Press Release
MB CLK Cabriolet - In Depth
Design: simply irresistible
- Exclusivity and individuality as a design concept
- Exterior forms perfectly echoed in the interior
- Dynamic elegance and true cabriolet feel
- Interior featuring stunning blend of aesthetics and practicality
Individuality has always been one of the outstanding traits of the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class. Neither the Coup?????????????????? nor the Cabriolet are saloon derivatives. Instead their designs feature individual lines which emphasise their exclusive status and unmistakable character within the Stuttgart manufacturer's passenger car range. They are, quite literally, in a class of their own.
Stylistic individuality is the key to the success of the CLK model series, since it satisfies a desire held by many motorists: the desire for a coup?????????????????? or cabriolet that embodies and reflects an individual lifestyle.
The stylistic qualities that underpin that special CLK-Class exclusivity are even more impressively in evidence on the new Cabriolet than they are on the Coup??????????????????. Not least because the interior and exterior appear so perfectly matched when the soft-top is lowered ??????????????????????????????????????? a formal work of art in which the straight lines and smooth forms of the interior reflect the exterior styling.
The dashboard, for example, houses circular air outlets which fully capture the shape and essence of the prominent twin-headlamp face. And, just as the bonnet and front wings follow the rounded contours of the headlamps, so the air outlets with their elegant curves blend effortlessly into their surroundings. The perforated indirect air outlet on the dashboard ??????????????????????????????????????? mirroring the design of the other outlets ??????????????????????????????????????? and the rearwards-pointing circular outlets at the tail end of the transmission tunnel are perfect examples of this principle of formal integration. In the rear compartment, the impressive "air domes" on the soft-top well lid create a seamless visual link between the interior and the body.
Body: natural curves and lean, dynamic lines
The front view of the CLK-Class presents a unique appearance by virtue of a classic cabriolet radiator grille ??????????????????????????????????????? featuring prominent vanes and a large, centrally positioned Mercedes star ??????????????????????????????????????? and a new interpretation of the twin-headlamp face, featuring a compo-sition of two ellipses which merge effortlessly to form a single headlamp unit.
The eye is drawn away from the powerful CLK headlamps and along the bonnet and wings, which reflect the main theme of the design concept, namely an exciting interplay between convex and concave surfaces, given definition and structure by a series of precise lines. The surfaces arch gracefully and most closely resemble strong, tensed muscles, notably in the front wing and waistline areas.
The lines symbolise sporting prowess and powerful energy waiting to be unleashed, without compromising classic Mercedes cabriolet elegance in any way, shape or form. This effect is largely the result of the newly proportioned exterior. By making the body of the new Cabriolet larger than that of the previous model, the designers have created a dynamic and graceful silhouette that is perfectly in tune with the four-seater open-top concept.
Roof: sweeping lines and coup??????????????????-style elegance
Designing a cabriolet always throws up a double challenge. After all, these cars have to cut an impressive figure whether the roof is up or down. In the case of the new CLK Cabriolet, the designers set out to recreate the sweeping roof lines of the CLK Coup?????????????????? by incorporating slim, filigree pillars and large, frameless side windows.
This meant coming up with an all-new roof design. The answer was a soft-top frame that requires little space ??????????????????????????????????????? particularly in the area of the C-pillars ??????????????????????????????????????? and also allows for the integration of a substantially larger rear window. The engineers and designers can be justifiably proud of the masterpiece they have created: when the soft-top is closed, the side view of the CLK Cabriolet perfectly mirrors the impeccable design quality of its Coup?????????????????? counterpart. The filigree lines of the A-pillars give an impression of lightness, which is perfectly offset by the pronounced, taut curve of the waistline.
Thanks to sophisticated soft-top technology, it was also possible to retain the elegant C-pillar configuration of the Coup??????????????????. The soft-top slopes gently downwards towards the Cabriolet rear, rounding off the side view in harmonious style. The rear light clusters, drawn deep into the vehicle flanks, pick up the sweeping side lines and draw them downwards. The sweeping parallel lines of the bumper, boot lid and rear windscreen produce a uniquely rounded and sculpted appearance at the rear.
Interior: fine materials and stylish details
Aesthetics and ergonomic design are major aims whenever Mercedes-Benz designs and develops a car interior. And the new CLK Cabriolet offers further proof that the Sindelfingen designers and engineers are masters of both disciplines. Smooth forms, the finest materials, attractive colours and an obvious attention to detail immediately evoke feelings of passion, enjoyment and inner security.
The dashboard has several horizontal divisions; the upper section provides a visual contrast by virtue of its shape and a prominent overhang. This is accentuated by a colour contrast if a light interior colour is chosen. The centre console and transmission tunnel merge to form a sweeping S-shape, a further eye-catching feature of the CLK interior. This same dynamism is also apparent in the interior panels on the wide cabriolet doors.
All the controls are within easy reach. Furthermore, the main instrument dials ??????????????????????????????????????? speedometer, rev counter and clock ??????????????????????????????????????? feature a classic round design and provide crystal-clear information. Exquisite details such as the chrome surrounds on the dials and the generous fine-wood or decorative-aluminium trim which adorns the centre console enhance the high-quality feel of the interior.
The meticulous attention to detail shown by the Mercedes designers is also illustrated by the extended ellipsoid trim strip on the glove compartment lid, which illustrates form and function in perfect harmony: its shape emphasises the width of the dashboard whilst its perfectly integrated chrome strip accentuates the elegant character of the CLK Cabriolet. Even the simplest of functions ??????????????????????????????????????? such as the button for opening the glove compartment ??????????????????????????????????????? are elegantly incorporated with an unwavering attention to detail. A further detail discreetly yet effectively enhances the visual impact of the interior: the exquisitely formed trim in the door panels is perfectly reflected by the side panels in the rear of the Cabriolet. In short, the interior of the new CLK Cabriolet strikes the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality.
Individuality: attractive colours and high-quality trim
In keeping with the Mercedes "maximum individuality" philosophy, the new CLK-Class offers a whole host of personalisation options:
A choice of four colour shades for the ELEGANCE interior: anthracite, alpaca grey, pacific blue and, if leather upholstery is specified, pebble beige. This line comes with "ash brown" fine-wood trim combined with chrome.
Two standard interior colours for the AVANTGARDE line: anthracite and alpaca grey. Three further individual combinations are possible if leather upholstery is specified: anthracite/alpaca dark grey, anthracite/berry red and anthracite/dark blue. The trim parts are in "ellypta" aluminium, a combination of structure and sheen that creates a unique effect.
There is also a choice of eleven metallic and two non-metallic colour shades for the exterior. Two of these colours ??????????????????????????????????????? ice blue metallic and iolite blue metallic ??????????????????????????????????????? are exclusive to the CLK-Class. The fabric soft-top can be supplied in either black, blue or grey. For an even more personalised design ??????????????????????????????????????? as part of its designo range available from mid-2003 onwards ??????????????????????????????????????? Mercedes-Benz is to offer a further twelve metallic paint finishes, up to eleven shades for leather appointments and three unique trim designs. This exclusive range of options is rounded off by fine alcantara linings for the A-pillars and the roof frame, available in three different colour shades.
