2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK350

Based on the same chassis as the C-Class sedans but adding aggressive power and styling, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 was powered by a 3.5-liter, 24-valve, double-overhead-cam V-6 engine that produced 268 horsepower.

The standard transmission was a seven-speed automatic with electronically controlled shifting and a driver-adaptive system that automatically adjusted shift points based on a driver's style. In addition, the transmission had a Touch Shift feature that allowed the driver to upshift or downshift manually by nudging the shift lever left or right.

New for the CLK350 for 2007 was an optional Sport package, which included such features as 17-inch staggered-width 10-spoke wheels, upgraded cross-drilled braked rotors, rubber-studded aluminum pedals, a lowered ride height, and a sport-tuned suspension.

Standard features for the CLK350 included an Electronic Stability Program that monitored steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving. Anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist were also part of the standard package.

Interior features included 10-way power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, premium leather upholstery, hand-polished wood trim, individually contoured rear seats, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, power windows, electronic cruise control, digital dual-zone automatic climate control, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.

The CLK350 was available in both coupe and cabriolet (convertible) versions. The convertible in particular drew high marks from drivers, but they also noted that options for the vehicle could be expensive, and some decried the fact that the vehicle was available only in black, white, and silver.