The CLK-Class coupe and cabriolet models from Mercedes-Benz are set to become even more irresistible for customers with an extensive model update and two new V6 engines that will make the range even more powerful and sporty.

The new CLK-Class, now arriving in Mercedes-Benz showrooms, features design enhancements as well as numerous technical innovations and improved standard specifications, offering even more safety and comfort.

For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is offering customers the chance to make their CLK coupe or cabriolet even more sporty with the introduction of two new sports packages featuring an extensive range of equipment.

For many years now, the letters CLK have been synonymous with fascinating coupe design and open-air driving pleasure. The second generation of the CLK-Class has thrilled more than 200,000 motorists worldwide since it was launched in May 2002 as a coupe with a convertible version following a year later.

Since Australian introduction of the second generation coupe in June 2002, approximately 5,000 customers have taken delivery of a Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.

“The CLK-Class has been a very popular choice for luxury coupe and cabriolet buyers in Australia and the introduction of the two new powerful engines and model update will improve its desirability,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director, Mercedes Car Group Australia.

All new petrol V6 engines

The all-new six-cylinder engines will make the CLK-Class even more powerful and sporty. The CLK 350 with seven-speed automatic transmission as standard will succeed the CLK 320, and offer 25 per cent more output and around 13 per cent higher torque. With an output of 200kW and 350 Nm of torque, the CLK 350 is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its displacement class.

The new CLK 350 coupe accelerates from zero to 100km/h in 6.4 seconds (cabriolet: 6.7 seconds) and consumes 10 litres of premium unleaded fuel per 100 kilometres, an improvement over the predecessor of over half a litre (ADR 81/01).

The second new model is the CLK 280, whose 170 kW V6 engine is 36 per cent more powerful than its predecessor, the CLK 240, while the torque has been boosted by 25 per cent. The vehicle’s driving performance has been correspondingly increased as well, with acceleration from 0-100 km/h shortened to 7.4 seconds in the CLK 280 coupe (cabriolet :7.7seconds) an improvement on its predecessor of 1.8 seconds. Fuel consumption has also fallen by as much as one litre per 100 kilometres, the new CLK 280 coupe consuming 9.5 litres per 100 kilometres (ADR 81/01) with its predecessor consuming 10.5 litres per 100 kilometres.

Enhanced standard equipment in all CLK models

Mercedes-Benz will be expanding the CLK-Class’ comprehensive range of standard safety features by introducing the all-new, crash-active NECK-PRO headrest. These headrests improve safety for the driver and the front passenger in the event of a rear-end collision. Once the sensors have determined that such a collision has occurred and that the impact has exceeded a defined level, the prestressed springs in the headrest are released. As a result, the headrest is shifted some 44 millimetres forward and about 30 millimetres upward within a split second. The heads of the front occupants are properly supported as a result, reducing the risk of whiplash injuries.

After NECK-PRO has been activated, the headrests can be unlocked and pushed back to their original positions by hand, using the tool provided.

In addition to NECK-PRO, standard equipment levels for all new CLK models now includes the automatic tyre pressure loss warning system.

Parameter steering and 17-inch light alloy wheels have been added to the standard equipment list for the new CLK 280 and CLK 350.

The CLK 500 will now include a sunroof as standard and the CLK 55 AMG will now benefit from an anti-theft alarm system and Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 sound system as standard.

Dynamic look: Redesigned front and new AVANTGARDE package

The appearance of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class also expresses the increased power of the extensively upgraded coupe and convertible. The redesigned front bumpers with their striking wedge shape and larger air intakes provide a more dominant look, as does the modified radiator grille with three instead of the previous four louvres.

With attention to detail, the Mercedes designers have not only upgraded the CLK’s interior but also ensured that the various equipment lines have become even more distinct.

In the future, to further distinguish the AVANTGARDE model line it will have an even more exclusive look with sportier extra standard equipment. In addition to the current AVANTGARDE package, new features include 17-inch light alloy wheels, bi-xenon headlights with cornering function, lowered sports suspension and steering wheel with gearshift buttons. As a result, AVANTGARDE models now attract a $3,000 premium over ELEGANCE models for the CLK 280, CLK 350 and CLK 500 and $4,400 for the CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR.

The AVANTGARDE’s instrument panel comes with a matte aluminium faceplate, white dials with special lettering, and chrome rings for the round gauges. New colours for the interior of the AVANTGARDE will be introduced including black, basalt grey, pebble beige, cappuccino brown, flamenco red and tundra brown.

The colour and material design of the ELEGANCE line has also been updated, and the interior’s discreet elegance will be accentuated by leather coverings in black, basalt grey or pebble beige; and new decorative wood trimming made of dark ash.

Sports packages with an extensive range of equipment

Mercedes-Benz is fulfilling the request of many drivers for even more sporty vehicles by introducing two new equipment packages. These packages include 18” multi-spoke light alloy wheels, wide 225/40 R 18 tyres (front) and 255/35 R 18 tyres (rear), perforated brake discs, sports suspension with a 15mm lower ride height and large chromed exhaust tail pipe. For the interior, the sports package offers multi-contour front seats as well as gearshift buttons on the steering wheel, sports pedals in brushed stainless steel and velour mats with silver edging. Depending on the model variant, the sports package costs between $2,500 and $4,900. Mercedes customers opting for the AMG sports package also receive 18” AMG light alloy wheels in a 5-spoke design, an AMG front apron, the AMG rear trailing edge and AMG rear silencers with chromed twin tailpipes.

Pricing

Price increases for the new 2006 model-year CLK-Class have been limited to the new V6 engines, with recommended retail prices rising by $1,000. Recommended retail prices for the 2006 model-year CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR, CLK 500 and CLK 55 AMG remain unchanged, despite the model update and standard equipment improvements.

CLK Coupe

CLK 200K	Elegance	$83,600
CLK 280	Elegance	$93,600
CLK 350	Elegance	$118,600
CLK 500	Elegance	$145,200
CLK 55 AMG		$194,900

CLK Cabriolet

CLK 200K	Elegance	$97,600
CLK 280	Elegance	$107,600
CLK 350	Elegance	$132,600
CLK 500	Elegance	$159,200
CLK 55 AMG		$208,900

2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK