2001Mercedes-BenzCLK-ClassMercedes-Benz CLK-Class2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 ConvertibleConvertibleConvertibleRWDGermanyTele Aid comes standard on every CLK model this year, and the front windows lower slightly when you open the doors and seal (FOOP!) tight when you close them.Sleek styling, solid chassis, composed ride, and comfortable front seats.Heavy steering, tiny backseat/large blind spots in convertibles, some cheap-feeling interior switches.Luxury is synonymous with Mercedes, and the CLK lives up to that name. Standard equipment is generous, and the interior is swathed in wood and leather. Based on previous-generation C-Class sedan running gear and available with either a V6 or V8 in coupe or convertible format, the CLK appeals to people who place sports car performance and the availability of manual transmissions secondary to comfort and convenience. But this Benz is no slouch in the driving satisfaction department. A 3.2-liter V6 engine making 215 horsepower and 229 foot-pounds of torque powers CLK320 models. Mercedes asserts that the 320 Coupe goes from zero to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. CLK430 models receive a 275-horsepower, 4.3-liter V8 engine, which cranks out 295 ft-lbs. of twist. This shaves nearly a second off the 320's zero-to-60 time. Power is transmitted to the rear wheels through an adaptive logic five-speed automatic transmission that features Touch Shift manual control for drivers wanting to micromanage their automatic's activity. Either car feels well balanced in turns, but a little heavy. The 320 drives more like a sedan than a sports car - surefooted and steady rather than agile and quick. The speedy 430, on the other hand, is tuned for a firm ride and taut handling. In either case, the CLK is an attractive car that turns heads. Both the CLK320 and the CLK430 can be had in convertible form. The soft-top versions offer open air thrills when the top is down, but inordinately large blind spots when it goes up. Rear seat accommodations are tight in both hard- and soft-top versions, and certain switchgear feels subpar considering the hood badge. Safety, as well as beauty, is addressed by the CLK. Antilock brakes with Brake Assist and full-range Automatic Slip Control (ASR) traction control come standard. Other standard features include front and side airbags and BabySmart child-detection protection for the front passenger seat. Electronic Stability Programming (ESP), which reduces understeer and oversteer by applying braking force to the wheel that needs it, is standard as well. TeleAid service comes standard with every 2001 CLK, and will notify emergency personnel if your airbags deploy or will put you in touch with a live operator to summon medical or police assistance. Tele Aid also features a roadside assistance function that will allow a Mercedes technician to check on the vehicle's electronic and computer systems via the remote uplink. Finally, Tele Aid incorporates a vehicle tracking system that can be used to locate a car after it has been stolen. Another high-tech option is the Cockpit Management and Data (COMAND) system that debuted last year on the redesigned S-Class. Integrating radio, navigation, telephone and trip-computer functions into one unit that displays data on a small dash-mounted screen, COMAND is fussy and distracting to operate. Unless you absolutely must have a navigation system on board, skip this option. The CLK impresses, from the classic and elegant styling, to the smooth and powerful engines, to the comfortable and well-appointed cabin. If you're in the market for a satisfying luxury coupe, it's hard to go wrong with this beautiful Benz. BMW MJaguar XK-SeriesSaab 9-3Volvo C70450,000450,000Unlimited450,000NANANA84.3 litersV8275 hp @ 5750 rpm295 ft-lbs. @ 3000 rpm180.3 in.67.8 in.54.3 in.3665 lbs.105.9 in.37.5 in.36.5 in.52.9 in.48 in.53.7 in.44.2 in.41.9 in.27.4 in.5.7 cu.ft.StandardStandardStandardStandardNot AvailableStandardStandardRating = Not TestedRating = Not TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot TestedNot Tested16.4 gal.18 mpg / 24 mpg295 mi. / 394 mi.Insurance costs can vary greatly for this vehicle, depending on such factors as driver age, driver gender, teenage drivers in the household, driving records, theft loss data for your particular geographic region, miles driven per year, and other widely variable factors. Additionally, some companies charge a premium for certain makes and models, while others do not.$52,545$56,5007.35%$645N/A3% of the Total MSRPCLK320 (5A): 3.2L V6 SOHC SMPI 18-valve engine, (requires premium unleaded fuel); 5-speed electronic OD automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter; HD battery; 115 amp alternator; driver's selectable multi-mode auto-manual transmission; rear-wheel drive, traction control, 3.07 axle ratio; stainless steel exhaust with tailpipe finisher; electronic stability control, front independent double-wishbone suspension with anti-roll bar, front coil springs, gas-pressurized front shocks, rear independent multi-link suspension with anti-roll bar, rear coil springs, gas-pressurized rear shocks; power recirculating ball steering; 4-wheel antilock disc brakes; 16.4 gal. capacity fuel tank; side impact bars; front and rear body-colored bumpers with body-colored rubber strip; body-colored bodyside molding, rocker panel extensions; clearcoat monotone paint; aero-composite halogen headlamps with delay-off feature; additional exterior lights include front fog/driving lights; driver's andpassenger's body-colored heated folding outside mirrors with turn signal indicators, driver's power remote auto-dimming outside mirror, passenger's power remote with tilt down outside mirror; 16" x 7" silver alloy wheels; P205/55HR16 BSW A/S tires; full-size alloy spare wheel; dual-zone front air conditioning with climate control, air filter, rear heat ducts, residual heat recirculation; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 8 premium speakers, theft deterrent, window grid antenna, steering wheel radio controls; cruise control; power door locks with 2-stage unlock, remote keyless entry, power remote hatch release, power remote fuel door release; cell phone pre-wiring, 1 power accessory outlet, front lighter element(s), driver's foot rest, garage door opener, smokers' package, emergency S.O.S.; instrumentation display includes tachometer, water temperature gauge, in-dash clock, exterior temp, systems monitor, trip computer, tripodometer; warning indicators include water temp, battery, low oil level, low coolant, lights on, key in ignition, low fuel, low washer fluid, bulb failure, service interval, low brake fluid; driver's and passenger's front airbags, driver's and front passenger's door mounted side airbags; ignition disable, panic alarm, tracker system, security system; tinted windows with driver's and passenger's 1-touch down function; heated jets with fixed interval front windshield wipers, sun visor strip, rear window defroster; seating capacity of 4, front bucket seats, power adjustable tilt headrests, center armrest with storage, driver and passenger seats include 8-way power adjustment and easy entry; 60/40 folding rear split-bench seat with power adjustable headrests, center armrest; height-adjustable front seatbelts with pretensioners; leather seats, leather door trim insert, full cloth headliner, full carpet floor covering with carpeted floor mats, genuine wood dashboard insert, leather-wrappedgearshift knob, genuine wood door panel insert, genuine wood console insert, chrome interior accents; memory on driver's and passenger's seats with 3 memory setting(s) includes settings for exterior mirrors, headrests; interior lights include dome light with fade, front reading lights, illuminated entry; leather-wrapped steering wheel with telescopic adjustment; dual illuminated vanity mirrors; auto-dimming day/night rearview mirror; full floor console, rear console with storage, locking glove box with light, front and rear cupholders, instrument panel bin, 2 seatback storage pockets, driver's and passenger's door bins; carpeted cargo floor, cargo light; chrome grille, chrome side window moldings, black front windshield molding and chrome door handles.
CLK430 COUPE (5A) (in addition to or instead of CLK320 COUPE (5A) equipment): 4.3L V8 SOHC SMPI 24-valve engine; 2.87 axle ratio; sport-ride suspension; front 17" x 7.5" silver superior alloy wheels rear 17" x 8.5" silver superior alloy wheels; P225/45ZR17 BSW performance front tires; 245/40 rear tires; black side window moldings and body-colored door handles.
CONVERTIBLE (5A) (in addition to or instead of COUPE (5A) equipment): Power convertible roof with lining, glass rear window, roll-over protection, manual wind blocker; premium AM/FM stereo radio, seek-scan feature, cassette player, CD changer pre-wiring, 7 premium speakers, fixed antenna; tinted windows, power front and rear windows with front and rear 1-touch down function; rear bench seat with power adjustable headrests and center armrest.