The new CLK-Class (W209): Model Concept & Equipment

In detail:

Model concept and equipment: exquisite in every sense

·       Second generation of successful Coupé model series

·       High exclusivity thanks to exquisite design and leading-edge technology

·       Two design and trim lines incorporating individual design features

·       DISTRONIC and other high-tech systems among the optional extras

·       High-performance CLK 55 AMG Coupé developing 270 kW/367 hp

Attention very much focussed on one particular event in June 1997, for this was the month in which Mercedes-Benz unveiled its all-new Coupé model series: the CLK-Class.

Sporty and elegant, innovative and stylistically scintillating, the two-door CLK proved an instant hit with motorists of both sexes. In the first full year of production alone, some 54,000 CLK models rolled off the assembly lines. Just 18 months later, the figure had risen to 135,000. And today the total stands at over 230,000, far beyond experts' expectations. The Coupé became a major success story within the strategic product initiative launched by Mercedes-Benz, making its mark on the brand's new, dynamic image in much the same way as the SLK and A-Class did. Around 40 percent of the buyers are new Mercedes customers. And, in Europe, some 35 percent of all newly registered cars in this coupé segment proudly display the Mercedes three-pointed star. 

The second chapter of this success story is about to unfold: the new CLK-Class is ready to impress. Another Mercedes model for those who like to live their dreams. A coupé for those who crave that little bit more -- stylish, elegant, progressive, attractive and of pristine quality in every respect. Of strong, impeccable character and displaying a host of new stylistic and technical features, the new model even outshines its predecessor when it comes to exclusivity, comfort and dynamism.

 

 

Larger body, more powerful engines and leading-edge technology

To put it another way, the CLK Coupé has grown in stature, matured even further and become even better. A comparison with the predecessor model reveals that the newcomer's body is 71 mm longer and 42 mm higher. Its interior now provides even greater comfort and space whilst its engines deliver up to 20 kW/27 hp more power and as much as 15 percent more torque. What is more, it is backed by a range of technical equipment that includes the very latest Assist systems, previously the sole reserve of luxury-class models. Mercedes-Benz is the only manufacturer to offer such exclusive systems in this coupé segment, systems that make motoring even safer and even more enjoyable.

With its pronounced wedge shape, powerful and tight waistline and sweeping roof silhouette, the CLK is clearly sports-oriented in its design, yet it also exudes the sheer elegance of the coupé concept. Alongside the new interpretation of Mercedes' classic twin-headlamp face, the most prominent design feature on the new CLK-Class is the continuous band formed by the frameless, fully-lowering side windows, achieved thanks to the absence of the upper B-pillars.

 

Even more extensive standard equipment package worth over € 2800

Furthermore the new Mercedes Coupé comes with an even more valuable standard equipment package than its predecessor, primarily satisfying a desire for maximum exclusivity, supreme safety and superlative comfort. The new standard equipment available over and above that which came with the predecessor model is worth € 2800 and includes the following items:

·        Adaptive drive system (petrol engines), driving dynamics tailored to driver requirements

·        Power-operated rear windows

·        Headlamp Assist

·        System for measuring front passenger weight – a criterion for airbag deployment – to ensure an optimum level of protection every time

·        Belt feeders for driver and front passenger

·        Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for rear seats

·        Steering wheel with adjustable height and reach

·        THERMATIC automatic climate control with rear blower

·        Rain sensor for windscreen wipers

·        Windowbags

Selected items from the comprehensive package of standard equipment for the CLK-Class at a glance:

·       Adaptive front airbags

·       Active Service System (ASSYST)

·       Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)

·       Armrest with height adjustment

·       Two-part stowage compartment between the front seats

·       Heated and electrically adjustable exterior mirrors

·       Outside temperature display

·       Entrance lights

·       Automatic rear seat belts

·       Automatic child seat recognition

·       Audio 10 CC car radio

·       Front passenger recognition and weight classification

·       Brake Assist

·       Cup holder (optional)

·       Rev counter

·       Easy-Entry system

·       ESP^®

·       Headlamp Assist

·       Four power-operated windows

·       Remote boot-lid release

·       Two pneumatically-folding rear head restraints

·       Rear ventilation

·       Asymmetrically split-folding rear seats

·       Belt feeders for driver and front passenger

·       Belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats

·       Automatic climate control

·       Leather steering wheel with adjustable height and reach

·       Leather shift lever

·       Light-alloy wheels

·       ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE lines

·       Multifunction steering wheel

·       Front fog lamps

·       Pollen and dust filter

·       Radio antenna integrated in the rear window

·       Rain sensor

·       Trip computer

·       ELCODE locking system

·       Six-speed manual transmission

·       Side indicators in the exterior mirrors

·       Power steering

·       Sidebags in the doors

·       SPEEDTRONIC with cruise control

·       Windscreen wipers with one-touch control

·       TIREFIT with electrical air pump

·       Green or blue tinted glass

·       Windowbags

·       Central display in instrument cluster

·       Central locking

·       Fine-wood or aluminium trim

The new top-of-the-range CLK 500 – complete with its powerful V8 engine which pushes it into the realms inhabited by thoroughbred sports cars like the Mercedes SL 500 Roadster or the flagship CL 500 Coupé – has an impressive list of equipment. Additional items fitted as standard include THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control, electrically adjustable seats (including memory function), parameter steering, 17-inch light-alloy wheels (225/45 R 17 for the front and 245/40 R 17 for the rear) and a five-speed automatic transmission.

 

ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE: individual through and through

Mercedes customers are sure to appreciate the vast range of individualisation options: two individual design and trim lines – part of the standard package – as well as seven engines, three transmission versions, 13 exterior paint finishes and four interior colours. As before, the lines have been christened ELEGANCE and AVANTGARDE; however, they now incorporate the following new features:

Ø  ELEGANCE	Ø  AVANTGARDE
·        Light-alloy wheels with 7-spoke design	·        Light-alloy wheels with 5-spoke design
·        Radiator grille in atlas grey with decorative chrome trim strips	·        Radiator grille in black with decorative chrome trim strips
·        Green tinted glass	·        Blue tinted glass
·        Choice of four interior colours	·        Choice of two interior colours and three colour combinations
·        "brown ash" fine-wood trim with decorative chrome strips	·        "ellypta" aluminium trim with decorative chrome strips

High-tech from luxury-class models now available for the CLK Coupé

Optional extras that are as valuable as they are innovative provide superb scope for Coupé individualisation. Many of these systems – such as DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control or the KEYLESS-GO access and drive authorisation system – have been lifted from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class or CL-Class and are available in the CLK-Class for the very first time. The following are just some of the options available:

·       DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control

·       AMG design package

·       AMG 18-inch light-alloy wheels

·       Left exterior mirror and interior mirror with automatic dimming function

·       Audio 30 APS car radio with navigation system

·       Car phone

·       Bi-xenon headlamps

·       Bose sound system

·       CD changer in glove compartment

·       COMAND APS with navigation system

·       Fine-wood trim in brown burr walnut (for ELEGANCE line)

·       Anti-theft alarm system

·       Five-speed automatic transmission (standard in CLK 320 and CLK 500)

·       Mobile phone

·       Rear sun-blind

·       KEYLESS-GO

·       THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control (standard in CLK 500)

·       Leather appointments

·       Steering wheel trimmed with leather and fine wood (for ELEGANCE)

·       LINGUATRONIC

·       Multicontour front seats

·       Parameter steering (standard in CLK 500)

·       PARKTRONIC

·       Glass tilting/sliding roof

·       SEQUENTRONIC

·       Rear sidebags

·       Electrically adjustable seats and steering wheel with memory function (standard in CLK 500)

·       Lowered sports suspension

·       TELEAID

·       TV receiver (in conjunction with COMAND APS)

New CLK 55 AMG with 367-hp powerplant beneath the bonnet

In keeping with many of the other Mercedes model series, the new CLK-Class will also be able to bear the three-letter mark of sporting prowess: AMG. The package promises superlative power delivery and outstanding handling as well as a list of equipment that positively exudes exclusivity.

The high-performance CLK 55 AMG Coupé will lead by example with its V8 powerplant that has been further improved by Mercedes-AMG. Developing 270 kW/367 hp, the engine propels the two-door model from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 5.2 seconds. Further features that make the flagship CLK-Class sports model really stand out include special AMG bodystyling for the front apron, rear apron and side skirts. Not to mention the 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels, the AMG exhaust system with twin tailpipes and the specially developed spoiler lip on the boot lid, which reduces the lift acting on the rear axle by over 50 percent. Moving inside, a host of features – classic AMG aluminium trim with high-sheen chrome strips, two-tone nappa and nubuk leather appointments, AMG sports seats and an instrument cluster sporting white dials and an aluminium look – all combine to create a supremely sporty and elegant ambience. Another new feature is the ergonomically designed sports steering wheel with integrated paddle-type switches for operating the five-speed automatic transmission in manual mode. The following are just some of the extra items in the new CLK 55 AMG, over and above the items that come with the CLK 500 AVANTGARDE:

·        AMG light-alloy wheels (18-inch) with twin-spoke design

·        Exhaust system with twin tailpipes

·        AMG decorative aluminium trim with high-sheen chrome strips

·        AMG bodystyling

·        AMG steering wheel gearshift with manual transmission mode

·        AMG SPEEDSHIFT automatic transmission

·        AMG sports suspension

·        AMG sports seats featuring unique-look design

·        Doorsills featuring AMG design

·        Ergonomically designed sports steering wheel with integrated gearshift paddle switches

·        High-performance brakes with perforated front discs

·        Instrument cluster with 320-km/h speedometer dial

·        Two-tone leather appointments featuring nappa-nubuk combination

·        Multicontour seats

·        Rear sidebags

·        Seat heating