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What's New: Mercedes introduces its much-anticipated CLK55 performance coupe, based off of the already compelling CLK430. Type: Mid-size car Pros: Sleek styling, powerful engine, loaded with high-tech amenities. Cons: Stiff ride, small back seat, expensive. Review When Mercedes introduced the CLK320 back in 1998, we instantly fell in love with the sexy coupe and its spirited 3.2-liter V6. Then, in 1999, they brought us the drop top CLK320, along with the V8-powered CLK430 coupe. These models were followed in 2000 by the luxuriously fun CLK430 cabriolet. While each version of the CLK offered a slightly different take on the personal luxury coupe, none of them offered the kind of supercar performance now available in the new CLK55 AMG. Like the E55 and ML55 before it, the CLK55 represents the pinnacle in performance for its class through the use of unique engine, suspension, interior and exterior components. By combining the technical wizardry of AMG engineering with the highly capable CLK platform, Mercedes has created one of its most inspired street cars. Starting with the same 5.0-liter V8 powerplant found in vehicles like the CL500 and S500, AMG punched out the bore and increased the stroke to create 5.5-liters of displacement. The engine block itself is composed of pressure-cast aluminum and uses a forged billet steel crankshaft. Connecting rods and pistons are balanced matched to produce smooth power delivery from idle to redline, and the intake manifold and cylinder heads benefit from improved flow. All this adds up to 342 peak horsepower and 376 foot-pounds of torque. Mated to a strengthened five-speed automatic with Touch Shift control (allowing for automanual shifting) the CLK will get to 60 mph from rest in less than five seconds. Because Mercedes knows that its customers aren't into simple straight-line acceleration (or they'd all just go out and buy 1967 427 Corvettes) the company provides a high tech suspension that uses double wishbones in front and a five-link independent suspension in back. Assisting the driver with everything from inclement weather conditions to emergency maneuvers is a full compliment of Mercedes safety technology, including Electronic Stability Control (ESP), traction control, Brake Assist, and ABS. Additional safety features, such as BabySmart child seat technology, a Smart Key anti-theft ignition switch, and Tele Aid, which can summon emergency services and put the driver in contact with Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance, all come standard on every CLK55. A personal luxury coupe, even one as capable as the CLK55, still has to offer enough luxury to justify its classification. The CLK55 responds with items like dual-zone climate control, one-touch up and down front windows, dual heated and power exterior mirrors, a 10-way power adjustable seat with three-position memory, and a Bose sound system - all as standard equipment. Obvious differences between the CLK55 and other CLKs are minimal, with sportier seats, softer leather, some minor exterior cladding and, of course, those trademark 17-inch, AMG Monoblock wheels being the first tip offs. This may not seem like much distinction considering the CLK55's high cost of entry, but for the quickest Mercedes-Benz sold in America, it sounds like a bargain to us. Styles & Prices at Edmunds.com | | | | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||
