Base MSRP: $51,400

Mileage: 20 city / 26 highway

Better described as an oversized computer with cushy leather upholstery and hand-polished burl walnut than a convertible, the 2004 Mercedes CLK320 cabriolet is more than a sporty two-door with an automatic drop-top.

When it comes to acceleration, engine makeup and power, it's as smooth as a well-aged brandy. Its 0-60 speed is clocked at 7.4 seconds. And, it rolls around tight corners without so much as a squeal (except maybe, from the driver). We could spend paragraphs describing its thoroughbred chassis or responsive braking, which is great and fantastic but, in our opinion, not quite as interesting as the little details that make up the CLK320. These idiosyncrasies set Mercedes-Benz apart from other manufacturers, not to mention the fact that they make for really interesting conversation starters.

Climate control for all

With such an introduction you may wander why we would lead with the climate control system. After all, it's typically an afterthought: If you're cold you turn the knob toward the red arch. Too hot? Push the a/c button and turn the dial to the blue. That's it; time to move on the stereo or navigation system. However, whenever you purchase a CLK320 there isn't anything simple or elementary about this "climate control center." Notice, it's not referred to as a knob, button or dial, but a center, something that houses a plethora of information and functions.

Ultimately, the CLK is a pleaser. It wants you, the driver, and all of your passengers to be as comfortable as possible, which is why the CLK's climate control features a solar sensor, pollutant sensor, an activated charcoal filter, dual-zone temperature for front occupants and a separate blower for rear seats. Our favorite, and perhaps the most amazing item, is the solar sensor, which actually senses the sun's angle, determines where the sunlight is most intense and then adjusts the airflow accordingly. Now, that's a smart car.

Gone are the days when the car in front of you - the one that's burning oil and spewing a bluish-gray smoke into the air - disrupts the air that you smell and breath. The second feature, the pollution sensor, monitors carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide levels and if the concentration of pollutants increases, the system will close the air recirculation flap automatically. However, should any pollutants sneak in, or if there are low levels, the charcoal filter will engage, absorbing the pollutants and odors.

And, just when you thought the climate control couldn't do anymore you notice another handy setting, one that circulates residual engine heat for up to a half-hour after the engine has turned off; useful for keeping the interior warm when running short errands during the winter.

Noise control

We always look forward to test-driving convertibles. They're typically sporty, sleek and fun to drive, especially after winter gives way to sunny, spring weekends. Although youthful and gregarious, convertibles are also notoriously noisy, their cloth top being more of a wind funnel than a wind blocker. However, Mercedes-Benz has gone the extra mile, or in this case fabric, to ensure drivers and passengers can carry on conversations after the needle pegs 35 mph.

They have accomplished this by designing a multi-layer fabric soft-top. There's a weather resistant outer later, followed by over an inch of foam insulation and a headliner. This three-tiered system not only lowers interior noise by 1.9 decibels (compared to previous models), but it also provides excellent thermal insulation so that the CLK is able to better retain comfortable temperatures.

In addition to insulating the roof, the CLK also employs main door seals with special edge trim; "aero-acoustically optimized exterior mirror casings" (quite the mouthful), additional seals on the front fenders and the A-pillars and special seals for the side windows. On top of that, cavities in the body shells are packed with special, noise-insulating foam or fiber materials. Thus, you can now own a convertible without having to blow out your speakers.

Safety is not an option

Rollover protection is always a concern in open cars. The CLK320 features a rollover system that uses sensors to detect an imminent hazard to the occupants (based on extreme sliding movements or high levels of acceleration caused by a collision) and activates the rollover system, which deploys two bars over the heads of the rear seat occupants in 0.3 seconds. Between the front reinforcement system, consisting of steel tubing around the A pillar and the windshield, and the one in the rear, these rollover bars create a roll cage around the entire passenger compartment.

Other safety technology includes dual-stage front airbags, rear side airbags and head/thorax airbags in the front. Deployment of the front passenger seat airbags is influenced by sensors in the seat cushion that can classify the occupant weight or by the sensors in the BabySmart system that inhibit deployment when the BabySmart child seat is properly installed.

Additionally, if any one of the CLK's airbags or seatbelt tensioners deploy, the standard Tele Aid system immediately generates a direct call to an emergency response center. The vehicle's location is provided via GPS satellite transponders. If needed, emergency response can be summoned, with exact vehicle location, plus full information on the car model and color for quick recognition by emergency services.

Admittedly, when purchasing a Mercedes-Benz, buyers expect a certain standard of craftsmanship when it comes to interior materials, engine output and appearance. With the CLK320, they receive those qualities and much more. It's the ultimate vehicle package: beauty and brains.

Engine: 3.2-liter 18-valve V6

Warranty: 4 year / 50,000 mile

Horsepower: 215 hp @ 5,700 rpm

Torque: 229 ft.-lb. @ 3,000-4,600 rpm

Curb Weight: 3,515 lbs.