Designers have followed the style set by the larger S-Class sedan with the new CLK picking up a high waistline and wedge profile plus a chiseled front end with angular headlights. The new lights are a departure to the current model’s conjoined circular units, featuring a squared, dual projector look that will be shared by the new E-Class.
Powertrains will be similar to the C-Class sedan including the new 272hp 3.5L V6 engine as well as Mercedes’ 5.5L V8 for the CLK500 (550) flagship. An even more powerful AMG version is guaranteed; sporting a 481hp version of the hand-built 6.2L V8 engine. The CLK will be offered with optional 4Matic AWD and could possibly come with a new mild-hybrid option.
To capture ground lost to its rivals, Mercedes will beef up the CLK range with the latest technology shared with the more expensive S-Class. The new coupe is likely to pick up Mercedes’ Presafe brake assist, night vision, the latest COMAND system and possibly even an active suspension system. The CLK is expected to be revealed at March’s Geneva Motor Show, with the first sales likely to start towards the end of 2008. A soft-top cabrio version will follow one year after.
Reader Comments
Wed Jan 16 2008 8:02 AM
CraigS says
I really like the new front design for this CLK and the new E-class. Hopefully they can keep improving their quality to levels it was before their quality control problems of the year before last. The fact that AWD will be an option is very smart and its a car I'd certainly look in late 2009 when my current lease ends.
Thu Jan 17 2008 5:46 PM
Fritz says
And a complete disappointment as an automatic only, weighing in a hair over 3800lbs, I'm sure. Way to compete Mercedes.
Sat Jan 19 2008 10:37 PM
balkan boy says
Current CLK is a lame duck design...let's see what they dish out this time....
Mon Jan 28 2008 4:10 PM
Brock Tella says
As a current 2000 CLK owner, I skipped the current CLK as it was a secretary looking car. If the 2009 looks like the spy photos, I'll skip this edition also. Where is the low wide aggressive look? The 2009 appears to be an evolution of the current car narrow and high looking. And certainly not an aggressive design. Mercedes should not follow fashion, ie Bangle butts, Lexus looks.
Mon Feb 4 2008 9:07 AM
GEO says
I have owned several CLK's. For me it is an ideal car, the right size and a practical 4 seater with style and performance. The new one may not be awe inspiring but it is beautiful and will likely end up in my garage if the content, value and quality are there If this is what the secretaries get to drive then may we all be so lucky to be secretaries.
Mon Feb 11 2008 7:36 PM
Jennifer says
I was honestly expecting a lot more for the 2009 CLK. The front is absolutely beautiful, but the back of the car look somewhat like a saturn. I think I would prefer the '08 model over the redesigned one.
Tue Feb 12 2008 11:02 AM
Claudio says
I taught that the new Mercedes was going to be a lot more aggressive and with a sport image than this. Something like the the SLK front and the 2008 back with a lot of fun in the middle.
Will see finally what will be, and hope to still in the brand.It'll be very sad to move to the 3 letters
Fri Feb 22 2008 8:37 AM
GEO says
Further to my earlier comments, I am not sure I like the separate headlight treatment. It looks a bit out of date to me. It appears that there are LED's in the fog lamp sockets...interesting but they need a cornering light (like the new C class) to integrate them more. I also agree with the comment on the tail lights and the tail end in general. It needs to be more aggresive and distinctive. The March introduction in Geneva will eagerly anticipated.
Sat Feb 23 2008 6:54 PM
Jamil says
well what can i say i was surprized when i saw the 2009 clk the front looks alot like lexus and i hate lexus i own a 2007 clk its wonderful with the right AMG kit its gorgoues i used to own a 1999 clk thats the best shape i liked its so huge and agrresive it was an amazing car so mercedes i guess the 2009 C class is much more better looking than the clk class and thats a sham c
Mon Mar 3 2008 4:36 AM
mike L says
man..what are they thinking again..?the tail light looks no part of mercedes...what happened to the old ribbed lenses??(it was said to be a smart self cleaning design)..theseday whenever mercedes introcuces a new model ..I have nothing but negative saying about them..the M class front headlamp looking like a lexus RX..the rediculous R class rear end without the MB badge and no one will ever tell its a MBZ..etc..and by the way..folks those german are still going to ask you to pay for your XENON lights even after you have enough money to up for a 70K dollars MBZ(stupid isn't it...a mitsubishi costing half money has that XENON standard)
Fri Jun 20 2008 2:03 AM
George says
It seems that Mercedes continues to miss the mark on their low to mid range automobiles. As a brand they just don't seem to be in touch with their market the way that BMW is. Mersedes is becoming the "P.C. of cars", wnd BMW is the cooler more intuitive "Mac". When will this stodgy company get a grip? I mean, Mercedes refused to put cup holders in there cars until the mid 90's, and in 2006 they launched the fabulous R Class. From the looks of this CLK, it is apparent that they are targeting an older consumer. Well, look what happened to Caddilac; Their consumer moved on... to the obituaries. This company needs to plant a research team here in Southern California. We are the biggest luxury car market in the world! Why does Mercedes not get it?
Mon Jun 23 2008 10:13 AM
George says
It looks like a replica of Lexus.
Wed Jul 9 2008 4:38 AM
JC says
Hi guys!! I have a 2008 CLK. Being honest,I am not crazy about it but I do like it a lot. I was originally going to get a C350 sport with all the option; however, the CLK had a better deal for leasing at the time. I figured why not get a car that costs 10k more for less payment a month. I am really looking forward to see the new CLK class because I like the 2008 model. I understand that a lot of people think that the style of the current model is conservative and the performance is just okay. However, the CLK does offer an upscale feeling comparing to the BMW 3 Coupe (which was one of my consideration at the time). Also, do not forget that the photos shown on this page are just renderings, they are not actual photos. Also, keep in mind that photos and renderings do not do the justice sometimes for objects. I remember that when I first saw the C Class online, I didn't like it at all. I thought it was too squared. But, I fall in love with it when I saw it at the dealership. Let's just hope for the best and see what MB can do to keep us from moving on to some other luxury coupes. I am sure their marketing people are working very hard to find out how they can survive in this unstable economy.
Wed Aug 27 2008 1:39 PM
bill says
This is a COMPUTER GENERATED IMAGE
Don't take it so seriously
Thu Sep 11 2008 1:50 PM
Benzo says
They intentionally design the current CLK to be "soft" looking otherwise it will canabalize sales of the CL and SL. That was why they redesigned the first CLK so soon. It was their most successful convertible ever. People were buying them and keeping them in the garage as weekend cars instead of forking over an additional $50K for the SL.
My 2000 CLK (silver/ash/AMG) is still one of the badest looking cars on the road and with nearly 200K miles still running strong as it's built on the E couple chasis from 1995 when Benzes where real Benzes and not Chyslers.
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