2005 Mercedes CLK Review

Specifications

Many Under the Skin Upgrades

With over 135,000 sold worldwide since its second generation update in 2002 (May, 2003 for the convertible model), the Mercedes-Benz CLK has been an unequivocal success within its luxury sports coupe and convertible categories. Classically proportioned styling, powerful but refined drivetrains, and accommodations that are among the marques best, are standard fare.

With the foundation set Mercedes-Benz has gone ahead with an update of the CLK, concentrating mainly on its ride, handling and general driving dynamics. The modifications made to the CLK are almost exclusively internal, concentrating on raising quality, comfort and performance attributes, in the hopes of a CLK that edges closer to the benchmark BMW 3-Series.

The top-tier CLK500, equipped with M-Bs five-liter V8 motor featuring twin-spark and variable intake and valve timing, makes 306 horsepower, but it drives through a brand new transmission. Slowly, one by one Benz is dropping its older five-speed automatic for the new seven-speed 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox. Benz claims two bold new performance figures for the CLK equipped with the new transmission, the first being acceleration tests from standstill to 60 mph which at 5.8 seconds show a 0.1 second improvement over the outgoing car. Secondly, fuel consumption has decreased up to 0.9 mpg on the mixed cycle. Like the CLK55 AMG, drivers can swap the gears themselves in a manual mode with buttons mounted on the back of the steering wheel.

Like many modern cars, the CLK will now be fitted with adaptive headlamps, a staple on vehicles such as the Lexus RX330 and BMWs 5-Series. The CLK also gets bi-Xenon headlamps with the benefit of 65 additional degrees of coverage and an extra 98 feet of illumination at speeds up to 25 mph.

On the inside, three new audio systems are now available including a basic in-dash CD player, a twin-tuner featuring a 4.9-inch color display with navigation, or M-Bs proprietary COMAND system integrating a full color map. Eventually, the German brand will offer Linguatronic voice recognition system, which will allow for easy vocal input of addresses for the navigation system. Revised “push-push” switches for the Thermatic and Thermotronic electronic climate control system make for easier use while most interior surfaces are finished in a new leather-grain pattern.

While the revised switchgear and new transmission are important, the big story about the CLKs update is what Benz has done to breathe a bit of extra life into the cars handling dynamics. Model year 2005 marks the addition of a Direct Control technical package, which includes a steering ratio that is six percent more accurate, optimized torque strut bearings for the front axles, larger spring link bearings for rear axles and a reprogrammed ESP. On cars equipped with the six-speed manual transmission, the throw between gears has been shortened for ease of shifting, subsequently improving feel. Benz claims that these changes will maintain the comfortable ride M-B owners appreciate while optimizing performance for executing twisty roads and bends - a sort of final polishing of the cars chassis.

The top-of-the-line CLK55 AMG has been improved slightly as well, with the addition of better brakes, an enhanced exhaust system and stiffer springs. Call it overkill, but the AMG model now boasts 13.39 inch ventilated composite cast iron brakes with six piston calipers in front and slightly smaller 12.99 inch vented discs with four piston calipers in rear.

The exhaust system doesnt liberate any extra horsepower, but its revised construction creates a deeper, throatier bellow, in effect doing a better job of announcing its 367 horsepower 5.5-liter powerplant to the world.

Positive influence from the stiffer springs and seven percent sharper steering ratio (an improvement over the 3.0 turns lock to lock of the previous model) are a step in the right direction for performance enthusiasts, while the five-speed automatic AMG SpeedShift sequentially actuated transmission holds gears, preventing unwanted up and downshifts during performance driving.

Perhaps the most interesting bit about the hardware upgrade is that on the outside there are no changes. Aside from the hardly noticeable larger discs found only in the CLK55, all external metal work remains the same. This is unlike the C-Class sedan which received minor modifications.

Mercedes-Benz has not yet announced an update on 2005 CLK pricing, nor has a date been released for when the cars will be available. Expect prices to be kept within a degree of current levels, with availability made in late summer or early autumn.