Driving the German Camaro - The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Coupe and Convertible are Teutonic Pony Cars

SOLD I've always liked the CLK-Class Mercedes-Benz, even if I have to admit it was the point of departure for the company, when it transitioned from a maker of overbuilt, engineer-driven cars to something more akin to a high-end Volkswagen. The W210 E-Class was first, but the CLK more or less defined the change.

The CLK Coupe and Convertible replaced the W124 E-CLass coupe and convertible, and did so for more than $20K less - a price that made it far more attainable to the average buyer. They sold very well to middle-aged empty-nesters looking for a bit of sport without sacrificing room or comfort. The buyers weren't nearly as young as those for the Camaro/Mustang, but that was only because a $40K MSRP was more loan than most people starting out in life would want to saddle themselves with.

Despite being cheaper than prior comparable Benzes, the CLK did have some technological advantages - the Brake Assist feature added a new level of safety to emergency stopping, ESP was the most advanced traction control yet on a Mercedes-Benz, and the all new 3.2 liter V6 (the first V6 for Mercedes-Benz) was a terrific engine that gave all the power of the prior inline engines while reducing emissions by 40% and adding horsepower and torque. Additionally, the 5-speed driver-adaptive transmissions in these cars were among the most bulletproof ever made by Mercedes.

So even with (somewhat) different buyers, it's very fair to compare the CLK to the Camaro. They both came with a wide array of engines, both came as coupes and convertibles, and were both used in motorsports. The CLK is -without question - a German Pony Car.