Body style: Convertible (spider/spyder, cabrio/cabriolet, drop/open/soft top)
Segment: Roadster & Convertible
Production years: 1998, 1999
Mercedes-Benz delayed three years introducing a replacement for the C124/A124 models, but when it finally unveiled the C208/A208 range, the customers were satisfied.
The German premium carmaker had a long, uninterrupted history in producing mid-size open-top vehicles. When it introduced the 1995 E-Class, the customers hoped that the coupe and the convertible would follow in 1996. Yet, they had to wait until 1998, when the three-pointed-star brand unveiled the CLK. It built it on the same platform as the first-generation C-Class (W202), but with E-Class styling.
Mercedes hired Michael Fink to design the new range. He installed an E-Class-inspired front fascia with similar dual-headlamp headlights and a tilted, four-slats chromed grille between them. The bumper sported a smiling-shaped lower grille and a pair of fog lights. From its sides, the raked and thick A-pillars served as a safety-arch as well. Thus, the carmaker didn't have to install an additional protecting arch behind the front seats. The power-operated top was covered in the back by an integrated tonneau, which completely hid the soft-top when retracted.
Since it was based on the W202 platform, which featured a shorter wheelbase than the E-Class sedan, the A208 couldn't offer the same interior room. Moreover, to accommodate the folding roof behind the cabin, the rear bench had to be moved forward. That led to limited rear legroom.
The engine lineup ranged between a 136 hp inline-four and a 275 hp V-8. Apart from these, Mercedes-Benz offered an AMG version with a 5.5-liter V-8 unit.
ENGINE SPECS - 200 5AT RWD (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1998 cm3 |
Power: | 100 KW @ 5500 RPM 136 HP @ 5500 RPM 134 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 140 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM 190 Nm @ 3700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 124 mph (200 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.8 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/55 R16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 179.9 in (4569 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 54.3 in (1379 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.1/57.9 in (1,501/1,471 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.9 in (2690 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.4 cuFT (238 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3307 lbs (1500 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4365 lbs (1980 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.7 mpg US (15 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27.4 mpg US (8.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22.4 mpg US (10.5 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 232 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 200 5MT RWD (136 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 1998 cm3 |
Power: | 100 KW @ 5500 RPM 136 HP @ 5500 RPM 134 BHP @ 5500 RPM |
Torque: | 140 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM 190 Nm @ 3700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 127 mph (204 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 12.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/55 HR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 179.9 in (4569 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 54.3 in (1379 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.1/57.9 in (1,501/1,471 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.9 in (2690 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.4 cuFT (238 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3251 lbs (1475 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4365 lbs (1980 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 18 mpg US (13.1 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 25 mpg US (9.4 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 230 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 Kompressor 5AT RWD (192 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2295 cm3 |
Power: | 141.2 KW @ 5300 RPM 192 HP @ 5300 RPM 189 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 199 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 270 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Supercharged Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 140 mph (225 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.2 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 179.9 in (4569 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 54.3 in (1379 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.1/57.9 in (1,501/1,471 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.9 in (2690 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.4 cuFT (238 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3351 lbs (1520 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4409 lbs (2000 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 14.7 mpg US (16 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 27.7 mpg US (8.5 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 239 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 230 Kompressor 5MT RWD (192 HP) | |
---|---|
Cylinders: | L4 |
Displacement: | 2295 cm3 |
Power: | 141.2 KW @ 5300 RPM 192 HP @ 5300 RPM 189 BHP @ 5300 RPM |
Torque: | 199 lb-ft @ 2500 RPM 270 Nm @ 2500 RPM |
Fuel System: | Supercharged Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 143 mph (230 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 9.1 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed manual |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 179.9 in (4569 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 54.3 in (1379 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.1/57.9 in (1,501/1,471 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.9 in (2690 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.4 cuFT (238 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3196 lbs (1450 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4475 lbs (2030 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15.8 mpg US (14.9 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 32.2 mpg US (7.3 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 23.3 mpg US (10.1 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 239 g/km |
ENGINE SPECS - 320 V6 5AT RWD (218 HP) | |
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Cylinders: | V6 |
Displacement: | 3199 cm3 |
Power: | 160.3 KW @ 5600 RPM 218 HP @ 5600 RPM 215 BHP @ 5600 RPM |
Torque: | 227 lb-ft @ 3000 RPM 308 Nm @ 3000 RPM |
Fuel System: | Multipoint Injection |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
Fuel capacity: | 16.4 gallons (62.1 L) |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 147 mph (237 km/h) |
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph): | 8.3 s |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | 5-speed automatic |
BRAKES SPECS | |
---|---|
Front: | Ventilated Discs |
Rear: | Discs |
TIRES SPECS | |
---|---|
Tire Size: | 205/55 VR16 |
DIMENSIONS | |
---|---|
Length: | 179.9 in (4569 mm) |
Width: | 67.7 in (1720 mm) |
Height: | 54.3 in (1379 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 59.1/57.9 in (1,501/1,471 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 105.9 in (2690 mm) |
Ground Clearance: | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
Cargo Volume: | 8.4 cuFT (238 L) |
Aerodynamics (Cd): | 0.32 |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 3571 lbs (1620 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 4564 lbs (2070 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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City: | 15 mpg US (15.7 L/100Km) |
Highway: | 31 mpg US (7.6 L/100Km) |
Combined: | 22.2 mpg US (10.6 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 248 g/km |