- Durable, proven powertrain
- Impressive ride/handling balance
- Accurate steering
- Outdated powertrain lacks power and refinement
- Delayed throttle response
- Restricted rear visibility
- Awkward rear seat access
Overview
Released in August 2008, the Mercedes-Benz CL203 CLC-Class range was a three-door, four-seat liftback. Manufactured in Germany, the rear-wheel drive CLC-Class range consisted solely of CLC 200 Kompressor which was available in standard and ‘Evolution’ editions. Beyond this, there were also optional ‘+’ packages, though these were replaced in 2010 by ‘Exclusive’ packages.
| Edition | Badge | Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CLC 200 Komp-ressor | N/A | N/A | 1.8-litre s/charged petrol I4 (M271) | 5sp auto, 6sp man. |
135 kW at 5500 rpm | 250 Nm at 2800-5000 rpm |
| Evolution | N/A | |||||
| Evolution | + | |||||
| Evolution | Exclusive |
Body and suspension
Compared to its CL203 C-Class Sport Coupe predecessor, the CLC-Class Coupe was 105 mm longer (at 4448 mm) and 1 mm lower (1405 mm), though width (1728 mm) and wheelbase length (2715 mm) were unchanged. Compared to its predecessor, the CLC-Class Coupe was distinguished by its updated front and rear styling which followed design cues introduced on the W204 C-Class .
Like the W203 C-Class sedan on which it was based, the CLC-Class Coupe had MacPherson strut front suspension with three links and independent, multi-link rear suspension.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Mercedes-Benz CL203 CLC-Class included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and seatbelts with pre-tensioners and load limiters for all seats.
Features: Mercedes-Benz CLC 200 Kompressor
Standard features for the standard Mercedes-Benz CLC 200 Kompressor included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, dual-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front and rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, automatic headlights, split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, an electrochromatic rear view mirror, a tyre pressure sensor, trip computer and immobiliser.
Mercedes-Benz CLC Class Evolution editions
The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class Evolution editions were further equipped with 17-inch light-alloy wheels, ‘Artico’ synthetic leather upholstery, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, speed-sensitive power steering (Mercedes-Benz’s ‘Direct Steer’), sports pedals in aluminium with rubber studs, black fabric roof lining, velour floor mats, aluminium interior highlights and grey-finished front apron mesh; automatic models were also fitted with gearshift paddles.
CLC Class: + and Exclusive packages
Beyond this, the ‘+’ and Exclusive packages added four-zone climate control air conditioning (‘Thermotronic’), power adjustable front seats, a power adjustable steering column, panoramic glass sunroof with tilt and slide functions, memory settings (front seats and steering column) and black birds-eye maple wood trim.
Related links
- Specifications: Mercedes-Benz CL203 CLC 200 Kompressor (August 2008)
- Wikipedia.org: Mercedes-Benz CL203 CLC-Class
