2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK class is where you go shopping when you want a large dose of style with your driving fun. The lineup starts with the CLK350 coupe and cabriolet. These vehicles use an excellent 3.5L V6 engine that makes 268 horsepower and 258 lb-ft of torque. Combined with the seven-speed automatic transmission it makes for an excellent driving experience.

More excitement is available with the CLK550 coupe and cabriolet. They get the new 5.5L V8 engine that debuted in the 2007 S Class. It makes a rousing 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque. For most drivers this engine would suffice, but Mercedes delivers even more in their CLK63 cabriolet. It gets an AMG-massaged V8 engine that puts out an astonishing 475 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.

The V6's four valves per cylinder moves the CLK with vigor, while the 5.5L V8 drops 0 to 60 times under five seconds. Steering is precise and the handling is especially sharp with either engine, and the ride is surprisingly good given the tires' low profiles. The CLK is small enough to feel very tidy on back roads, yet large enough to be a very comfortable highway cruiser. Supportive seats help the miles pass with many smiles.

Every CLK comes with dual zone automatic climate control, ten-way adjustable power front driver seats with three-position memory, an electric tilt and telescopic steering wheel, wipers that operate automatically with rain sensor, and an integrated garage door opener. The optional Harman/kardon 12-speaker stereo is one of the best we've heard in any Mercedes-Benz.

Also standard is a raft of safety equipment. You get dual-stage front air bags, both front and rear side air bags and head protection curtain bags (except for the cabriolet which omits the head curtain bags). Rear side air bags are optional. Four-wheel disc brakes with ABS circuitry have been standard on all Mercedes-Benz autos in the U.S. for many years. The electronic stability program is another standard feature on every Mercedes that is starting to make its way into all cars.

The CLK coupe uses a pillarless design to evoke more of a sports car feeling, but the back seat is capable of carrying two adults in relative comfort.

A number of options can be added to the CLK, including a navigation system, heated front seats, a sunroof, xenon headlamps with washers, and auto-dimming rearview mirrors, Keyless Go, and hands-free phone usage. A Sport Appearance Package adds cross-drilled brake rotors, aluminum pedals, and a lowered stance to the V6 models, while a park assist system can be ordered on the CLK63.
The 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK class receives automatic headlights, where they were previously not available. The V8 models get a healthy 82 horsepower increase (302 to 382) thanks to a larger 5.5L displacement. There is also a 52 ft-lb boost in torque. see less