Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Cabriolet (A209) · CLK Cabriolet

A209

Second-generation CLK open-top grand touring.

Production
2002–2010
Built
78,066
Body
Cabriolet
Chassis
A209
Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Cabriolet (A209) (A209)

Refined rather than reinvented, the second-generation CLK Cabriolet kept the formula that had made the A208 a sales success — and stretched it across a longer production run with updated styling, safety, and powertrain choices.

The A209 arrived in 2003 on an evolved W209 platform shared with the C209 coupé: crisper lines, improved aerodynamics, and a wider spread of engines from efficient four-cylinders through AMG V8s. The power-folding soft top remained, as did the CLK's positioning as Mercedes-Benz's approachable four-seat open car — less exotic than an SL, more sporting than the E-Class cabriolet that would eventually succeed it.

Production continued until 2010, by which time Mercedes-Benz had built 78,066 examples of the A209 CLK Cabriolet — the most numerous CLK convertible generation and the last before the E-Class Cabriolet and later C-Class Cabriolet assumed the role.

A209 interior
Cabin details of the A209, as preserved in period photography.

Every model.

15 model designations across 2002–2010 — engines, chassis codes and production figures for the A209.

ModèleMillésimesProductionChâssisMoteurBoîteTotal
CLK 320 CDI2006–201010.2005–2010209.420642.910inclus ci-dessus
CLK 200 CGI2002–200302.2002–02.2003209.443271.94235
CLK 200 Kompressor2003–200502.2003–05.2005209.442271.94028,951
CLK 200 Kompressor200605.2005–04.2007209.442271.940inclus ci-dessus
CLK 200 Kompressor2007–201012.2006–2010209.441271.950inclus ci-dessus
CLK 2402003–200503.2003–05.2005209.461112.9126,209
CLK 2802006–201007.2005–2010209.454272.940inclus ci-dessus
CLK 3202003–200503.2003–05.2005209.465112.95524,068
CLK 3502006–201005.2005–2010209.456272.960inclus ci-dessus
CLK 5002003–200504.2003–05.2005209.475113.96815,912
CLK 500200605.2005–06.2006209.475113.968inclus ci-dessus
CLK 5002007–201006.2006–2010209.472273.967inclus ci-dessus
CLK 500 designo by Giorgio Armani20052005–2005209.475113.968100
CLK 55 AMG2003–200504.2003–05.2005209.476113.9872,711
CLK DTM AMG20062006–2006209.442113.994722.64980
CLK 55 AMG200605.2005–05.2006209.476113.987inclus ci-dessus
CLK 63 AMG2007–201006.2006–2010209.477156.982inclus ci-dessus

* Le chiffre de production publié couvre toutes les séries de ce modèle ; la source ne le détaille pas davantage.

A209 side profile
Studio profile of the A209 — the proportions that defined this chassis.

Year by year.

From the larger second-generation cabriolet through its engine and appearance updates — the A209 changes that matter.

  1. 2004
    • The second-generation CLK Cabriolet reached the US as CLK 320 and CLK 500 models with a three-layer power soft top, automatic rollover protection and 12-percent greater torsional rigidity than the A208.
    • The CLK 55 AMG added a 362-hp 5.4-litre M113 V8, AMG brakes, suspension, bodywork and quad exhaust outlets.
  2. 2005
    • The 100-car designo by Giorgio Armani edition paired sand-coloured matte paint with coordinated leather and trim on the CLK 500 Cabriolet.
    • DIRECT CONTROL axle bearings, more direct steering, shorter manual shift travel, revised audio/navigation and optional bi-xenon cornering lamps arrived as running updates.
  3. 2006
    • The main facelift brought a V-shaped lower intake, three-bar grille, revised tail lamps, new instruments and switches.
    • New M272 V6 models replaced CLK 240/320 with CLK 280/350; CLK 320 CDI joined in Europe, and seven-speed 7G-Tronic spread through the range.
  4. 2007
    • The CLK 55 AMG gave way to the CLK 63 AMG with the naturally aspirated M156 V8 and 7G-Tronic AMG Speedshift.
    • The 5.5-litre M273 V8 replaced the 5.0-litre M113; US cars were badged CLK 550 while many other markets retained CLK 500.
  5. 2009
    • Final US model year for the CLK 350 and CLK 550 Cabriolets; remaining A209 production continued for other markets before the E-Class Cabriolet replaced it.
  6. 2010
    • A209 production ended, closing the CLK Cabriolet line before the A207 adopted E-Class badging.
A209 rear three-quarter view
Rear three-quarter view of the A209.