Mercedes-Benz CLK240 Elegance
Content
A glance at a newspaper reveals a truth that can elicit an incredible reaction. The CLK240 with a five-speed automatic is not among the racers, so it's no surprise that sometimes, especially from younger people, there were comments about too much money for too few horses. On the one hand, these grumblers were right, but on the other hand, they missed the essence of the machine. The CLK is for amateurs, not racers.
Its distinctive wedge shape is sporty and the features, especially at the front, are based on the E-Class, not the C-Class, to which the CLK is mechanically linked. Therefore, he gives the impression of more prestigious than it really is. The long bonnet creates a sense of power, the rather short rear and therefore the rearward-facing passenger cabin are reminiscent of the muscles of American cars. Given that the US market is even more important to Mercedes, this is hardly surprising.
Hidden under the long bonnet is a V-8 (with enough room for a much larger and more powerful V-2, up to an AMG-badged five and a half-liter V6), which is 240 liters (despite the 170 mark) with three valves per cylinder is capable of approximately 240 horsepower. The torque is also very high - 4.500 Nm, but already at a rather high XNUMX rpm. However, the engine turns out to be quite flexible, otherwise in combination with an automatic transmission it is much less important than if the driver had to operate a six-speed manual transmission, for example, in the Mercedes EXNUMX tested a few months ago - that's it . It turned out that this gearbox is not the best choice.
The automatic transmission combo is much more convenient for the Mercedes, otherwise it consumes little horsepower, which is especially noticeable during hard acceleration, and at the same time can indulge the driver with quick but smooth gear changes, adjusting to his driving style. and fairly fast reactions to gas. So driving a ton and a half of an empty CLK can be a sporting delight – though our measurements show the 0-100 mph time is much slower than the factory-promised 9 seconds.
In addition to the subdued rumble of a six-cylinder engine, the chassis delivers that as well. It is solid that there is no excessive body tilt in corners, the CLK does not react to long highway waves with an unpleasant nod, but there are not so many vibrations inside - only some sharp transverse bumps that hit both rear wheels simultaneously withstand an additional push into the cabin.
The cornering position remains neutral for a long time, and when ESP is switched on, it remains unchanged even when the driver overdoes it. It is forbidden to brush clenched teeth with the buttocks when squeezing the nose out of the fold. At overspeed, when entering a corner, the driver feels only slight deceleration when the computer begins to selectively brake the wheels, and sees a treacherous red triangle on the dashboard, announcing to passengers that it is time to talk to the driver about serious behavior on the road.
With a single press of a button, the ESP can be turned off, but not completely - it still remains alert, allowing the nose or rear (the first if the driver is too fast, the second if skillfully) to slide a little, and, however exaggerated, extrasensory perception is the mediator. It turns out that with a sporty driver behind the wheel, this CLK feels best in fast corners, where its neutral position is best expressed.
The brakes, of course, are reliable, equipped with ABS and a system that helps to brake at critical moments. BAS, which this time did not work, as it was too sensitive and sometimes worked unnecessarily, especially in cities, when sometimes you need to slow down when changing lanes. down quickly, but quite easily. At the same time, he sometimes unexpectedly put CLK BAS (especially for those who are behind) on his nose.
But in CLK, such moments are rare. The interior evokes a sense of comfort, with the result that most drivers drive comfortably and at a leisurely pace. Why would you cut down on the pleasure CLK has to offer passengers with speed? The seats are set low, which of course contributes to a sporty feel. The displacement in the longitudinal direction is huge, only basketball players bring it to the extreme position, and not all.
The interior of the CLK is rounded off by a four-spoke steering wheel with car radio switches, and thanks to the height and depth adjustment, it is easy to find a comfortable driving position. And because the seats are sturdy and provide ample lateral grip, this position will remain comfortable even in faster turns. As is usual with Mercedes, all the controls that are found in other cars on the two steering wheel levers are combined into one on the left side of the steering wheel. The solution is rather impractical, and Mercedes insists on it. In addition, there is a cruise control lever and a speed limiter.
The materials used are excellent, the same (with a few exceptions) the workmanship, and the light tones of the used plastic and leather give the interior a spacious and airy look. But instead of a combination of leather and wood, such a sports car in the interior would be better suited to a combination of leather and aluminum, which otherwise belongs to the sportier equipment of the Avantgarde.
There is certainly less space in the back than in the front, but given that the CLK is a coupe, sitting in the back is actually quite comfortable, especially if the height of those sitting there does not exceed the statistical averages.
Of course, the comfort of passengers is provided by an automatic air conditioner with separate temperature control for both longitudinal halves of the car, and it is commendable that a jet of cold air rarely gets directly into the body of the driver and passengers. ...
What about equipment? The test CLK was labeled Elegance, which means a more comfortable version of the equipment, but Mercedes has long accepted that for a well-equipped car, the list of additional equipment should be long. This time, in addition to the standard air conditioning, piles of airbags, safety electronics and more, it also included extra leather on the seats, their heating, cruise control with Distronic, automatic transmission and 17-inch wheels, so the price is 14.625.543 XNUMX Tolars is not surprising – but he is high.
So CLK is really not for everyone. Someone will be scared away by the price, someone by its capabilities (there is a cure for them - one of the more powerful engines), and someone, fortunately for such lucky people, does not care about the price, as they put comfort and prestige before brute power . For such, this CLK will be written on the skin.
Dusan Lukic
Photo: Aleš Pavletič.
Mercedes-Benz CLK 240 Elegance
Basic data
| Sales: | AC Interchange doo |
|---|---|
| Base model price: | 44.743,12 € |
| Test model cost: | 61.031,31 € |
| Power: | 125kW (170 KM) |
| Acceleration (0-100 km / h): | 9,5 with |
| Maximum speed: | 234 km / h |
| Mixed flow ECE: | 10,4l / 100km |
| Guarantee: | General warranty 2 years without mileage limitation, SIMBIO and MOBILO service package |
Cost (up to 100.000 km or five years)
Technical information
| engine: | 6-cylinder - 4-stroke - V-90° - petrol - longitudinally mounted at the front - bore and stroke 89,9×68,2 mm - displacement 2597 cm3 - compression ratio 10,5:1 - maximum power 125 kW ( 170 hp) at 5500 rpm – average piston speed at maximum power 12,5 m/s – power density 48,1 kW/l (65,5 hp/l) – maximum torque 240 Nm at 4500 rpm - crankshaft in 4 bearings - 2 × 2 camshafts in the head (chains) - 3 valves per cylinder - light metal block and head - electronic multipoint injection and electronic ignition - liquid cooling 8,5 l - engine oil 5,5 l - battery 12 V, 100 Ah - alternator 85 A - variable catalyst |
|---|---|
| Energy transfer: | the engine drives the rear wheels - hydraulic clutch - automatic transmission 5-speed - gear ratio I. 3,950 2,420; II. 1,490 hours; III. 1,000 hours; IV. 0,830; v. 3,150; reverse 3,460 - differential 7,5 - front wheels 17J × 8,5, rear wheels 17J × 225 - front tires 45/17 ZR 245 Y, rear tires 40/17 ZR 1,89 Y, rolling range 1000 m - speed in 39,6th gear at XNUMX rpm XNUMX km / h |
| Capacity: | top speed 234 km/h - 0-100 km/h acceleration 9,5 s - average fuel consumption (ECE) 10,4 l/100 km (unleaded petrol, elementary school 95) |
| Transportation and suspension: | coupe - 2 doors, 4 seats - self-supporting body - Cx = 0,28 - front single suspension, spring struts, cross beams, towbar, stabilizer - rear single suspension, cross beams, inclined rails, coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers, stabilizer - double-circuit brakes, front disc (forced cooling), rear disc, power steering, ABS, BAS, EBD, rear mechanical foot brake (pedal to the left of the brake pedal) - rack and pinion steering, power steering, 3,0 turns between extreme points |
| Mass: | empty vehicle 1575 kg - permissible total weight 2030 kg - permissible trailer weight with brake 1500 kg, without brake 750 kg - permissible roof load 100 kg |
| External dimensions: | length 4638 mm - width 1740 mm - height 1413 mm - wheelbase 2715 mm - front track 1493 mm - rear 1474 mm - minimum ground clearance 150 mm - driving radius 10,8 m |
| Inner dimensions: | length (dashboard to rear seatback) 1600 mm - width (at the knees) front 1420 mm, rear 1320 mm - height above the seat front 880-960 mm, rear 890 mm - longitudinal front seat 950-1210 mm, rear seat 820 -560 mm - front seat length 500 mm, rear seat 470 mm - steering wheel diameter 380 mm - fuel tank 62 l |
| Box: | normal 435 l |
Our measurements
| T = 23 °C - p = 1010 mbar - rel. vl. = 58% - Mileage status: 8085 km - Tires: Michelin Pilot sport | |
| Acceleration 0-100km: | 11,1s |
|---|---|
| 1000m from the city: | 32,3 years ( 167 km / h) |
| Maximum speed: | 236km / h (D) |
| Minimum consumption: | 11,1l / 100km |
| Maximum consumption: | 14,1l / 100km |
| test consumption: | 11,9 l / 100km |
| Braking distance at 130 km / h: | 64,9m |
| Braking distance at 100 km / h: | 38,0m |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 3rd gear | 54dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 4rd gear | 52dB |
| Noise at 50 km / h in 5rd gear | 52dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 3rd gear | 62dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 4rd gear | 60dB |
| Noise at 90 km / h in 5rd gear | 59dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 3rd gear | 66dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 4rd gear | 64dB |
| Noise at 130 km / h in 5rd gear | 64dB |
| Test errors: | the car turned right |
Overall rating (313/420)
The CLK is a good example of a coupe that many would like to have in the yard. Unfortunately, the price is such that this does not allow.
Exterior (15/15)
The CLK is what a coupe should be: sporty and stylish at the same time. The resemblance to the E-Class is another plus.
Interior (110/140)
The materials used are of high quality, the production works without failures, I just wanted more standard equipment.
Engine, transmission (29
/ 40)The 2,6-liter engine isn't the best choice, but paired with an automatic transmission, it's smoother than greedy.
Driving performance (78
/ 95)The position is neutral and the chassis is a good compromise between sportiness and comfort.
Performance (19/35)
170 "horsepower" means random performance. The measured acceleration to 100 km / h was 1,6 seconds worse than the factory promise.
Security (26/45)
The braking distance can also be several meters shorter, and the CLK performs well in active and passive safety.
Economy
The expense is not excessive, but unfortunately we cannot write this down for the price.
We praise and reproach
form
chassis
comfort
seat
position on the road
Transmission
supersensitively tuned BAS
transparency back
only one lever on the steering wheel
measured acceleration 0-100 km / h
