2008 Mercedes Benz CLK Class Styling

STYLING | 8 out of 10

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, regardless of body style, is a handsome car with a modern yet classic Mercedes-Benz appearance. Unlike on some other Benzes, the look isn't forced. Editors at TheCarConnection.com like that all V-8 models get AMG styling details, including a different front air dam.

It is what Car and Driver calls "dignified styling"; Kelley Blue Book says the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class' "timeless design remains fresh and alluring," adding that the "stunning Cabriolet takes full advantage of the rakish CLK lines." A more complete description of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class comes from Cars.com: "Mercedes-Benz's three-pointed star sits at the center of a low, wide grille...twin ellipses form a single headlight unit on each side of the grille." The reviewer notes that "elegance is the CLK350's front-end theme, while sportiness takes precedence in the CLK550, and the CLK63 AMG has a hunkered-down stance with bulging fenders, taking inspiration from Mercedes-Benz's race cars."

Unlike the reactions to most automotive interiors, reviewers express almost equal admiration for this Mercedes-Benz 2008 interior. Car and Driver says the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class "interior is posh," while Edmunds notes this Mercedes-Benz 2008 model as having a "cabin that is appropriately sumptuous, with plenty of leather, wood and elegant chrome." ConsumerGuide reports "monochromatic interior panels and carbon fiber trim," while Kelley Blue Book comments on this Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class' "familiar Mercedes-Benz styling cues."

Conclusion

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK PERFORMANCE 8 out of 10

Cars and Driver: "plenty of power in all engines...the V-8 is seriously quick"
ConsumerGuide: "explosive power from a stop and for highway passing and merging"
Edmunds: "confident, stable handling"

Not all the reviews studied by TheCarConnection.com have much to say about 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class performance, but those that do offer strong opinions.

According to Cars.com, this Mercedes-Benz 2008 offers four different engines: "a 268-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 goes into the CLK350 coupe and Cabriolet, while a 382-hp, 5.5-liter V-8 powers CLK550 models...the CLK63 AMG Cabriolet holds a 475-hp V-8 that makes 465 pounds-feet of torque. The CLK63 Black Series coupe makes 500 hp." According to ConsumerGuide, there is "plenty of power in all engines...the V-6 has plenty of power, and the V-8 is seriously quick." From what Kelley Blue Book reviewers have to say, it is apparent that each of these Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class engines are designed to appeal to different sensibilities: "where the CLK350 and CLK550 clearly place luxury above any really serious performance ambitions, the 475-horsepower CLK63 AMG and 500-horsepower AMG Black Series make no bones about their intentions...the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK550's V8 develops 382 horsepower, which rockets the car forward while leaving behind the unmistakable note of a V8 exhaust."

Cars.com reports that all of these Mercedes-Benz 2008 models "use a seven-speed automatic transmission," for which "Touch Shift permits manually selected gear changes." According to Edmunds, "AMG versions feature modified programming for ultra-quick gearchanges." ConsumerGuide says the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class "transmission is sharp and responsive."

None of the sources consulted by TheCarConnection.com's team of automotive experts had anything specific to say on mileage figures on any particular Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class engine, but for the smallest V-6 that powers the CLK350, the EPA estimates 17 mpg in city traffic and a respectable 25 mpg on the 'bahn.

The CLK offers a slightly more relaxed driving experience in base versions, but AMG models are set up as hard-charging sports coupes. Kelley Blue Book simply reports "a rigid body, firm ride." Car and Driver tags the base versions as softer: "the CLK is really more about luxurious cruising than back-road driving." Edmunds also notes what motor-sport enthusiasts would consider flaws: "serious enthusiasts are apt to prefer the sharper reflexes of the less expensive BMW 3 Series coupe...supercar personality is marred by its steering, which feels lackluster compared to the rest of the car." Edmunds remarks that the "latter complaint doesn't apply to the sharply focused Black Series coupe, however, as its recalibrated steering provides quick and wonderfully accurate response." ConsumerGuide states that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Black Series features "razor-sharp handling response...the Black Series carves corners with minimal body lean and exceptional steering feel...straight-line stability is also top-notch."

Conclusion