Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (03-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
As desirable cars go - a four seat convertible with a Mercedes-Benz badge on the front must be high up the list. That's exactly what you get with the CLK Convertible. It's also superbly built with a robust, if rather drab, interior. On the move the CLK is enjoyable and composed to drive - and even with the roof down it still feels strong and taut in corners. It may have four-seat but it isn't the most practical of cars (few convertibles are). However the biggest down side is the lack of a diesel engine in the line-up. Odd considering the coupe version features the excellent 320 CDI unit.
4 out of 5

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4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£32,335 - £52,840

Used price range:

£5,775 - £21,134

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Looks great with the roof up or down, very refined, strong performance, good to drive

Expensive to run, no diesels in the line-up, poor manual gearbox

As desirable cars go - a four seat convertible with a Mercedes-Benz badge on the front must be high up the list. That's exactly what you get with the CLK Convertible. It's also superbly built with a robust, if rather drab, interior. On the move the CLK is enjoyable and composed to drive - and even with the roof down it still feels strong and taut in corners. It may have four-seat but it isn't the most practical of cars (few convertibles are). However the biggest down side is the lack of a diesel engine in the line-up. Odd considering the coupe version features the excellent 320 CDI unit.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "The entry-level engine in the convertible range is badged 200 Kompressor, but is actually a..."

  • Handling

    3.5 out of 5

    "The CLK is a great long-distance cruiser, but not as nimble as a BMW 3-Series coupe. Don't be put..."

Comfort

  • Comfort

    3.5 out of 5

    "It's passable as a full-time four seater with adequate rear legroom for children and enough headroom..."

  • Practicality

    3 out of 5

    "It may be a two-door, but accessing the rear seats isn't too difficult, provided you're fairly..."

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5

    "Earliest models made do with a cassette player as standard, although most owners would have chosen a..."

  • Behind the wheel

    4 out of 5

    "Subtle curves and traditional style instruments with modern white LED distinguish the interior of..."

Costs

  • Running costs

    2.5 out of 5

    "Mercedes-Benz servicing rates are particularly high, but residual values are very good so you won't..."

  • Green credentials

    1.5 out of 5

    "CLK scores badly on the eco front. With an average of 248 g/km CO2 across the range, its emissions..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    3.5 out of 5

    "As with all Mercedes-Benz cars there are no deadlocks, but that's a sign of how highly they rate..."

  • Reliability

    3.5 out of 5

    "We haven't heard of any major mechanical issues with the CLK and it should prove as reliable as..."

Buying & Selling

  • Buying new

    2.5 out of 5

    "A Mercedes is never the cheapest choice, but that doesn't put people off and it will hold its value..."

  • Buying used

    3.5 out of 5

    "A good used buy, because it's the sort of car that tends to get looked after properly. There's no..."

  • Selling

    4 out of 5

    "Well-kept cars will always sell, but four-cylinder models and manuals are harder work. Buyers prefer..."

Gallery

  • Interior Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (03-09)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (03-09)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLK Cabriolet (03-09)

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Owners' reviews