2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet (A209) 5.4L V8 5AT (367 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Like its predecessor, the 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet (A209) was a niche model in the three-pointed star lineup. Apart from sitting between segments because of its size, it was also the only AMG convertible with four seats. Compared to its closest rival, the BMW M3 E46 Cabriolet, the CLK 55 AMG Cabrio had power, comfort, and passenger space on its side.

While the BMW was lighter, smaller, and had a high-revving inline-six, the CLK won the power battle thanks to a big V8 and offered better comfort thanks to more interior amenities, but it was also a lot more expensive. Neither of them was a track killer, so the Mercedes also won the sales race, but only by a nose, as it wasn’t the most mainstream type of car in the first place.

As the top dog in the CLK Cabriolet lineup, the 55 AMG was fitted with more things as standard, apart from benefitting from the performance expertise of AMG engineers. Fine leather upholstery, electrically operated front passenger seats, and automatic climate control were all standard. Since it was more of an open-top grand tourer, it was better suited to quickly cover long distances in complete comfort.

The model inherited many desirable traits since it was based on the C-Class (W203) platform. For example, unlike its predecessor, the 2004 CLK 55 AMG Cabriolet used a rack-and-pinion steering system instead of the previous model’s old recirculating ball design, inherited from the 1990s C-Class (W202). The aluminum multi-link rear suspension also made it more comfortable and infused it with much better handling.

Like the CLK 55 AMG coupe, the convertible was powered by a naturally aspirated, 5.4-liter V8 with 367 PS (362 HP) and 510 Nm (376 lb-ft) of torque. While those numbers aren’t massive by modern standards, they translated into a 0 to 100 kph (62 mph) acceleration time of 5.4 seconds, slightly quicker than the BMW M3 Convertible. That time was also 0.2 seconds slower than the CLK 55 AMG coupe because of the extra weight brought by bracing the convertible’s structure. The power was sent to the rear wheels through a 5-speed automatic transmission modified by AMG for quicker shifting.

Compared to the normal CLK Cabriolet, the 55 AMG version featured a different front apron and a traditional A-shaped lower grille for better cooling. The side profile could only be spotted as an AMG by checking out the 18-inch alloy wheels and the oversized side skirts. At the rear, a modified AMG bumper housing two exhaust tip, and a trunk lid spoiler were the only things differentiating it from the regular model, save for the “55 AMG” badging. Until the Audi RS4 Cabriolet arrived a few years later, it was the only four-seat, V8-powered car in its segment.