First Test: 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG
A dense array of luxury features and convenience items fills the CLK's interior, though the layout is more logical and intuitively manageable than some recent Mercedes. Front seats are an AMG-specific sport design, giving reasonable lateral retention while retaining the complex power adjustability, pneumatic contouring, and memory you expect. The back seat is sculpted into two buckets.
At $69,470 suggested retail, the CLK55 AMG is a lot of money, but it's also a lot of car. The pieces come together in a particularly happy way, blending the sheer thrust we've loved since the '60s with 21st-century polish.
| 2003 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG |
| Base price | $69,470 |
| Vehicle layout | Front engine, rwd, 2-door, 4-pass |
| Engine | 5.5L/362-hp V-8, SOHC, 3 valves/cyl |
| 0-60 mph, sec | 4.9 |
| 1/4 mile, sec@mph | 13.24 @ 107.41 |
| Braking, 60-0, ft | 116 |
| 600-ft slalom, mph | 65.8 |
| Skidpad, g | 0.83 |
| On sale in U.S. | Currently |