The 2nd Generation Mercedes CLK Class was introduced in 2003. The 2003 Mercedes CLK is a front engine rear-wheel drive subcompact coupe. The Mercedes CLK 2nd Generation featured a slightly larger and taller body with an updated design language that brought the CLK on par with Mercedes modern design language. The Mercedes CLK 2003 is available in two variants 2-door coupe and 2-door convertible. The Mercedes CLK is available in 10 versions CLK 200 Kompressor, CLK 240, CLK 280, CLK 320, CLK 350, CLK 500, CLK 550, CLK 55AMG, CLK 63AMG, CLK 63AMG Black and CLK DTM AMG. The 2nd Generation Mercedes CLK lasted in production for 7 years, the Mercedes CLK was available to purchase in the year 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008 and the year 2009.
The price of the 2003 Mercedes CLK was not competitive when compared with other cars in the same class.
Exterior
The exterior of the 2nd Generation Mercedes CLK features a familiar Mercedes design language. The front end houses dual incorporated circular headlights, a chrome grille, a trapezium air intake, dual horizontal chrome strips and an outward sticking bumper. The rear end houses triangular styled sideswept taillights and various chrome accents. Sportier AMG versions of the 2003 Mercedes CLK feature a more aggressive front bumper with a front splitter and sport exhaust tips at the rear, while the Black versions of the CLK features massively flared wheel arches a wider and lower front bumper with a front carbon fiber splitter, a rear lip spoiler and a rear carbon fiber diffuser.
Interior
The interior of the 2003 Mercedes CLK features the use of beige plastic trim pieces. The front and rear seats are covered in leather. Standard features include power and heated door mirrors, automatic climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, 10-speaker stereo audio system, traction control, stability control and electric front seats. Features in the higher end models such as the CLK 500, CLK 500, CLK 55AMG and CLK 63 AMG include a power moonroof, cell phone, satellite navigation, headlight cleaning system, rain sensing windscreen wipers, rear automatic window blind, leather/ wood steering wheel, 12-speaker stereo audio system, rear side impact airbag, ventilated front seats and heated front seats. The interior in the 2nd Generation Mercedes CLK Black variants feature bucked carbon fiber seats, no satellite navigation, no rear seats and no rear airbags.
Engine
Engine
1.8 Liter Supercharged Inline-4
2.6 Liter V6
3.0 Liter V6
3.5 Liter V6
5.0 Liter V8
5.5 Liter V8
6.2 Liter V8
6.2 Liter Supercharged V8
2.2 Liter Inline-4 Diesel
2.7 Liter Inline-5 Diesel
3.2 Liter V6 Diesel
Gearbox
7-Speed Automatic Transmission
5-Speed Automatic Transmission
6-Speed Manual Transmission
Mileage
The Mercedes CLK 2nd Generation can achieve an average of up to 12KM/L making for an estimated driving range of up to 600KM from the subcompact coupes 55-liter fuel tank.
Competitor
The main competitors of the Mercedes CLK 2003 are the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster, Mazda RX-8, BMW 3 Series Coupe and Mercedes E-Class Coupe.
Specifications
1.8 Liter Supercharged Inline-4 181bhp@5500RPM
2.6 Liter V6 168bhp@5300RPM
3.0 Liter V6 228bhp@6000RPM
3.5 Liter V6 268bhp@6000RPM
5.0 Liter V8 302bhp@5600RPM
5.5 Liter V8 383bhp@5750RPM
6.2 Liter V8 500bhp@7200RPM
6.2 Liter Supercharged V8 574bhp@6100RPM
2.2 Liter Inline-4 Diesel 148bhp@4200RPM
2.7 Liter Inline-5 Diesel 168bhp@4200RPM
3.2 Liter V6 Diesel 221bhp@3800RPM
Pros & Cons
Pros
Luxurious
Good range of standard equipment
Great range of engine choices
Cons
Low resale value
Lack of spare parts
Expensive maintenance