Click image to enlarge Images courtesy: Mercedes Benz

There are two new engines in the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class for 2007: a 5.5-litre V8 replaces the 5.0-litre of 2006, turning that model from the CLK500 into the CLK550, while a naturally-aspirated 6.3-litre V8 replaces the 5.5-litre used in the AMG model in 2006, turning the CLK55 AMG into the CLK63 AMG. The V6-powered CLK350 remains as before. All models also received a new S-Class-styled chrome-design SmartKey.

New standard equipment on the CLK350 includes heated front seats, trunk pass-through with ski sack, and on coupe models, a power sunroof. There are also two new option packages: a $3,500 Premium Package adds Parktronic parking assist, Keyless Go, and six-CD Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system, while a $1,000 Sport Package adds cross-drilled brake rotors, 17-inch ten-spoke wheels with staggered performance tires, lowered sport suspension, rubber-studded aluminum pedals and optional dual-tone sport interior.

The CLK550 receives new standard bi-Xenon headlamps with washers and cornering lights, heated front seats, wheel-mounted shift paddles, trunk pass-through with ski sack, and on coupe models, a power sunroof. A new $3,500 Premium Package adds Parktronic parking assist, Keyless Go, and six-CD Harman/Kardon Logic7 surround sound system.

New features on the CLK63 AMG include seven-speed automatic transmission with wheel-mounted shift paddles, AMG 18-inch five-spoke wheels, navigation system, and Parktronic parking assist.

The CLK-Class is available as a pillarless hardtop coupe, or as a soft-top cabriolet (the CLK63 is a cabriolet only).

Features on the CLK350 include 17-inch alloy wheels, ten-way heated power leather seats with memory function, power steering column, aluminum interior trim, rearview and driver’s side auto-dimming mirrors, CD stereo, garage door opener, automatic climate control, tire pressure loss warning, rain-sensing wipers with heated washers, speed-sensitive steering, entrance lighting, and residual heat circulation. The coupe includes a power sunroof, while the cabriolet has a power-operated soft top.

The CLK550 adds wood interior trim and bi-Xenon headlamps.

The CLK63 AMG adds navigation system, multi-contour front seats, 18-inch AMG alloy wheels, Parktronic parking assist, AMG-specific gauges and steering wheel with shift paddles, and AMG styling, including front and rear apron, side skirts and spoiler.

The CLK is based on the C-Class, which means that interior room is a bit tight; still, the styling is lovely and the performance is good. Coupe models offer an elegant hardtop design that eliminates the B-pillar, while the cabriolets have tops with a three-layer construction to cut down on noise and weather. The top opens and closes in 20 seconds at the push of a button, and automatically stores out of sight in a body-coloured tonneau for a smooth finish.