After five years of unprecedented sales success, the stylish Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class coupes are being replaced this week with two all-new exciting models that raise the design bar yet again. Base price for the V6-powered CLK320 coupe will be $44,565 (US) and the new CLK500 -- using a 5.0-liter V8 -- will start at $52,865 (US). Both prices include a $665 destination charge. The current-platform CLK320 and CLK430 Cabriolet models will continue for the 2003 model year.
Dave Schembri, vice president of marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA said, "The new-generation CLK coupe takes style to a unprecedented level with its pillarless hardtop design. With no visible B-pillar, the new CLK offers an expansive, airy feeling and panoramic views. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer with the passion and engineering expertise to offer this type of design. Furthermore, we are pleased to announce that the CLK has won Automotive Lease Guide's residual value award for the highest projected resale value in the luxury car segment for the fourth consecutive year."
This new-generation of CLK-Class coupes enter the market a short five years after the first CLK came to market. Inspired by the premium-luxury CL-Class coupes, all four side-windows of the CLK fully retract without posts to create an open, airy feel that conventional coupes cannot match. The fun-to-drive quotient is also enhanced with a more responsive suspension and new steering system.
The CLK320 coupe is powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6, while the new CLK500 replaces the CLK430 and uses the same 302-horsepower 5.0-liter V8 as the larger CL500.
In addition to the larger-displacement V8 engine, the CLK500 is equipped exclusively with an AMG wheel and body design package, plus larger brakes and additional detail differences from the CLK320. A five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with TouchShift allows manual selection of forward speeds by pushing the gear lever slightly left to downshift or right to upshift while in the "Drive" selector position.