Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class
The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class is a former series of mid-size or entry-level luxury coupés and convertibles produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1997 and 2010. Although its design and styling was derived from the E-Class, the mechanical underpinnings were based on the smaller C-Class, and was positioned between the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and CL-Class. The name CLK is derived from coupé, luxus and kurz (German for short). It primarily competes with the two-door BMW 3 and 6 Series, as well as the Audi A4 Cabriolet and Audi A5 Coupe/Cabriolet, as well as the Maserati Coupe and its convertible variant.
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class | |
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Overview | |
Manufacturer |
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Production | 1997–2010 |
Body and chassis | |
Class | |
Body style |
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Layout | Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive |
Chronology | |
Predecessor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C124/A124) |
Successor | Mercedes-Benz E-Class (C207/A207) |
Prior to the CLK-Class, the Mercedes E-Class included a Coupé alongside the saloon/wagon. In 2010, Mercedes changed the CLK-Class nameplate to the E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet; nonetheless this E-Class Coupe/Cabriolet is still based upon the C-Class platform while borrowing the brand and styling/design from the E-Class saloon/wagon. Then for the 2017-2023 model years, the Mercedes E-Class Coupé/Cabriolet shared the platform from the E-Class saloon/wagon. For the 2024 model year, Mercedes is releasing the CLE-Class which like the CLK-Class will share platforms and components with the C-Class and E-Class.