Mercedes-Benz CLK320

Since in the mid-1990s, Mercedes-Benz has been on a bit of a tear, expanding a number of its existing lines and introducing new ones in an effort to create cars that appealed to just about any (luxury) taste. One of its newer lines, introduced in 1998, is the CLK320, which consists of a sport coupe and convertible with components borrowed from a number of Mercedes' other lines. For instance, styling elements for the CLK320 were drawn from the E-Class, while underpinnings such as the chassis were taken from the C-Class, and various high-tech components were borrowed from the SLK-Class.

All in all, that's a pretty good pedigree, and the rear-wheel-drive CLK320 was a hit with drivers right out of the box. In fact, drivers and critics alike were impressed with the new CLK320 when it made its first appearance in showrooms.

Only one version of the car, a two-door hardtop coupe, was available in its first year. The CLK320 was longer and lower than the C-Class, with a new 215-horsepower, 3.2-liter, overhead-cam V6 engine that would soon makes its way into a number of other Mercedes' vehicles, including the C320, the E320, and the ML320.

The following year, Mercedes introduced a convertible version of the CLK320, which featured a powered, three-layer soft top with a glass rear window. The soft top mimicked the hardtop's roofline when in place, and stowed out-of-the-way when dropped down. The convertible had a reinforced chassis and body to prevent body flexing over rough roads. It, too, was powered by the 215-horsepower V6.

Mercedes dropped a lot of new technology into the CLK320, including a Smart Key electronic anti-theft ignition system that replaced a regular key, and optional rain-sensing windshield wipers that automatically varied in speed depending on the amount of rain. Another new feature was Brake Assist, which applied full braking in an emergency situation. Of course, the CLK320 vehicles also came with a wide range of standard luxury features, as expected in any Mercedes.