Mercedes-Benz CLK430 dimensions

The debut of Mercedes-Benz CLK class was a breath of fresh air for luxury-car enthusiasts. Its sportier demeanor caught the eye of all those drivers who were seeking more style from the German automaker. No longer limited to staid and reliable sedans, Benz served up tasty two-door coupe and convertible versions of the CLK that still seated four. Sleek, sexy, and curvy, it appealed to the price-conscious luxury market.

Assembled at Mercedes-Benz plants in Bremen, Germany, and Monterey, Mexico, the CLK was a mid-sized grand touring machine featuring a wide range of engines. First-generation CLKs were available with base-model 2.0-liter, inline four-cylinder engines cranking out 134 horsepower. The top-of-the-line model offered a 5.4-liter V8, delivering a righteous 367 horsepower. Second-generation CLKs offered power trains ranging from a 1.8-liter engine producing 184 horsepower, to a 6.2-liter V8, serving a whopping 475 horsepower.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK arrived on the scene in 1996 and continued in production through 2009, when it was replaced by the E Class. The CLK cabriolet was the most successful convertible ever produced by the automaker in its first year of availability. First-generation CLKs were only available with four- or five-speed automatic transmissions. The second generation, lasting from 2002 to 2009, underwent a significant redesign that made the CLK a little longer, a little wider, and offered 10 engine choices. Mercedes upgraded the automatic transmission to a seven-speed while still offering a six-speed manual option.