Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 cabriolet road test
by Stephen Walker
14th March, 2010
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Style is something that not all cars possess, yet style seems to appear
on many products wearing the highly regarded three pointed star. Of course, if it's a cabriolet then the awareness of
that style is highlighted.
The CLK-Series strengthened the Mercedes-Benz product line-up when it appeared in the 1990s. But the CLK will soon
disappear as it makes way for the new E-Class cabriolet in just a few months time.
We take a look at the highly successful Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 cabriolet on this occasion. Our experience with this
4-seater covered 282 kilometres around Melbourne.
During its 'lifetime' the CLK-Series had been available with numerous engines. The "350" is well known as a highly
effecient power source. It performs well (0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds - factory figures) with an output of 200 kW and
350 Nm of torque and it offers quite reasonable fuel economy consuming 10 litres of premium unleaded fuel per 100
kilometres on the often quoted "combined cycle". A conservative, yet sporty, exhaust note is part of the package.
The many enjoyable features of the Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 cabriolet include the comfy seating (which are heated when
required), the retro-style foot-operated parking brake, the electric operation of the front seats, the 'self-raising'
steering wheel to assist the driver's entry and egress. Additionally, the steering wheel adjusts four ways
(electrically). There are central locking switches on the dashboard, whilst climate control air conditioning is standard
(of course), so too a driver's left footrest as is lane-changing indicators.
The boot features a reasonable size, although the opening is small.
From every angle, the CLK cabriolet is attractive. That's a bonus. So too is the quality, style and substance.
The new Mercedes-Benz E-Class cabriolet should be better. Obviously, that means there are already people busy
queuing for the new model. Therefore, Mercedes-Benz must have done a good job, because the CLK is one fine car offering
a very nice driving experience. And with buyers already waiting for the new E-Class cabriolet, you can be sure that the
long tradition of quality Mercedes-Benz convertibles will continue for quite some time to come.
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