2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500

Secretly, I'm convinced there are a bunch of Mercedes-Benz engineers in Stuttgart who would rather be working for BMW a few hundred miles south in Munich because every so often they surface with a car that could be a Bimmer and probably makes the Bavarians very nervous. This is one of them.

The CLK's profile is contemporary and pleasing to the eye. The roofline sweeps back from the windshield in a pretty, continuous curve that tapers neatly into a short but handsome deck.

BMW's vaunted M3 coupe is an enviable mix of sports and luxury with the needle definitely tilted toward sport—and there really hasn't been a close Mercedes-Benz counterpart. That is, until now. Order a new CLK 500 with the 306-bhp V-8 with the sports package and 17-inch wheels and head for your favorite twisty road. You'll be delighted with the sleek new CLK's willowy good looks, and positively chuffed by its ability to attack tight corners and emerge with a rush that's reminiscent of a rocket launch. M-B offers the CLK with seven engines worldwide, including diesels.


Loosely based on the C-Class platform, and sized between the C-Class and the mid-range E-Class, the newest CLK (just four years after the previous model) is descended from a series of pleasant Benz 2+2s that have always been capable tourers, but not really sports cars. Even without the requisite AMG upgrades all around, the newest member of the family—some 40 percent stiffer than its predecessor—is a capable handler. (Add the AMG bits and step up next year to the CLK 55, if you must, with 367 bhp, a 5.2 second 0-60 clocking, and a host of go-faster features making it a deadly BMW M3 rival.) You could even argue that the CLK is better looking, and that its lush, tastefully appointed interior one-ups the more Spartan BMW's. If looks could kill, I think this car's a murderer.

The CLK-Class is available with seven engines, including diesels. Our tester boasted a 306-bhp ULEV-rated V-8.

We drove the new CLK 500 in the rolling hills outside Lyon, France. Flashing past vineyards, slaloming through switchbacks that'd slow a lesser car, we'd just drop to a lower gear as the road tightened, and blast merrily out of corners with the V-8 singing an aria we never tired of hearing. Zero to 60 is just six seconds; you can row the automatic or simply let it rev to redline by itself. Either way, it's a fast trip. Mercedes-Benz does not (as yet) offer a manual transmission in the U.S. for the CLK.


When slowing was needed, a touch of the immense 4-piston ventilated disc brakes—supplemented by ABS, Brake Assist and Mercedes-Benz's uncanny ESP stability control system—was all that was needed, and when we did get deep into the pedal, the discs showed no semblance of fade. The Benz boys are pleased to offer the new CLK with nearly $2,500 in features that were formerly options, including adaptive, two-stage front, side and window airbags, rear power windows, rain-sensing wipers, automatic climate control and an adjustable steering column. Distronic (distance-sensing cruise control, which maintains a preset distance from other cars, about 490 feet) is optional, as is "keyless go" ignition, high-powered bi-xenon headlamps and Mercedes-Benz's (very handy and safe) Linguatronic voice-operated telephone and audio system. Parktronic parking distance control lets you star in the parallel-parking wars. Inside, discrete wood accents, smooth leather and a minimum of restrained brightwork testify to your good taste.