Last updated August 4, 2026
The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class lineup has two clear personalities. The CLK 350 is the entry model and the refined everyday choice, pairing elegant coupe or convertible styling with a comfort-focused leather-and-wood cabin. The CLK 550 is the performance branch, adding much stronger V8 power, sportier handling hardware, upgraded brakes, and more aggressive bodywork.
The Base Model trim level, represented by the CLK 350, is the elegant heart of the lineup, focused on smooth performance and everyday comfort.
Best for: Drivers who want the CLK’s style and richly finished cabin without the V8 model’s extra power and sport-focused hardware.
Highlights
The Performance trim level, represented by the CLK 550, is the more muscular CLK, blending the same luxury-focused layout with stronger acceleration and sharper road manners.
Best for: Drivers who like the CLK’s elegant shape but want V8 power, a more responsive setup, and bolder styling.
Highlights
Adds a 382-hp V8 in place of the CLK 350’s 268-hp V6, plus shift paddles, sport suspension, upgraded brakes, sport cabin trim, and more aggressive exterior details.
0 in stock| Feature | Base Model | Performance |
|---|---|---|
| Includes | CLK 3500 in stock | CLK 5500 in stock |
| Engine | 3.5-liter V6 | 5.5-liter V8 |
| Horsepower | 268 hp | 382 hp |
| Torque | 258 lb-ft | 391 lb-ft |
| Fuel economy | 17 city / 25 highway mpg | 15 city / 21–22 highway mpg with the V8 |
| Transmission controls | 7-speed automatic | 7-speed automatic with shift paddles |
| Ride and braking hardware | Comfort-focused setup | Sport suspension and upgraded brakes |
| Exterior treatment | Elegant standard styling | Sport bodywork and trunk spoiler |
| Cabin trim | Leather and burl walnut wood | Sport leather and Black Ash wood |
In the final lineup, the CLK350 is the core luxury model. It combines a 268-hp V6 with leather, wood trim, heated power front seats, and a comfort-focused driving setup.
In the final lineup, the CLK550 is the stronger performance model. It has a 382-hp V8, sport suspension, upgraded brakes, shift paddles, and more aggressive body styling.
The main difference is performance. The final-lineup CLK350 uses a 268-hp V6 and a comfort-focused setup. The CLK550 adds a 382-hp V8 along with sport suspension, stronger brakes, and sportier styling.
No. In the final lineup, the CLK550 also has sport suspension, upgraded brakes, steering-wheel shift paddles, AMG alloy wheels, and distinct bodywork, including a trunk spoiler.
Yes. Both final-lineup trims use a seven-speed automatic transmission. The CLK550 adds steering-wheel shift paddles for manual control over gear changes.
In the final lineup, the CLK350 has leather upholstery with burl walnut wood. The CLK550 uses sport leather with darker Black Ash wood, giving its cabin a more performance-focused look.
The CLK350 is the better fit for a comfort-first driver. In the final lineup, it keeps the leather-and-wood luxury cabin and smooth seven-speed automatic without the CLK550’s sharper sport hardware.
Look for the CLK550. In the final lineup, it is the V8 model, using a 5.5-liter engine with 382 horsepower and 391 lb-ft of torque.
The CLK550 is the performance-focused trim in the final lineup. Its V8, sport suspension, stronger brakes, shift paddles, and sport bodywork make it more aggressive than the CLK350.
No. In the final lineup, both the CLK350 and CLK550 were sold as either a coupe or a soft-top convertible. The trim determines the engine and driving setup, not the body style alone.
Both the CLK350 and CLK550 have heated front seats in the final 2009 lineup. They are 10-way power-adjustable and include three-position memory.
The CLK550 has both in the final lineup. Its brakes use four-piston front calipers, and its sport suspension gives it a sharper setup than the comfort-focused CLK350.
Yes. In the final lineup, the CLK350 has leather upholstery, burl walnut wood trim, heated 10-way power front seats with memory, and dual-zone automatic climate control.