demeanor and classic lines that would look perfect in front of Europe's greatest palaces, not to mention your driveway. It has no "B" pillar, so it looks especially nice with the windows rolled down to expose a front-to-rear pillarless roof that gracefully arches over the cabin.

While Mercedes offers seven engines in the CLK class worldwide, only two will be available in America — at least for now. You can choose from a peppy 215-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 or a 302-horsepower, 5.0-liter V8, both of which are mated to a terrific five-speed automatic transmission that offers manual selection of gears and automatically adjusts its shifting based on the driver's habits.

Pros: It looks great, performs well and has loads of luxury for those long road trips.

Cons: If you want a sporty ride, the CLK isn't for you. It's quick and looks terrific, but the handling isn't up to snuff.

Ratings (1-10)

• Style: 9
• Performance: 7
• Price: 7
• Handling: 6
• Ride: 8
• Comfort: 9
• Quality: 9
• Overall: 7.9

MORE DATA

Where Built: Germany

Major Options: adaptive cruise control, heated seats, integrated cell phone,larger engines and tires, navigation system, obstacle detection system, power rear sunshade, power sunroof, upgraded stereo, xenon headlamps.

Seating: 4

Number of Rows: 2

Crash Test Ratings:

• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Driver Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Frontal Impact/Passenger Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Front Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Side Impact/Rear Seat Crash Test Rating: Not Yet Tested
• NHTSA Rollover Resistance Rating: Not Yet Tested


• IIHS Frontal Offset Crash Test: Not Yet Tested

Length in Inches: 182.6

Warranties: 4 years/50,000 miles bumper-to-bumper, 4 years/50,000 miles corrosion, unlimited years/unlimited mileage free Roadside Assistance, 4 years/50,000 miles free scheduled maintenance.

Weight in Pounds: 3,650

Towing Capacity in Pounds: Not Applicable

Gas Tank Capacity in Gallons: 16.4

Destination Charge: $665