Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (C209)

The C209/A209 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is the second generation of the

It was replaced by the Mercedes-Benz C207/A207 E-Class in 2010.^[5]

Development and launch

The C209/A209 CLK is based on the Mercedes W203 C-Class platform, and uses rack-and-pinion steering, instead of the recirculating ball design from the previous generation.^[6] It also uses a three-link front suspension, and aluminium rear multi-link suspension.^[6] Compared to its predecessor, the second generation CLK is 61 mm (2.4 in) longer, 18 mm (0.7 in) wider, and 28 mm (1.1 in) taller.^[7]

At introduction, a 3.2-litre V6, 5.0-litre V8, 5.4-litre V8, and 2.7L inline-5 diesel engine was available, which were all replaced by 2006.^[8]

Body styles

• 
  C209 coupé (Japan)
• 
  A209 convertible (United Kingdom)

Coupé (C209)

The production version CLK was unveiled at the

Standard equipment includes antilock brakes, electronic stability control, power seats, and dual-zone climate control.^[13][14] Models were also offered in Elegance and Avantgarde specification.^[15] Elegance models feature green-tinted glass, a grey coloured grille, 7-spoke polished 16-inch alloy wheels, and wood interior trim, while Avantgarde models featured blue-tinted glass, a black coloured grille, 5-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, aluminium interior trim, as well as stiffer springs, thicker anti-roll bars, and a 15 mm (0.6 in) lower ride height.^[16]

In 2005, a Sports edition, based on the Avantgarde specification, was introduced and featured six-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels, cross-drilled brake rotors, and bi-xenon headlights.^[17][18] An AMG Sports package was also available, featuring a restyled front bumper, a spoiler lip on the boot, and 18-inch wheels. The Elegance and Avantgarde models were also updated, now featuring nine-spoke 16-inch wheels, and five spoke 17-inch wheels respectively.^[19]

Models

Petrol engines

*Note: CLK 550 was still marketed as CLK 500 in most markets.

Diesel engines

Special models

CLK DTM AMG (2004-2006)

The CLK DTM AMG was a limited edition high-performance version of the CLK, to celebrate

• 
  CLK DTM AMG Coupé
• 
  CLK DTM AMG Convertible

CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007-2009)

The CLK 63 AMG Black Series is a high-performance version of the CLK 63 AMG

In 2003, the CLK 55 AMG was used as a F1 safety car. The CLK 63 AMG was also used as a F1 safety car for the 2006 and 2007 seasons.^[31]

Model year changes

2004

• Handling improvements in the form of modified axle bearings and more direct steering^[32]

2005 facelift

A facelift was introduced in June 2005. Major changes include:

• Exterior design changes including: redesigned front and rear bumpers, grille with three louvres instead of four, and restyled taillights^[13]
• COMAND-APS system, introducing iPod integration^[33]
• Updated center console with improved layout and switches
• New 7G-Tronic automatic transmission replaces the old 5G-Tronic system^[13]
• The CLK 240, CLK 320, and CLK 55 AMG are replaced by newer models^[34][35]

2007

• Introduction of CLK 550 and CLK 63 AMG models^[36]
• Introduction of Sports and AMG Sports package^[37]

Sales figures

The following are the sales figures for the CLK in Europe and in the United States:^[38][39]

Motorsports

The Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM was a race version of the CLK that raced from 2002 DTM season and won the 2003 DTM season.

References

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Mercedes-Benz C209 and Mercedes-Benz A209.