Driver Dynamics Blog

Melbourne – The successful CLK-Class model range will soon serve up more sports car driving pleasure with the introduction of the new V8 CLK 500 and range topping CLK 63 AMG, boasting 285kW and 354 kW respectively.

The newly developed 5.5-litre V8 engine powering the CLK 500 boasts a peak torque of 530 Nm (outgoing model: 460 Nm), allowing the CLK-Class (available in Coupe and Cabriolet variants) to deliver a virtuoso performance: the sprint from 0 to 100 km/h takes just 5.2 seconds (outgoing model: 5.9 seconds), while the top speed is 220 km/h (electronically limited). Despite the 26 per cent boost in power, NEDC combined fuel consumption remains at an impressive 11.4 – 11.5 litres per 100 km, matching the excellent figure posted by the previous model. To coincide with the release of the new engine, digital/analogue TV tuner, electrically folding exterior mirrors and the Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system are now standard. The new CLK 500 is equipped with the upgraded engine as well as $5,440 of extra standard equipment, at a cost of only $2,400 over the recommended retail price of the predecessor model.

The new CLK 63 AMG utilises the all new AMG 6.3-litre V8 engine and produces 354 kW of power and a peak torque 630 Nm, representing an impressive increase of 84 kW of power and 120 Nm of torque over the superseded CLK 55 AMG. The CLK 63 AMG which comes with 7G-TRONIC seven speed transmission, is available in Coupe and Cabriolet variants. In addition to the standard features on the CLK 500, the CLK 63 AMG comes with a host of extras including AMG SPEEDSHIFT and steering wheel mounted gear shift paddles as standard.

“The arrival of the new CLK 500 and CLK 63 AMG will increase the impressive sales the CLK range has enjoyed since arriving in Australia, and expand on its leading position in the sports car greater than $80,000 segment,” said Horst von Sanden, managing director for Mercedes Car Group in Australia.

The CLK is the clear leader of its segment, accounting for over a third of all sales in the sports car greater than $80,000 category. The CLK-Class was released in Australia in 1997 and since then close to 10,000 vehicles have been delivered to customers, with the current model, released in 2002, making up 6,000 of those sales.

Pricing

CLK-Class Coupe
CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR……………………$85,100
CLK 280………………………………………..$95,100
CLK 350………………………………………..$120,100
CLK 500………………………………………..$149,100
CLK 63 AMG…………………………………..$199,100
CLK-Class Cabriolet
CLK 200 KOMPRESSOR…………………….$99,400
CLK 280………………………………………..$109,100
CLK 350………………………………………..$134,100
CLK 500………………………………………..$163,100
CLK 63 AMG…………………………………..$213,100