Driving the Mercedes-Benz CLK C209

The C209 Coupe was launched after a difficult period for Mercedes-Benz, but was it the return to form they needed and did it have ability beyond it's handsome exterior?

[@Lot76CARS]

Shout out to JJ on cars for lending me this lovely C209 CLK.

[@kevinbray9550]

I think the rot had set in ( literally and figuratively) for Mercedes in the 90's together with the biodegradable wiring disaster which must have damaged their reputation for making high quality automobiles and with the BMW E46 as its competitor I'm guessing it didn't sell in the high volumes MB would have wanted. Nonetheless it's a handsome car but at the same time a tad anonymous in silver. There is a bright red one near where I live which in quite an eyecatcher. It's not for me though. Main reason being I wouldn't get 35mpg if I have a supercharged engine to play with !

[@Lot76CARS]

It did go well and handled much better than I expected…. A 320 CDI diesel does have some appeal, not that I’ve been looking 😉

[@matteobarsanti5055]

I got the same CLK model and I averaged at 26mpg in 1500km (and I rarely step on the gas because I'm always trying to minimize fuel consumption)

[@JJonCars]

Thanks for reviewing my car Simon! Very interesting and informative video :) The CLK is definitely a future classic Merc, and it's good to see more content on the sometimes overlooked 200K version.

[@Lot76CARS]

Thanks JJ. It’s a great mix of style and usability. Now I must keep away from Autotrader…

[@cologne2792]

Either the CLK 320 cdi Sport in a dark colour or the CLK 500 for me. Both very impressive.

[@Megingiard]

got a 320 cdi but with the elegance trim and in standard silver. Great for the Autobahn and crusing around 160-180 km/h. I'm thinking about wrapping it in better colour tho.

[@ritabm5254]

Great video and well researched

[@Lot76CARS]

Many thanks for watching and commenting much appreciated!

[@markonmotoring]

Another informative, well researched review. The engine sounds like it could be the one in that R170 I reviewed a few years ago. I found that the 160 bhp engine performance was adequate, more than quick enough but no fire breather. Perhaps more importantly though it was very refined and almost as smooth as a six cylinder. The old Recirculating ball steering wasn't as bad as it sounds in the mercedes I've previously driven but the rack and pinion was no doubt ling over due. I like how other than the wheels you'd never guess from the outside that this car was the sportier trim, simple elegance without all the overly.agressive styling found on many cars today. It would be interesting to see the more luxurious version of the car as a comparison.

[@Lot76CARS]

Thanks, Mark, I must admit I too was surprised this was the so-called sporty version as it seemed relatively understated. Whilst the V8s have appeal, real world these make more sense day to day.. I’d be interested to try a higher power diesel some day too.

[@coolcat23]

To the best of my knowledge it is a myth that the Avantgarde trim included a sportier suspension. There was a sport package (code 486 and code 488) that used different shock absorbers but my Avantgarde does not have any of those packages. I found an article by Mercedes-Benz which describes the differences between the Elegance and Avantgarde trims and they are all cosmetic. The same document (in German) mentions the "sports" option that actually makes a difference to the suspension. BTW, depending on the evolution level, the M271 engine in this car creates up to 184 bhp.

[@Lot76CARS]

Thanks, that’s interesting as the research mentioned the different suspension. However, I’d be more inclined to trust the MB specifications. Thanks for highlighting this!

[@adebrade172]

I've just sold my clk 220cdi had it 3 years, great car.

[@Lot76CARS]

Probably a very practical car too as a 220cdi, must have been economical!