2005 MERCEDES BENZ CLK Cabrio (A209) 500 7AT RWD (388 HP)

Vehicle Overview

Mercedes-Benz refreshed its CLK lineup in 2005 for both versions: the coupe and the convertible versions to comply with the Euro 4 emissions regulations. Along with the facelift, the car received some changes in its look.

The three-pointed star brand didn’t have a proper E-Class convertible after it retired the W124 version in 1997. It replaced it with the CLK, which was based on the C-Class platform but with design elements from the E-Class. In 2003, the carmaker introduced the second generation of the CLK, which was facelifted in 2005.

The 2005 model kept a similar shape for the headlights, with twin rounded lamps on each side. Compared with the 2002 version, they had clear lenses. The grille received three slats instead of four as on the non-facelifted version. The taillights were redesigned as well. Both bumpers received a new design. Its black soft-top featured a defrosted glass rear window.

The interior was enhanced by introducing the new COMMAND 2.0 infotainment system, which featured a DVD-based navigation system. It also allowed an iPod integration via an external port installed in the glove compartment. The center stack design was modified, and the former commands carried over from the C-Class were replaced with newer ones.

Under the hood, the CLK was offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines ranged between 150 hp and 388 hp. Apart from the base engines (150 hp diesel, 163 hp, and 184 hp gasoline units), all the other versions received the new 7G-Tronic gearbox.