2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet Review

As it's smooth tooling around town, top down/music up, peeps on the sidewalk never dream this pretty little droptop is harboring the automotive equivalent of a typhoon under its hood.

A true “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing”, the cast aluminum 382-horsepower V8 engine residing in the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet harbors some 20 more horsepower than the engine in the CLK 55 AMG model (recently superceded by the all-new V8 that powers the CLK 63 AMG). The CLK 550's engine delivers 391 foot-pounds of peak torque between 2800 and 4800 rpm, with 293 foot-pounds available at just 1000 rpm.

Smoky burnouts?

Traction control off – no problem.

But in true MBZ fashion, there’s more to the Mercedes CLK 550 Cab’s skill-set than just drag racer-like speed. It also has a comfortable ride and is very adept in the corners, thanks to its multilink suspension system, ESP, speed sensitive steering, and very powerful cross drilled and vented disc brakes.

The multilink suspension system is calibrated specifically to reduce dive under braking and squat under acceleration. Additionally, it keeps the car relatively flat when changing directions, so the tires always have the largest contact patch possible. The sport suspension package on our test car gave it a slightly lowered ride height with stiffer shocks and springs to improve handling even further. However, as a testament to the prowess of Stuttgart’s chassis engineers, the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet, even with the sport suspension, still delivers a comfortable ride when doing errands and such. Additinally the body is so rigid that no cowl shake or body squirm is ever evident.

When we weren’t marveling at the CLK Cabriolet’s outstanding performance capabilities, the mesmerizing beauty and generous wealth of amenities found in its passenger compartment enraptured us. Delightfully flowing lines accentuated by graceful arcs mimic the exterior styling of the car, while the controls are logically laid out, their functions readily discernable. The center stack’s main focal point is the monitor that displays the various functions of the remarkably easy to use COMAND system, which integrates the audio system, navigation system and telephone into a single unit that can be operated via controls on the steering wheel. Naturally, the dual zone climate control system is automatic and features both a sun sensor and charcoal filtration.

The audio setup in our tester was comprised of a CD player; XM/Sirius satellite radio and an iPod integration kit that gave the COMAND system full control over all of the functions of the MP3 device using buttons on the steering wheel. All of this sonic wonder was delivered through a Harmon/Kardon Logic7 surround audio system that pumped 320 watts through 10 speakers. Its most visible component, the dual ported subwoofer riding between the rear seats.

 

 

One of our favorite moves during our time with the car was lowering the roof by remote using the SmartKey as we approached the vehicle. It was as if the Benz was saying. “Welcome back! Hey, it’s really nice today, where are we going next?” Plus the look on bystander’s faces when the top retracted and nobody was in the car was priceless. By the way, while nearly everyone else has gone to a folding steel lid, the CLK’s is an insulated, triple layer soft one. Inside the Mercedes with the top raised though, if you didn't know, you’d be amazed to learn you were in a convertible. The top is nicely lined and the extra insulation makes it pleasantly quiet at speed.

To say the 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet is multi-dimensional is to truly engage in understatement. Here’s a car nice enough to get respect from parking attendants and toll collectors, but suitably subdued so as not to stand out in garish fashion. The Mercedes offers a broad array of luxury amenities, with a smooth, quet ride and the comfort and convenience equipment to rival any other luxury model. Yet, it offers the dynamic performance of a muscle car, the braking and handling of a sports car, and to top it all off (no pun intended), a convertible roof.

The CLK 550 Cabriolet is a car to get if you want to have the best of as many different worlds as possible in one automobile.

2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK 550 Cabriolet
Base Price $64,900
Engine: 5.5-liter DOHC 32-valve V8
Horsepower: 382 @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 391 foot-pounds @ 4500 rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic with manual shift mode
Drivetrain: Front engine / rear drive
Fuel Economy: 15 city / 21 highway