Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a four-seat luxury coupe and soft-top convertible known for elegant styling, everyday comfort, and smooth rear-wheel-drive performance. It is more of a relaxed grand tourer than a stripped-down sports car.
The CLK-Class paired the style of a traditional Mercedes-Benz two-door with the comfort expected from a luxury car. Its second and final generation emphasized a polished ride, a rich leather-and-wood cabin, and easy high-speed cruising rather than sharp-edged performance. The CLK 550 added stronger V8 power without changing that refined character.
Strengths
- Its pillarless two-door shape gives it an elegant look that has aged gracefully.
- The cabin feels traditionally luxurious, with leather, wood trim, and an emphasis on comfort.
- Its smooth automatic transmission and relaxed road manners make highway trips easy.
- The CLK 550 delivers notably stronger performance, with 382 horsepower in 2009.
- The coupe and soft-top convertible offer two distinct ways to enjoy the same refined four-seat formula.
Who it's for
The CLK-Class fits someone who wants a stylish used luxury two-door for commuting, weekend drives, and comfortable highway trips. It suits couples or solo drivers better than families because the rear seat and trunk are modest.
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class lineup
Pick the CLK 350 for the core CLK experience: elegant design, V6 power, and relaxed everyday driving. Step up to the CLK 550 when stronger acceleration and a more muscular V8 personality matter more. Both trims keep the same basic four-seat, rear-wheel-drive luxury-car character rather than turning into bare-bones sports cars.
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class generations
From 2009 to 2009, the CLK-Class spans 1 generation. The current 2nd Generation arrived for 2003.
2nd Generation (2003–2009)
The second-generation CLK was a pillarless two-door sold as a coupe and convertible. It ended after 2009, when Mercedes-Benz replaced the CLK with the two-door E-Class.
0 In Stock
2009
Heated front seats became standard across the lineup; the engines, transmission, and chassis carried over.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class a coupe or a convertible?
It is both. The CLK-Class was sold as a two-door coupe and as a soft-top convertible. Each body style has four seats and the same basic luxury-focused character.
Is the CLK-Class a true sports car?
Not really. The CLK-Class is a comfort-focused luxury two-door with strong performance, a smooth automatic transmission, and a relaxed feel at higher speeds. The CLK550 is the more aggressive version.
What is the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class known for?
It is known for elegant styling, a leather-and-wood cabin, smooth power, and comfortable long-distance driving. Its personality is more refined than hard-edged, even with the stronger V8.
How practical is the CLK-Class for passengers and luggage?
It has four seats, 30.4 to 33 inches of rear legroom, and 8.6 to 10.4 cubic feet of cargo room in the final lineup. It is still a two-door car, so rear-seat access is less direct than in a sedan.
Does the CLK-Class come as a hybrid?
No. The final 2009 CLK-Class lineup is gas-only, with either a 3.5-liter V6 or a 5.5-liter V8.
Does the CLK-Class have all-wheel drive?
No. The final CLK-Class lineup uses rear-wheel drive, which sends the engine’s power to the back wheels.
What engines does the CLK-Class have?
In the final lineup, the CLK350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6, while the CLK550 has a 382-hp 5.5-liter V8. Both use a seven-speed automatic transmission.
Which generation is the last Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class?
The second-generation CLK-Class ran from 2003 through 2009. Mercedes then replaced the CLK with the two-door E-Class.