Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes CLK Coupe

The whole world may be going crazy for the latest Harry Potter book, but not me. My current bedtime reading is an even lengthier affair than JK Rowling's 607-page epic. I'm ploughing my way through the owner's manual for our long-term Mercedes CLK270 CDI - all 782 pages of it.

Pros
  • Interior layout, pillarless doors, comprehensive manual, cruising ability
Cons
  • Coarse engine, unusable Bluetooth, fuel economy, hours spent with handbook
Find your Mercedes CLK
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

The whole world may be going crazy for the latest Harry Potter book, but not me. My current bedtime reading is an even lengthier affair than JK Rowling's 607-page epic. I'm ploughing my way through the owner's manual for our long-term Mercedes CLK270 CDI - all 782 pages of it.

Advertisement - Article continues below

No, I'm not joking. In all, there are five separate hand-books, including a 238-page guide to the COMAND satellite-navigation system, as well as the 434-page owner's manual. So why, given that the Merc has now been with us for three months and covered more than 5,500 miles, do I find myself spending hours poring over the literature?

Well, I'm trying to get to the bottom of all the electrical operating systems. Most are straight-forward, but everyone who has driven the CLK has found the buttons around the screen fiddly to use and the sat-nav voice impossible to turn off. While I now know that pressing and holding the mute button turns off the audible directions, I am still com-pletely stumped by the Bluetooth link.

This should allow me to do away with having an unsightly hands-free kit wrapped around my ear, but I've struggled to get the system to work. The car detects my phone, yet despite ploughing through the manual on several occasions, it won't function properly.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

22,196 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,787
View Range Rover Evoque
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,700
View Corsa
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

29,225 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,900
View Puma
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf

A phone call to Mercedes clarified the matter. At the moment, the company isn't happy with the connectivity - so, although there's a Bluetooth button, the system has been disabled until the technology works flawlessly. It's not only the complex controls I'm struggling with. The manual backrest adjustment for the seat is really badly positioned. The knob is on the side of the chair, down by the centre console, and it's very difficult to reach.

Still, these gripes aside, the CLK270 remains a very desirable car. I love the interior design, the comprehensive trip computer and the extending arm that automatically presents the seatbelt.

As we mentioned in the last report, the ageing five-cylinder diesel is rather rough, and the extra miles haven't changed that - nor improved the economy much: it's risen from 30.5 to 32.3mpg. However, Mercedes has launched a new 3.0-litre V6 diesel, and it's a much superior powerplant. Perhaps it's time to consider an upgrade?

Second Opinion

I really don't get on very well with our long-term CLK Coup�. The five-cylinder diesel isn't refined under acceleration, there's too much lag when pulling away from traffic lights and the flat front seats need more lateral support. It's practical, but I also think the CLK is a touch dull - which a coup� shouldn't be.
Piers Ward, road tester

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,820Avg. savings £5,038 off RRP*Used from £13,157
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,995
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025