Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Cabriolet

The tenure of the Mercedes-Benz CLK 350 Cabriolet:

Comprising some 830 parts, the eight-layer hood has been effectively designed to keep the weather outside and, in winter, the warmth inside and the provision of an inch thick layer of insulated padding makes the CLK extremely thermally efficient, while all this protection also ensures that this Cabrio is much quieter on the move than its predecessor ever was.

Operating the roof couldn’t be much easier. There are no clips or fasteners, just the press of a button on the centre console or the key fob and, 17 seconds later, the roof is neatly stowed away beneath the flush cover.
Should the rain swiftly return, then a mere 20 seconds is all it takes to automatically raise the roof and the soft top can even be operated when the car is moving at up to five miles per hour – ideal if raindrops keep falling on your head when the car is stuck in traffic.

With top up or down, the CLK Cabriolet looks good to interested bystanders and, with thinner door pillars and a larger rear glass windscreen than in its predecessor, it delivers class-leading overall visibility of around 85%.

And with Mercedes-Benz, topless driving does not come at the expense of boot space for, with the hood stowed away 276-litres of luggage area is available, while the volume increases to a class-leading 390-litres with the roof in situ.
There are five different petrol engines from which to choose in the CLK Cabriolet range, accelerating from the 200 Kompressor, through the 280, 350 and 500 topping out at the flagship 63 AMG boasting a high revving 6,208cc V8 engine delivering 481bhp at 6,800 rpm.

This two-door CLK Cabrio range includes three distinct trim levels, Avantgarde, Elegance and Sport with the entry models boasting a generous level of standard equipment including the likes of automatic climate control, four electric windows, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, electrically adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors, six-speaker sound system with CD and six airbags, while driver safety aids include Electronic Stability Program (ESP) with Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) and ABS braking with Brake Assist (BA).

Driven here is the 350 Sport model which comes with the added attraction of AMG body-styling, 18-inch AMG alloys, boot lid spoiler, perforated front discs with M-B lettering, sports exhaust and multi-function steering wheel.

Paired with the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission system with the so-called tipfunction change facility which introduces some driver involvement with clutchless manual gearchanging when required, the 3.5-litre petrol engine proved a smooth operator using its 272bhp to good effect, the 0-60mph dash coming in under seven seconds, while delivering some strong mid-range punch to accompany the glorious sound emanating from the twin chrome exhaust pipe.

There’s stacks of electric adjustment for the driver’s seat, plus good rake and reach movement on the steering wheel, which combine well to produce a driving position to suit most folk.
And while life was very comfortable for two in the rear of the old model, increased leg and headroom should now make the rear seating even more accommodating.

With top up or down, the CLK Cabrio is nicely refined on the road, devoid of torsional shudder which can be experienced in some cabrios. While perhaps not quite as driver-involving as some rivals, it handles well.
Its dignified yet sporty demeanour continues to turn heads and so it should since, after all, this is a hugely attractive and very fine convertible grand tourer.

Last year, more than 100,000 new cabriolet models were sold in the UK, which translated into 4.29 per cent of the new car market.
This placed Britain in second place for drop-top sales behind Germany and ahead of France and Spain.
The Mercedes CLK Cabriolet, which positively oozes class, will, no doubt, still make quite a contribution to the great British summer.

Model: Mercedes CLK-Class Cabriolet 350 Sport
Price: pounds 44,415

Mechanical: 272bhp, 3,498cc, 6cyl petrol engine driving rear wheels via 7spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 6.7 secs
Combined mpg: 28
Insurance group: 20
CO2 emissions: 244g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/unlimited mileage, 30yrs paint, 30yrs anti-rust
Top down: The Mercedes CLK Cabriolet, which positively oozes class, will, no doubt, still make quite a contribution to the great British summer. Eventually.; Top of the class The 155mph Mercedes CLK-Class Cabriolet 350 Sport boasts 272bhp from a 3,498cc six cylinder engine.