2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK550

New for 2007, the Mercedes-Benz CLK550 replaced the previous year's CLK500, and as the new nomenclature indicated, the CLK550 was equipped with a more powerful 5.5-liter, 32-valve, double-overhead-cam V-8 engine that produced a peppy 382 horsepower. Like the other CLKs, it was based on the same chassis as the C-Class sedans, and slotted under the high-end CL luxury coupes in Mercedes' lineup.

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.

The CLK550 was available in both coupe and cabriolet (convertible) versions. The cabriolet was equipped with an insulated, triple-layer soft top with a glass heated rear window. By pushing a single button on the console or on the car's SmartKey remote controller, the driver could automatically raise or lower the convertible top as well as all four side windows.

Standard features for the CLK550 included an Electronic Stability Program that monitored steering and braking to keep the car stable and balanced under aggressive driving. All-speed traction control, anti-lock brakes and Brake Assist were also part of the standard package.

As far as design was concerned, the CLK550 received a new black grille with three chrome ribs, as well as a new front air dam, front fog lamps, side skirts, rear apron, rear spoiler, and polished-chrome exhaust finishers, all designed by AMG, the in-house performance tuner for Mercedes.

Inside, standard features included 10-way power-adjustable front seats with three memory settings, premium leather upholstery, hand-polished wood trim, a leather-trimmed four-spoke steering wheel, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, finger-tip shift panels behind the steering wheel spokes, a digital dual-zone automatic climate control, power windows, electronic cruise control, and a six-speaker AM/FM stereo system with a CD player.

Drivers were particularly impressed with the CLK550's 382-horsepower engine, as well as its handling and styling. However, some drivers found the suspension a bit soft for a sports car, and felt the car's navigation system and fuel economy were below par.