The new CLK-Class (W209): Interior & Electronics

Interior and electronics: in perfect order

Sporty and elegant interior ambience with exemplary ergonomic design

More space and enhanced comfort for every seat

Sensor controlled Assist systems to relieve driver stress

High-quality dashboard featuring unique design

New-look cockpit with clearly laid-out circular dials

Newly developed coupé seats with optional multicontour function

Automatic climate control as standard

Optional DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control

Aesthetics and ergonomic design are major aims whenever Mercedes-Benz designs and develops a car interior. And the new CLK-Class offers further proof that the Sindelfingen designers and engineers are masters of both disciplines.
 

The design team has created a beautiful interior of the very highest quality: smooth forms, the finest materials, attractive colours and an obvious attention to detail immediately evoke feelings of passion, enjoyment and inner security. This is how the Coupé outwardly expresses its inner values, its sporty elegance, its uniqueness and its premium character in this segment.

There is no denying that first impressions count, both visually and emotionally. The first things one feels here are enthusiasm and excitement. But a car also needs to display its qualities on a day-to-day basis, on short trips as well as on long journeys. It therefore requires additional attributes if the "feel-good factor" engendered by the interior design is not to be short-lived. In short, ergonomic design, supreme comfort and reliable, stress-relieving technology are the order of the day. And in these areas, too, the CLK-Class is the new benchmark in the coupé segment: the interior space, freedom of movement, sitting position, ease of use and a host of Mercedes-style innovations make for a driving experience that is superlative in every respect.

Substantial increase in headroom, elbow room and rear knee room

Size really is all-important if man and machine are to exist in perfect harmony, since it is size that determines the level of occupant space and comfort. In terms of seat spacing, headroom, rear knee room, elbow room and shoulder room, the new, four-seater CLK Coupé has grown in stature vis-à-vis the predecessor model:

The distance between the front and rear seats – an indication of the amount of room available to the passengers – has been increased by 7 mm to 779 mm.

Rear-passenger knee room has been extended by 40 mm thanks to the longer wheelbase.

Front headroom is now 979 mm (without tilting/sliding roof), 24 mm more than in the previous CLK Coupé. And the new Coupé has an extra 12 mm of rear headroom.

Shoulder room and elbow room have each been improved by 9 mm at the front.

Equipped with the practical TIREFIT repair kit as standard – in place of a conventional spare wheel – the new CLK-Class has a boot capacity of 435 litres (VDA measuring method), a full 15 litres more than the predecessor model. The spare wheel is still available as a no-cost option.

Facts and figures: the main interior dimensions of the new CLK-Class

Thanks to a body that is 71 mm longer, 18 mm wider and 42 mm higher than that of the predecessor model, the new CLK Coupé offers occupants even greater levels of space and comfort. The dimensions relevant to driver and passenger comfort have been improved considerably.

	New CLK-Class	Preceding model
Space between seats (SRP) i.e. between front and rear seats	779	772
Rear knee room	43	3
Effective front headroom*	979	955
Effective rear headroom*	922	910
Front shoulder room	1351	1342
Front elbow room	1412	1403

All measurements in millimetres; *not including tilting/sliding roof

Sophisticated control concept incorporating automatic systems

In their quest for even greater harmony between man and machine, the Mercedes engineers have been working on a immensely promising concept for some time, namely "auto-adaptive ergonomics". This term implies that technology that is largely capable of adapting itself automatically, without driver intervention, the aim being to further reduce stress behind the wheel, enabling the driver to concentrate on what really matters: the road and the driving experience.

The control concept at the heart of the new CLK-Class shows the way forward in this field: the windscreen wipers, lights, interior and exterior mirrors, seats, steering wheel and automatic climate control all adjust automatically according to the situation in hand. Alternatively, once programmed, they operate totally independently and require no further control or controls. Examples of such "automated" systems include:

... Headlamp Assist which automatically switches on the exterior lights as it gets darker outside;

... the rain sensor which adjusts the windscreen wiper interval depending on how heavy the rain is;

... the automatic climate control system – THERMATIC as standard or optional THERMOTRONIC – which relies on sophisticated sensors to maintain the desired temperature for the driver and passengers;

... the interior rear-view mirror and exterior mirror on the driver's side, both of which have an automatic dimming function (optional);

... the memory function (optional) which allows the storing of individual settings. When the ignition key is inserted, the seat, steering wheel and exterior mirrors automatically adopt their programmed positions. Settings for the THERMOTRONIC luxury automatic climate control system (optional) can also be stored.

The remaining manual controls are remarkably easy to use: the standard-fitted multifunction steering wheel, for example, allows the driver to control the car radio and telephone at the push of a button, or call up important information on the central display in the instrument cluster. In addition, when the car is at a standstill, the same convenient system can be used to program over 50 individual settings, ranging from the digital speedometer read-out to activation of the automatic central locking and limiting of the road speed when winter tyres are fitted. Once programmed, these functions remain permanently active and require no further intervention on the part of the driver.

Controls grouped together in clear operating panels

The controls for other systems are clearly grouped together and within easy reach at the top of the centre dome. This is where driver and front passenger will find the adjusters for the side and central air outlets. Furthermore, the buttons on the panel below can be used to switch on the seat heating, operate the rear sun-blind, deactivate the anti-tow-away protection, PARKTRONIC or ESP® or fold away the rear head restraints, depending on the individual specification of the CLK Coupé. Further components that adorn the elegant and clearly laid-out centre dome – with "brown ash" fine-wood trim for the ELEGANCE line and high-quality "ellypta" aluminium decorative trim for the AVANTGARDE line – include the car radio or COMAND APS (optional) as well as the control panel for the automatic climate control system.

The centre console forms a sweeping continuation of the centre dome towards the rear and has a spacious, two-compartment stowage area as its centrepiece. Its softly padded surface also serves as a height-adjustable armrest for the driver and front passenger. The top compartment houses the (optional) car phone or mobile phone whilst the bottom compartment is air conditioned by the automatic climate control system (standard) and therefore perfect for storing provisions and refreshments. Rounding off the centre console at the rear are two separately adjustable ventilation outlets for the rear passengers. Stowage space is also in abundance beneath the lid of the glove compartment, which has an extended, elliptical handle. Its capacity is twice that of the glove compartment in the predecessor model, meaning that there is ample room for the optional 6-CD changer in its top section.

High-grade materials for superlative looks and feel

Besides an immensely attractive design, the CLK interior also benefits from exemplary appointments and a high-quality feel, all of which emphasise the car's premium character. Nowhere is this more evident than on the dashboard which comprises two sections, accentuated by a colour contrast. A polyurethane skin – sprayed onto the base material – gives the dashboard a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance. This production technique enables the creation of both powerful arches and soft curves and facilitates the seamless integration of additional components such as the air outlets into the surface. Unattractive joins are firmly a thing of the past. Even the airbag cover has an invisible join, since the tear seam is hidden out of sight.

The new-look cockpit harmoniously blends into the overall dashboard design. Three perfectly circular gauges with chrome surrounds provide the driver with all the necessary information at a glance: road speed (centre), engine revs (right) and time (left). The fuel gauge and coolant temperature information displays take the form of bar graphs and are located to the left and right of the outer dials (clock and rev counter) respectively. The indicator and warning lights only come on if necessary when the engine is started or during driving. These are cleverly positioned within the driver's field of vision at various points on the instrument cluster.

The same is true of the central display in the middle of the speedometer, with its numerals, characters and symbols in attractive white. Since the central display is linked to the illuminated buttons on the multifunction steering wheel, the driver can use it to view the selected radio station, a personal phone book or navigation instructions. Furthermore, the display also flashes up details of any technical faults and, if required, instructions on how to proceed, all in plain-text form.

Height and reach-adjustable steering wheel as standard

Drivers have a whole host of options for making themselves comfortable in the cockpit of the CLK. Obtaining the perfect steering wheel height and reach couldn't be easier: pulling out the handle under the steering column brings the infinitely variable adjustment feature into play. The steering wheel can be moved back by 35 mm and forward, up and down by 25 mm. For added convenience, Mercedes-Benz offers the option of electrical steering column adjustment in conjunction with the "Memory" package (standard in the CLK 500). This package also includes an automatic EASY-ENTRY system: when the electronic ignition key is removed, the driver's seat moves back by 60 mm and, at the same time, the steering column is raised to its highest position, to afford the driver greater legroom when getting out of the car. Both the seat and the steering wheel revert to their original positions as soon as the driver is seated and the key has been inserted into the electronic ignition/starter switch.

The state-of-the-art control concept even includes the interior door panels. The Mercedes engineers have positioned the switches for the power windows (standard), remote boot-opening and electrical seat adjustment (optional) in the control panels which are trimmed with fine wood (ELEGANCE) or aluminium (AVANTGARDE). Slim chrome rings surround the air outlets and discreetly enhance the elegant aura of the CLK interior. The same can be said of the elegantly slender decorative trim strip, in fine wood or aluminium, which stretches across the entire width of the door panel in a majestic, sweeping curve. The totally unique mix of wood or aluminium trim with a refined chrome strip further enhances the appearance of the door panels.

Mercedes innovations for tailored seat comfort

The newly developed seats in the CLK-Class offer the driver and front passenger a host of individual options designed to ensure maximum comfort. This means that particularly tall or short drivers can adjust the seat to bring all the car's functions within easy reach. The front seats can be adjusted by the following amounts:

Fore/aft: 290 mm.

Height: 53 mm (infinitely variable).

Seat cushion angle: 8.4 degrees.

Head restraint height: 85 mm.

The seat frame consists of an aluminium suspension base supported by a hinge at the front for adjusting the angle, and by two small coil springs at the rear. This design enables the seat base to swing on the metal frame and, along with the foam cushions inside the aluminium shells, perform further suspension and shock-absorbing functions. Similar "suspension seat" technology has proven successful in the C-Class, E-Class and SLK Roadster. Further Mercedes-style innovations which are optionally available for the new CLK-Class provide even greater scope for seat comfort individualisation:

The multicontour seat contains four individually inflatable air cushions which adjust according to the driver's anatomy. As well as infinitely variable lumber and lateral support, the seat has individually adjustable thigh support. These innovations come as standard with the sports seats for the CLK 55 AMG.

Electrical seat adjustment (standard in the CLK 500) makes seat, head restraint and steering wheel adjustment supremely easy. At the push of a button on the door panel, electric motors move the seat, head restraint and steering wheel into the desired positions. These positions can then be stored using the Memory function. Three drivers using three different keys can program their own specific settings in this way.

Easy-Entry system for easy rear access

Standard equipment for the new CLK-Class includes a mechanical Easy-Entry system for the rear passengers. It is operated using a lever next to the head restraint, which initially tilts the seat backrest forwards. Whilst this is happening, the head restraint is unlocked so that it can be pushed into its lowest position.

Interior variability similar to that of an estate car

In the rear of the CLK Coupé, the asymmetrically split-folding seats (standard equipment) can be folded down to free up space for extra luggage or sports equipment, for example. The seat backrests and cushions can be folded forwards individually or together, creating a virtually flat loading area at the rear. The head restraints (which have been folded back) tilt forwards together with the backrests and slot into the specially shaped bottom of the seat cushion where they are held firmly in place.

Climate control system with sophisticated temperature and humidity sensors

At launch, standard equipment in the CLK-Class will include one of the best and most highly efficient climate control systems available: THERMATIC. It operates based on a series of sensor signals which constantly provide the climate control computer with data regarding the current outside and interior temperature as well as the humidity.

Like all Mercedes climate control systems, THERMATIC operates on the "reheat" principle and is also active at low outside temperatures, first cooling the incoming air and then drying it to prevent the windows from misting up. The air is then heated to the selected, desired temperature. The system includes a new feature, namely variable control of the "reheat" function based on the outside humidity, which enables the automatic climate control system to operate substantially more efficiently than a conventional system.

This highly beneficial control feature is made possible thanks to a newly developed refrigerant compressor which is fully adjustable and controlled by the ECU, depending on the required cooling power. And, whereas the air-conditioning compressor was previously activated or deactivated by electromagnetic clutch, it is now engine-driven by means of a permanently engaged belt drive. The fully-adjustable control is provided via a solenoid valve which varies the swept volume of the air-conditioning compressor. Furthermore, dispensing with the conventional clutch makes the compressor lighter and more compact. By introducing this weight-optimised design and new materials, the Mercedes engineers succeeded in reducing the weight of the climate control system by around a fifth.

In "Auto" mode, the THERMATIC system operates independently and controls the interior temperature, air quantity and air distribution based on the individual settings specified by the driver and passenger. Standard features include a recirculating air button, defrost function and a combined dust and pollen filter, as well as the practical "tunnel" function. This is activated by pressing and holding the recirculating air button. The recirculating air flap in the climate control system is then closed automatically, as are any open side windows and the sunroof. These all return to their original positions if the button is pushed again.

Luxury climate control system with solar sensor and additional rear blower

To satisfy even the most discerning of customers, Mercedes-Benz has developed THERMOTRONIC luxury climate control, available as an option (standard in the CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG). This highly sophisticated system enhances the functions of the standard THERMATIC by the following means, among others

... separate, automatic air distribution for the left and right-hand sides of the vehicle;

... an additional solar sensor that provides precise information regarding the sun's angle of incidence. The system therefore detects the seat on which insolation is particularly intensive and can adjust the temperature for this area accordingly.

... an additional pollutant sensor with the task of detecting exhaust gas constituents such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxide. If the concentration of pollutants increases, the THERMOTRONIC system closes the recirculating air flap automatically.

... an activated charcoal filter (fitted as standard) that can be engaged at the push of a button, to absorb pollutants and odours.

... a clear and concise display unit indicating the temperature and blower speed;

... an additional blower for rear climate control;

The control panel for the THERMOTRONIC differs from its THERMATIC counterpart by dint of two air distribution buttons on the left and right, a rocker switch for controlling the blower and coloured (red and blue) pushbuttons for selecting the temperature.

The air quantity and air flow can be individually controlled and metered by the driver, front passenger and rear passengers on board the CLK Coupé. The two central air outlets and the pivoting round outlets integrated at the side of the dashboard are linked to one of the centrally positioned adjusters which can be used to restrict or completely shut off the air flow in question. The separate air nozzles in the rear, located at the tail-end of the centre console, have the same control functions.

Newly developed air outlets for draught-free ventilation

Indirect ventilation enabled the Mercedes engineers to achieve impressively draught-free climate control: the prominent perforated section at the top of the dashboard conceals an upwards-pointing outlet capable of distributing air to a wide area. In CLK models equipped with the THERMOTRONIC system (optional extra, standard in the CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG), the driver or the front passenger can use a central adjuster on the dashboard to regulate the temperature of the air flowing into the interior via this indirect ventilation outlet and the four other air outlets, thus allowing an agreeable difference in temperature between the footwell and head area (warm feet, cool head).

Sophisticated audio systems create communication and information centre

Fast and reliable information and communication systems are becoming indispensable for more and more people, including motorists. In this respect, too, the new CLK-Class is in tune with current customer requirements. Which is why it will be launched containing the very latest in communication and information systems. Top of the innovations list is COMAND APS, the Cockpit Management and Data System (optional).

It acts as a command centre for all the audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on board the Mercedes Coupé, providing control for car radio, CD drive, dynamic navigation, CD changer, sound system, car phone and TV receiver. And, even though they are linked, the central display in the instrument cluster and the colour COMAND display in the centre console can also be operated independently. By way of example, the cockpit display can show the navigation pointers (arrows) whilst the passenger is scrolling through the electronic phone book on the COMAND screen or viewing a concise road map highlighting the area and route in question. The integrated CD drive can be used either for loading the data from the CD-ROM road map or for playing back audio CDs. If requested, it is also possible to connect up a TV tuner which is housed in the boot of the new CLK-Class. It sends terrestrial TV pictures to the colour display which remains switched on for TV reception up to a speed of about 8 km/h. Further equipment and performance features of the COMAND system include, for example:

Car radio (VHF, MW, LW) with dual tuner mode and antenna diversity

4 x 20-watt amplifier

Pre-programmed audio settings for Pop, Classical and Speech

Remote control (optional) in conjunction with TV receiver.

Audio 30 APS, a further option, combines VHF-MW-SW-LW receiver unit, CD drive and dynamic navigation system in a single housing that is no larger than a conventional car radio. Four-channel amplifiers (4 x 20-watt), LCD, GPS receiver and an antenna diversity system are also integrated. By inserting the CD-ROM with digital road map into the system when entering the destination, the driver can opt to be guided by the auto-pilot system. The car radio copies the relevant data from the CD-ROM and begins to calculate the route. The CD drive can then be used to play back music CDs. And if further navigation data need to be loaded en route, the system will automatically inform the driver.

Standard equipment in the new CLK-Class includes the Audio 10 CC car radio-cassette with receiver unit for VHF, MW, LW and SW, Radio Data System (RDS) for VHF and a whole host of memory options for storing radio stations. The CD changer, Bose sound system, car phone or mobile phone are all available ex factory and are connected to the audio equipment.

Telematics services in the event of an accident or breakdown

The combination of mobile telecommunications and powerful computer systems gives rise to a new range of traffic services from which Mercedes customers can benefit:

In the event of an accident, the TELEAID automatic emergency call system (optional) transmits an SOS signal which alerts the rescue services and leads them to the scene of the accident. The emergency transmitter is activated by the crash sensor (standard) which is also responsible for reliably activating the airbags and belt tensioners. CLK occupants can also use the buttons on the roof control panel to send an SOS manually at any time. TELEAID currently functions in Germany, Japan and the USA and will be successively introduced in other countries.

In the event of a breakdown, pressing the spanner symbol on the car phone handset enables the TELEDIAGNOSIS telematics service (optional in conjunction with TELEAID) to establish contact with the Mercedes-Benz Customer Assistance Centre (CAC) and, at the same time, send all the relevant vehicle data as well as precise details of the vehicle's position to the centre. This ensures that the service engineers from the nearest Mercedes dealership or workshop are guided to the scene of the breakdown quickly and reliably. TELEDIAGNOSIS is currently only available in Germany but will be introduced in other countries.

The MB-Info service enables Mercedes customers to use the TELEAID system to send general queries to the customer advisors at the Customer Assistance Centre or to obtain advice from the resident experts on all matters relating to cars. Pressing the "Info" button is all it takes to dial the freephone number. This service is currently only offered in Germany but will be introduced in other countries.

DISTRONIC and other Assist systems for driver stress-relief

State-of-the-art microelectronic systems do not just make life easier for drivers in terms of information and communication, they also facilitate the development of highly effective "Assist" systems which enhance both safety and comfort:

DISTRONIC autonomous intelligent cruise control, previously the reserve of top-of-the-range Mercedes-Benz models, is now available as an option in the CLK-Class for the first time. The system uses one of the fastest and most powerful microcomputers ever developed for automotive use, which processes the signals it receives from a radar sensor in the radiator grille. This sensor has a range of around 150 metres. Vehicles in front reflect the short-wave radar pulses. The signal delay forms the basis for the distance calculation and the simultaneous frequency change (Doppler effect) is used to determine the relative speed between the vehicles. If the CLK-Class gets too close to the rear bumper of another car, DISTRONIC automatically decelerates or, if necessary, activates the brake to maintain the desired distance. Once the gap between the vehicles has increased again, the system accelerates the car to the previously set desired speed. At any time, the driver can call up information about the desired and actual distance between the CLK-Class and a car ahead using the central display in the instrument cluster.

On board the new CLK-Class, the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system (optional) controls both the major telephone functions and the audio systems. All it takes is a couple of words from the driver, and the car radio will automatically search for another station, skip to a new track on the CD or switch to navigation mode. This system sees Mercedes-Benz making a further important contribution towards improving road safety, since drivers no longer need to take their hands off the wheel in order to use the car phone or audio equipment. LINGUATRONIC therefore makes life easier for drivers, allowing them to focus all their attention on the road. LINGUATRONIC works in conjunction with a telephone, the Audio 10 CC/CD car radio (telephone control only), the Audio 30 APS car radio and the COMAND system.

PARKTRONIC parking assistance (optional) uses ultrasonic waves to calculate the distance between the car and an obstacle, informing the driver by means of displays on the dashboard and the rear section of the roof lining as well as by means of audible signals.