2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK review from North America

The A/C seems to have a mind of it's own. It decides when I want to breathe the outside air or recirculated air. And chooses my fan speed for me every now and then.

Other than that, I haven't had much go wrong with it in my first month of "pre"ownership.

I've always wanted a German Luxury powerhouse-of-a-car. When I spotted this beauty for less than half of its original price of $60k, I just had to test drive it. And sure enough, I was taken in, and decided to take her home.

The leather seats are comfortable and breathable. The previous owner had opted out of getting the heated seat option, so I'll be a little chilly in the seat come winter.

The interior gadgetry is convenient, albeit a bit confusing. There are 2 CD players; a multi disc and a single disc. And a DVD nav. (first year option) player which is not touchscreen. Believe it or not, the car actually comes with an aux. mp3 plugin. You wouldn't recognize it if you saw it; a small silver port, installed in a random location on the right side of the inner glove compartment. The Harman Kardon speaker system isn't the most enjoyable, but it beats the one in my previous car.

The 300hp, 5.0L V8 is a work of art. Plenty of torque, coupled to a 7 speed automatic transmission (first year option on this car for the CLK500 only). A sport and comfort driving mode are offered. There is a noticeable change when Sport mode is activated; the revs seem to hold longer. I cannot seem to keep from grinning-n-gunning in this car. 0-60 times don't even matter. This car makes 300hp almost seem excessive, with it's throaty exhaust note, engine hum and seamless gear changes, as it accelerates to 60 and beyond.

The exterior appearance is breathtaking to say the least. Built on a stretched version of the C Class W203 platform, this particular CLK came with Mercedes' signature color, Pewter. Having always admired the pillarless B design, and modern day conveniences, this auto seemed more suitable then my personal favorite, the BMW 8 series. This one happened to come with an AMG appearance package and staggered 18" AMG wheels. The windows come with an attractive transparent blue tint unique to the CLK500. I park this car far away from other cars for 2 reasons: so no idiots hit it with their doors (even though it has side moldings), and because I enjoy looking at it from a distance.

The single fault I have with this car is the fact that the previous owner did not choose the bixenon headlamp option. Instead I'm left with bright white HIDs, which aren't bad mind you, but seem to detract from a car of this caliber.

Overall though, I'm extremely impressed with this car.