Mercedes Benz CLK (2002-) Review

On the road

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The CLK's six-speed manual shift is smoother and more precise than many past Mercedes manuals, and the driveline doesn't have the snatch and surge that used to plague them. But most Mercedes buyers choose the smooth-shifting automatic transmissions, not least because the cars usually have foot-operated parking brakes which are awkward to use in stop-start uphill traffic with a manual. The manual is, in any case, only available on the 200K and 220 CDI, where the alternative is a five-speed auto rather than the seven-speed auto fitted to all the other CLKs.

The dials are clear, the windows are large, the controls are easy to find and use, but - this is the other regular Mercedes-Benz perversity - the main column stalk contains too many functions: main/dip, indicators, wipers and washers.

It's strange how the CLK500 feels a much bigger car than the 200, even though it clearly isn't. The 500 V8 is fun because it's fast, effortless and sounds good, the 200 Kompressor is fun because it has the crispest steering and the most agile feel. The CLK220 CDI amuses through its muscular power delivery, but the V6s (280, 350 and 320 CDI) feel dull and unengaging, with neither a power excess nor a nimble feel to stimulate the senses. Twisty roads are very enjoyable in the 200, and it's the best CLK in which to feel the way the rear suspension helps point the nose into a corner.

The extremes of the range are the most impressive. The 5.5-litre V8-engined CLK500 is effortlessly rapid, able to reach 155mph with 62mph arriving just 5.2 seconds after a full-bore start, and it feels like an altogether bigger, more grown-up car than other CLKs. The C200 Kompressor, by contrast, feels lighter and handier, and still accelerates with torquey vigour. Its engine is quiet and very smooth, too, unlike that of the old C230 Kompressor.

Less impressive are the V6s, which deliver plenty of pace but are a little harsh when worked hard and don't respond very sharply. Both diesels have tremendous pulling power, and they're more pleasing to drive than the V6s.

And if you have the money, the pair of CLK63 AMGs are excellent performance cars. The regular AMG version is a very quick device, with a chassis that's set up for quick driving but still relaxed and comfortable when you're not rushing. The £100,000 two-seat Black Series has the same 6.2-litre naturally aspirated engine and seven-speed automatic gearbox, but it's been fettled to produce an extra 26bhp, which cuts the 0-62mph time from 4.6 to 4.3 seconds, and the electronic limiter now lets it charge on to 186mph rather than 155. It's very grippy and very precise, and a lot of fun.