The Great New CLK-Class Coupe Has It All
Published: 10th June 2002
The new range starts from £27,240 on the road for the CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, just 3.4 per cent more than the outgoing equivalent model. However, when the new car’s higher levels of standard equipment are taken into account (which would’ve cost over £1,400 in the old car), the new range costs an average of 1.6 per cent less than the preceding models.
As before, the CLK-Class Coupé has two trim levels – Elegance and Avantgarde – both of which are the same price. Three engines will be available from launch – the new CLK 240, which replaces the CLK 230 KOMPRESSOR, the CLK 320 and the range-topping CLK 500, which takes the place of the previous CLK 430.
These three models will be joined in the autumn by the entry-level CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and range-topping CLK 55 AMG high performance model. The range will be completed by a refined, efficient diesel-powered variant, the CLK 270 CDI, by Christmas 2002.
Standard equipment is once again comprehensive. In addition to the outgoing car, all new CLK-Class Coupés have, as standard: automatic climate control; automatic headlamps with headlamp wash; four electric windows which lower fully into the cars’ side; four seat belt pre-tensioners; front seat belt feeders; height and reach-adjustable steering wheel; and rain-sensing windscreen wipers.
The new CLK-Class Coupé is attractively styled, featuring a similar sleek side profile as seen on the flagship CL-Class Coupé. There are no upper B-pillars, meaning the frameless side windows can retract fully into the body, and a new interpretation of Mercedes-Benz’s four-light headlamp trademark gives a flavour of the sense of style that has won fans since the original CLK’s introduction in 1997.
As well as sharing the style of its larger stablemates, the new CLK-Class Coupé now has similar option packages. These include Distronic – the radar-assisted cruise control system that maintains a constant gap between the car and the vehicle in front, even in traffic flowing at differing speeds. Linguatronic, which offers voice activation of the radio and optional telephone; and bi-xenon headlights are also available.
As before, the new car has Mercedes-Benz’s industry-leading warranty package. All new CLK-Class Coupés bought through the official UK retailer network have a three year unlimited mileage warranty, ASSYST variable service intervals and the incredible mobilo-life 30-year anti-corrosion and breakdown package.
Safety is as important as style and dynamics, so every new CLK-Class Coupé includes anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist; ESP® Electronic Stability Program, four seat belt pre-tensioners and six airbags – two in the dash, plus front side bags and windowbags. Speedtronic cruise control – also standard – can keep the car within speed limits, meaning improved safety for other road users, as well as reducing the risk of speeding-related licence endorsements.
Remote central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, and doors that lock automatically after pulling away add to the comprehensive safety and security tally. Headlamp Assist can keep the cars’ lights on after locking the vehicle to improve visibility on dark nights, and they can also illuminate when the car is unlocked.
The new CLK-Class Coupé really does have it all –
desirability, performance, prestige, safety, security, and
style.
