2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK500

"I like it, but where does it fit in?"

The new Mercedes-Benz CLK coupe may confuse casual luxury car fans trying to figure out all the new models the German luxury carmaker has introduced over the last few years, as they've expanded and enhanced their line-up. The CLK is Mercedes' mid-size, luxury coupe and convertible offering, first introduced in the 1998 model year, and priced in the $42,500 - $79,000 range. While not an economy car by any means, it's quite a bit more affordable than the $90-$118K price tag of the full-size Mercedes-Benz CL coupe.

Confused or not, most people liked what they saw what when I tested the CLK500 last month. My wife liked the "ice blue" paint job on my test drive car, while I liked the two-door's fluid body style and the big, five-point AMG rims on the low and fat performance tires. I also liked the front end styling, which features a cool-looking dual headlamp design framing the large Mercedes logo, and a lower grille that gives a sporty edge to the CLK.

The 2003 CLK body is longer, wider and taller than before, with a longer wheelbase, all contributing to more room in the cabin. The fluid body has a reduced coefficient of drag, lowered to 0.28, a new record for the category.

The CLK is available in three models, distinguished primarily by the engine choices that meet not only most expectations but ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) standards. The CLK320 is powered by a carryover 3.2-liter, 218-horsepower V6 engine. The CLK500 is powered by a new engine choice this year, a 302-horsepower V8 that I first learned to love in the Mercedes S-class. And for those that want even more power, the CLK55 AMG offers hot rod class, 367-horsepower, while rocketing the CLK from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just over 5 seconds.

While I wouldn't mind sampling the AMG aftermarket-inspired CLK55, my test car CLK500 was no slouch. It took me to 60 miles per hour in just six seconds, providing pleasing acceleration that inspired me to punch it on my favorite freeway onramps. One of the best aspects of the CLK's power is the smooth way it is delivered, matched to a five-speed automatic transmission with no sudden shifts or lags as the CLK builds momentum.

Thanks to its compact size, rear-wheel drive configuration, and a platform that is 40 percent more rigid than its predecessor; the CLK is a very nimble handler. Handling is also helped by the company's replacement of recirculating ball steering with a more up-to-date rack and pinion system and those aforementioned performance tires.

As if Mercedes is afraid that the allure of these capabilities will get drivers into trouble, the company has equipped the CLK with several of the more sophisticated safety systems found on its flagship S-Class. These include the expected anti-lock brakes, but also the Electronic Stability Program, which prevents understeer or oversteer by applying brakes to individual wheels or reducing the engine's torque output. The car also has Acceleration Slip Control that prevents the rear wheels from breaking loose should a driver become over exuberant with the gas pedal. And the 2003 model will feature an intelligent cruise control system that uses radar to maintain a specified distance between cars without the driver's input. These gadgets are of course in addition to the dual front and side airbags, and head protection curtains inside the cabin.

This larger CLK cabin features firm bucket seats for both front and back seat occupants, but while the front seat offers plenty of room and comfort, the back seat is difficult to access, and creates a tight leg and headroom fit for anyone over six feet tall.

The black leather and burl walnut wood trim gave my test car the warm, masculine feel of a sportsman's den. Well equipped with luxury items such as dual climate control, ten-way adjustable front seats, a multifunction steering wheel, my test car was also loaded with interesting options. These included the aforementioned intelligent cruise control, a navigation system, a Motorola phone system that lets you listen to your calls over the car speakers, a six-disc CD changer, a glass sunroof and a headlamp washing system.

There were a couple of things I couldn't figure out about the car, even after consulting the user's manual, a rarity in my line of work. First of all, the top of the automatic gear shifter sported a "keyless go" feature, presumably to let you start the car without the key, or in some secure association with the key. Once I was able to start the car by pushing this button but I couldn't repeat the necessary sequence. So I just started the car the old fashioned way, with the cool Mercedes infrared key fob, and decided that I could live without the $1,015 "keyless go" option.

The second mystery surrounded cupholders. Simply put, I could not find them, no matter how much I investigated the dash and probed the center console, which provided limited storage and primarily a spot to house the Motorola phone. Again, the user's manual was no help as it showed a picture of a center console that did not exactly match mine, with a pop-out cupholder. The backseat had a couple of cup holders embedded in a pull down tray positioned between the two back bucket seats.

Yet despite these mysteries, I enjoyed both the look and feel of this car, which backs up its fluid styling with smooth, yet powerful acceleration and an ability to maneuver not always found in luxury coupes.

The CLK500 starts at $52,200. My test car added the options described above, plus a few more, bringing the bottom line sticker price to $65, 925, including destination charges and the gas guzzler tax. (The car achieves an EPA estimated 16/23 miles per gallon in city/highway driving).

A few minutes behind the wheel of this car, and you'll quickly understand where it fits in.

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