A Well-Toned Muscle Car
Call it a Mustang for the country club set. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 represents a new generation for the CLK-Coupe model line, with major changes inside and out of the popular two-door, four-passenger model.
Available with three engines for 2003 -- a 3.2-L V6, a 5.0-L and a 5.5-L power the CLK320, CLK500 and CLK55 AMG respectively -- the all-new Mercedes will not disappoint fans of German automobiles, particularly those who appreciate the luxury features that have long characterized Mercedes sedans.
The biggest visual change for 2003 is the removal of the B-Pillar, a design attribute molded to perfection in the sublime lines of the CL500. Not only does the lack of a visible pillar between the front and back seats improve driver visibility, its clean aesthetic makes you forget you're in a four-seater.
The 2003 model is also a little longer, a little wider, and a little taller than its predecessor, allowing designers to open up an already spacious interior. Rear headroom has been greatly improved, as has legroom all around. Like the VW New Beetle and the MINI, the CLK's interior belies its small stature.
Other design changes include reworked headlamp and taillight arrays and hood air vents.My test model was the CLK500, featuring a 302 horsepower, 5.0-L V8 that replaces the 4.3-L in the CLK430.
Call it a Mustang for the country club set. The 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500 represents a new generation for the CLK-Coupe model line, with major changes inside and out of the popular two-door, four-passenger model.
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| With major changes inside and out, the popular two-door CLK500 represents the next generation for the model line. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
The biggest visual change for 2003 is the removal of the B-Pillar, a design attribute molded to perfection in the sublime lines of the CL500. Not only does the lack of a visible pillar between the front and back seats improve driver visibility, its clean aesthetic makes you forget you're in a four-seater.
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| The CLK's spacious interior belies its small stature. (Photo: DaimlerChrysler) |
Other design changes include reworked headlamp and taillight arrays and hood air vents.My test model was the CLK500, featuring a 302 horsepower, 5.0-L V8 that replaces the 4.3-L in the CLK430.