2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class New Car Buyer's Guide

What's New for the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class?
Mercedes has discontinued free scheduled maintenance for all of its models this year, but to make up for it, the CLK-Class gets more standard equipment. A rear spoiler and the 17-inch wheels from the CLK55 AMG are added to the 2005 CLK500, and power from this model's V8 is routed through a seven-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted gearshift buttons. For the less zooty CLK320, a dual-zone climate control system and burled walnut wood trim are newly standard. All CLKs get a redesigned interior with a new upper control panel, stereo and gearshift knobs. And now for something completely different: The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class comes standard with a CD player! No longer will you have to pay extra for this "high-end" feature in this luxury coupe/convertible. The sound is disbursed through a harmon/kardon Logic7 Surround Sound audio system. In other high-tech news, the optional navigation system is now DVD-based rather than CD-ROM based. Additionally, option package reshuffling makes several features like active-ventilated front seats and a multi-contour driver's seat less expensive to obtain. Gone are the Distronic radar-guided cruise control, electronic trunk closer and aluminum interior trim.

Advantages of the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class:

• Strong V8 engine
• Slick Sportshift transmission
• Exceptional brakes
• Sporting yet supple ride quality
• Build and materials quality

Objections to the 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class:

• Haphazard ergonomics
• Steering filters too much road texture
• Getting into and out of the CLK is more difficult than expected
• Transmission can shift harshly on occasion

Editor's Advice:
In many ways, the second-generation CLK, introduced in 2003, doesn't float our boat quite the same way as the original. Bravo say we to the CLK500's wonderful V8 engine, slick SportShift transmission, astounding braking capabilities, and impressive balance between ride quality and handling prowess. We also find the interior materials and build quality to be a significant cut above that of the C-Class, as it should be for this price. But the ergonomics are muddled, the seating not exactly comfortable, and the exterior styling is somewhat dull. The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class doesn't immediately strike the viewer as upscale the way the original did, and the rear quarters remind us of the late Volvo C70 Coupe. We'd summarize the CLK as a car that's great fun to drive, OK to sit in, uninspiring to view and frustrating to operate.