Mercedes-Benz Launches New-Generation CLK Cabriolet

Sporty Four-Seat Convertible Features Knockout Styling and High-Tech Comfort

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., Aug. 19 -- Mercedes-Benz, the only automaker that has offered uninterrupted availability of convertible vehicles since the 1950s, is introducing its next-generation CLK Cabriolet to the U.S. market. Based on the stylish lines of the new-generation CLK coupe launched last year, the 2004 CLK Cabriolet features a fully automatic soft top and sensor-controlled pop-up roll bars disguised as two rear head restraints. Not only is the convertible top fully automatic for the first time on the CLK, but it can now also be operated remotely with the key. While the CLK Cabriolet can provide open-air driving pleasure at the touch of a button, its multi-layer convertible top is also designed to ensure year-round comfort and low interior noise.

As with the CLK coupe, Mercedes will offer three fun-to-drive Cabriolet models in the U.S. market. The CLK320 is powered by a 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter V6, while the new CLK500 uses a 302-hp, 5.0-liter V8 like the SL500 roadster and the larger CL500 coupe. In addition to the larger-displacement V8 engine, the CLK500 Cabriolet is equipped exclusively with 17-inch AMG wheels and a body design package, plus larger brakes and additional detail differences from the CLK320.

Later in the 2004 model year, Mercedes-Benz will add a Cabriolet version of its high-performance CLK55 AMG. Powered by a 362-horsepower, 5.5-liter hand-built V8 engine, the CLK55 AMG brings even stronger acceleration to the Cabriolet family. All CLK models use a five-speed adaptive automatic transmission with TouchShift that allows manual-style gear selection by pushing the gear lever left to downshift or right to upshift.

The latest CLK line is identified by a new version of the traditional Mercedes coupe/roadster front-end design, placing the three-pointed star in the center of a low, wide grill that blends with the now-signature Mercedes-Benz face. What appear to be four lights are actually two ellipses that form a single unit on each side.

The original CLK cabriolet's ability to carry four people and their luggage helped the car succeed in a market segment that has since seen other luxury cabriolets disappear. The current CLK is even roomier and more practical than its predecessor, adding rear headroom, elbow / hip room and knee room.

One of the World's Safest Convertibles

The CLK line features the latest Mercedes-Benz safety technology, including dual-stage front airbags, rear side airbags and -- on Cabriolet models -- new head/thorax sidebags in the front. Impact severity is the primary factor in determining the deployment force of the front airbags. However, deployment of the front passenger seat airbag is further influenced by sensors in the seat cushion that can classify the occupant weight, or by the sensors in the BabySmart system that inhibit deployment when the BabySmart child seat is properly installed. A full array of Mercedes safety inventions are also present, including ABS anti-lock brakes, straight-line traction control, ESP stability control, and Brake Assist.

If any one of the CLK's airbags or seatbelt tensioners deploy, the standard Tele Aid system immediately generates a direct call to an emergency response center over a dedicated cellular line with redundant antennas. The vehicle's location is provided to the response specialist at the other end by GPS satellite transponders. If needed, emergency response can be summoned immediately, with exact vehicle location, plus full information on the car model and color for quick recognition by emergency services.

High-End Luxury In A Mid-Luxury Cabriolet

The CLK interior is stylishly sporty, rich and well-appointed. The instrument panel uses an aesthetically pleasing mix of analog gauges and vertical LCD bar graphs for the fuel gauge and the coolant temperature. The lines of the dashboard are complemented by the soft-touch surface, providing a luxurious feel and high-quality appearance. The interior design, exclusive to the CLK, is practical as well as inviting. Automatic front seatbelt presenters offer convenience and comfort. When the front occupants close their doors, an electric motor on each side extends an arm that holds the buckle, making it easier for the occupants to reach the belts. The belt presenters retract once the seat belts are buckled.

Standard luxury features include dual-zone electronic climate control with a sun sensor to optimize air distribution and a separate blower for the rear seats to ensure optimal comfort for each passenger. A Bose(R) premium sound system uses eight strategically located speakers and digital processing to actively adjust system output to compensate for ambient noise. The 10-way adjustable power front seats are unique to the CLK line. When activated by the driver through the settings in the multi-functional display, the seat and/or steering column will automatically move to create more space for easier entry to or exit from the vehicle.

The CLK steering wheel comes from the SL coupe/roadster and is power-adjustable for tilt and reach. Rocker buttons on its spokes provide an easy and convenient way to control many of the car's systems -- the display in the center of the speedometer is linked to illuminated buttons on the steering wheel, allowing the driver to view the selected radio station, a personal phone book or even navigation instructions when the optional COMAND system with GPS navigation is ordered.

Standard rain-sensing windshield wipers, entrance lights and auto-dimming mirrors add an extra layer of luxury that helps take some of the stress out of daily driving. The bi-level glove box accommodates the optional 6-disc CD changer, leaving a lower shelf for personal items. The center console houses an adjustable-height armrest that also doubles as a storage compartment.

High-Tech Options

Optional Distronic radar-based cruise control can maintain a set distance from the vehicle traveling in front. Another new option for the CLK line is a Keyless Go system, which unlocks and starts the car at the touch of specific buttons on the exterior door handles and the gearshift knob.

Bi-xenon high-intensity gas-discharge headlights (HID) -- which employ a shutter to switch the high-intensity xenon bulb from low beam to high beam -- are available on both CLK models. These state-of-the-art lights also include dynamic headlight range adjusters that adjust the angle of the beam in response to the car's body movement and a high-pressure water jet wash system.

The optional COMAND system integrates the display and controls for GPS satellite navigation, the premium audio system and the optional cellular telephone. An optional voice-operated system controls both the major telephone functions and the audio system. Other options, including Parktronic parking assist, ventilated seats, an electronic trunk closer and a wood/leather steering wheel, bring even more premium-level luxury to the new CLK.

Thoroughbred Chassis

The fun-to-drive CLK line uses a strut front suspension with split lower links, and the rear suspension is a refined version of the patented multi-link design used on all Mercedes passenger cars. A new, lighter rack-and-pinion steering system has replaced the previous recirculating ball system to provide greater steering precision and a sportier feel. The CLK also features speed- sensitive parameter steering, which provides ample power-steering assist for easy parking and low-speed maneuvers, then reduces the boost at speed for optimal road feel.

All CLK models feature "staggered" wheels and tires (wider, lower-profile tires on the rear). The standard setup for the CLK320 includes seven-spoke 16 x 7.0-inch front wheels with 205/55 HR16 tires and 16 x 8.0-inch rear wheels with 225/50 HR16 tires. The CLK500 uses larger 17 x 7.5-inch front wheels with 225/45 ZR17 tires and 17 x 8.5-inch rear wheels with 245/40 ZR17 tires.

About Mercedes-Benz USA

Mercedes-Benz USA is headquartered near New York City in Montvale, NJ and is responsible for the U.S. sales, service and marketing of Mercedes-Benz cars and light trucks as well as the Maybach super-luxury sedan. MBUSA employs about 1,500 people in 20 different locations around the nation. In 2002, the company sold 213,225 vehicles through a nationwide network of over 300 retailers in the U.S., setting the highest-ever sales volume in its history for the sixth straight year.

NOTE TO EDITORS: This story and high-resolution photos can be downloaded from the MBUSA news-media website at: http://media.mbusa.com