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2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK Class Quality Review

October 30, 2008

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

rear-seat space is tight for adults
Cars and Driver

good space by absolute standards
ConsumerGuide

fit and finish is generally excellent
Edmunds

Like most coupes, the front seats in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class are comfortable and roomy; the rear seats are somewhat cramped.

This is the overall conclusion that reviewers studied at TheCarConnection.com generally express. Cars.com reports that each Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class model "holds four occupants on leather-upholstered seats." ConsumerGuide says that "headroom and legroom are adequate for six-footers, though folks taller than that will be short on both," adding, however, "Black Series cars have specific sport seats that keep occupants snug during spirited driving, though some drivers will want more lumbar support." Car and Driver warns "rear-seat space is tight for adults." According to Kelley Blue Book, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class seats "offer a wide range of positions, including the ability to raise the seat bottoms to a significant rake."

There are mixed reactions to storage and cargo space; according to ConsumerGuide, this Mercedes-Benz 2008 offers "good space by absolute standards, but the cargo hold is shallow and doesn't extend far back, [and] interior storage is subpar." Edmunds reports that the Mercedes-Benz 2008 "rear seats fold down completely, providing a flat load floor that allows long items to be carried inside the car."

Similarly, these sources express different views on interior materials. ConsumerGuide says 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class cabin materials "are more sporty than luxurious...assembly quality is top notch," but Edmunds notes that while "fit and finish is generally excellent, some of the plastic trim on the upper door panels seems somewhat low-grade for this class of automobile."

Motor Trend attests of the convertible versions, “Inch-thick padding and slippery aerodynamics (0.30 Cd) make the convertible nearly coupe-quiet inside at speed, and reinforcements boost chassis stiffness 12 percent over the previous model.”

Nor is the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class the quietest in its class, according to ConsumerGuide: "the throaty V8 engine makes its presence known regardless of whether it's idling or at full throttle...there's moderate body drumming and plenty of coarse-surface tire thrum as well."

Conclusion

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is fine for two passengers, but four can be a tight squeeze.

COMFORT AND QUALITY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:rear-seat space is tight for adultsCars and Drivergood space by absolute standardsConsumerGuidefit and finish is generally excellentEdmunds Like most coupes, the front seats in the 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class are comfortable and roomy; the rear seats are somewhat cramped. This is the overall conclusion that reviewers studied at TheCarConnection.com generally express. Cars.com reports that each Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class model "holds four occupants on leather-upholstered seats." ConsumerGuide says that "headroom and legroom are adequate for six-footers, though folks taller than that will be short on both," adding, however, "Black Series cars have specific sport seats that keep occupants snug during spirited driving, though some drivers will want more lumbar support." Car and Driver warns "rear-seat space is tight for adults." According to Kelley Blue Book, Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class seats "offer a wide range of positions, including the ability to raise the seat bottoms to a significant rake." There are mixed reactions to storage and cargo space; according to ConsumerGuide, this Mercedes-Benz 2008 offers "good space by absolute standards, but the cargo hold is shallow and doesn't extend far back, [and] interior storage is subpar." Edmunds reports that the Mercedes-Benz 2008 "rear seats fold down completely, providing a flat load floor that allows long items to be carried inside the car." Similarly, these sources express different views on interior materials. ConsumerGuide says 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class cabin materials "are more sporty than luxurious...assembly quality is top notch," but Edmunds notes that while "fit and finish is generally excellent, some of the plastic trim on the upper door panels seems somewhat low-grade for this class of automobile." Motor Trend attests of the convertible versions, “Inch-thick padding and slippery aerodynamics (0.30 Cd) make the convertible nearly coupe-quiet inside at speed, and reinforcements boost chassis stiffness 12 percent over the previous model.” Nor is the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class the quietest in its class, according to ConsumerGuide: "the throaty V8 engine makes its presence known regardless of whether it's idling or at full throttle...there's moderate body drumming and plenty of coarse-surface tire thrum as well." ConclusionThe 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is fine for two passengers, but four can be a tight squeeze. 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ CLK STYLING | [8 out of 10] Cars and Driver: "dignified styling" Kelley Blue Book: "timeless design remains fresh and alluring" Edmunds: "cabin is appropriately sumptuous" The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class, regardless of body style, is a handsome car with a modern ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Look at these competitors—there's not a dud among them. Out of this group, the Lexus SC is clearly the most conservative and least performance-oriented. The SC's retractable hardtop is a plus. The all-new Audi A5 is a dynamic performer, and this model deserves a drive if the CLK Coupe is high on your list.

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See the Mercedes-Benz CLK Class in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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