Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (02-09) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 25 March 2009
The CLK goes down the 'looking good' rather than 'feeling sporty' coupé route. Its sleeker shape and big pillarless doors lend it a more sophisticated air than a Mercedes saloon. It's a competent driver and the more powerful variants can call upon considerable straight-line performance. But it feels more at home cruising to boutiques and beauty parlours or commanding respect in the office car park rather than chasing down twisty roads. Changes in 2005 introduced new six-cylinder engines and two new diesels, including the excellent 320 CDI model.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£28,735 - £49,240

Used price range:

£3,489 - £16,480

View all used prices

Get a Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (02-09) information pack

Next steps

Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 161 models like this for sale, starting at £4,750.

Find used Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupés for sale

Stylish image, excellent build quality, good choice of engines including excellent diesels

Cramped rear seats, expensive options, not as desirable as convertible

The CLK goes down the 'looking good' rather than 'feeling sporty' coupé route. Its sleeker shape and big pillarless doors lend it a more sophisticated air than a Mercedes saloon. It's a competent driver and the more powerful variants can call upon considerable straight-line performance. But it feels more at home cruising to boutiques and beauty parlours or commanding respect in the office car park rather than chasing down twisty roads. Changes in 2005 introduced new six-cylinder engines and two new diesels, including the excellent 320 CDI model.

Driving & Performance

  • Performance

    4 out of 5

    "The entry-level engine is badged the 200 Kompressor but is actually a supercharged 1.8-litre. It..."

  • 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

    4 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 servicing rates are particularly high but residual values are impressive so used values..."

  • Green credentials

    2 out of 5

    "The CLK is quite a polluting model. With an average of 226g/km CO2 across the model line-up, its..."

Safety & Reliability

  • Safety

    4 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. If you're..."

  • Selling

    3.5 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 Coupé (02-09)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (02-09)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (02-09)
  • Exterior Mercedes-Benz CLK Coupé (02-09)

View full gallery

Owners' reviews