The Mercedes-Benz CLC, a model designation that might not immediately ring a bell for all Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts, represents a significant chapter in the brand’s history, particularly in its approach to attracting a new generation of customers. Officially unveiled at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin in January 2008, the CLC was essentially a thoroughly updated version of the Sports Coupé models that were still part of the 203 series C-Class. This revamp was extensive, involving over 1,100 newly developed or enhanced parts, signaling Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to keeping this sporty three-door model fresh and appealing.
Design and Exterior Refresh of the CLC Mercedes-Benz
One of the most striking aspects of the CLC Mercedes-Benz was its redesigned exterior. Mercedes-Benz focused on aligning the CLC’s appearance with the brand’s contemporary design language, as seen in the 204-series C-Class Saloon and Estate models. The front section underwent a fundamental transformation, becoming more pronounced with a distinctive sweep. The radiator grille featured three louvres, a signature Mercedes-Benz styling cue. The headlamps were newly developed units incorporating halogen projection technology. Adding to the sporty aesthetic, the front bumper included a trapezoidal cooling air inlet with simulated side air inlets.
Alt text: Front view of a Mercedes-Benz CLC showcasing its redesigned front fascia with three-louvre grille and sporty bumper, emphasizing the contemporary Mercedes-Benz design language.
At the rear, the CLC Mercedes-Benz also received significant attention. The design emphasized width, achieved through enlarged, two-section rear lights arranged horizontally. Compared to its predecessor, the rear spoiler was less prominent, contributing to a cleaner, more modern look. The bumper, finished with a diffuser-look, further enhanced the refreshed and sporty lines of the CLC.
Interior and Features of the CLC Sports Coupé
Inside the CLC Mercedes-Benz, the sporty theme continued with numerous details that aimed to create a dynamic and engaging environment. The cockpit and seats were designed to convey a sporty impression. Standard seat upholstery options included black, alpaca grey, and black/red. For those seeking a more luxurious touch, leather upholstery was available, including a cognac brown option when combined with the Sport package. Trim materials varied depending on the chosen package, with dark brushed aluminum offered with the Sport package and a lighter color trim in the standard version.
Standard equipment in the CLC Mercedes-Benz was generous, featuring sport seats with enhanced lateral support and an easy-entry function, THERMATIC automatic climate control, a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, six airbags, and belt tensioners and belt force limiters for all seats. Mercedes-Benz also offered a comprehensive list of optional extras to personalize the CLC, including a panoramic sliding sunroof, heavily tinted rear windows, various infotainment systems, and bi-xenon headlights with cornering light function.
Alt text: Interior of a Mercedes-Benz CLC highlighting the sporty cockpit design, seats, and dashboard layout with THERMATIC climate control and multifunction steering wheel.
The optional Sport package amplified the sporty character of the CLC Mercedes-Benz. It included distinctive features such as headlamps with dark surrounds, darkened rear lights, a black interior headliner, and larger 18-inch light-alloy wheels, further emphasizing the sporty aesthetic and appeal to driving enthusiasts.
Upgraded Infotainment Systems in the CLC Mercedes-Benz
A key focus of the CLC model update was the significant advancement in its infotainment systems. Mercedes-Benz introduced a new generation of devices that incorporated technical features previously exclusive to luxury-class vehicles. Customers had a choice of three systems, all featuring a color display, twin tuner for improved radio reception, speed-dependent volume control, keypad, and Bluetooth interface.
The base Audio 20 system offered CD player functionality for music playback. Stepping up, the Audio 50 APS system integrated car radio, telephone hub, and pan-European DVD navigation. The top-tier COMAND APS system boasted hard-disc navigation and a music register with storage for up to 1000 MP3 music tracks. For enhanced audio experience, Audio 50 APS and COMAND APS could be equipped with a six-disc DVD changer and LINGUATRONIC voice control, which now supported whole-word input. Regardless of the infotainment system chosen, the optional “Logic7” surround sound system, with a 450-watt amplifier, transformed the CLC interior into a concert hall-like acoustic space.
Engine Options and Efficiency of the CLC Mercedes-Benz
At launch in June 2008, the CLC Mercedes-Benz offered a range of engine options, including both turbodiesel and petrol variants. The diesel range featured the CLC 200 CDI and CLC 220 CDI models, producing 90 kW/122 hp and 110 kW/150 hp, respectively. Petrol options included the CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR, CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR, CLC 230, and CLC 350. The CLC 180 and CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR models were powered by a 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine with mechanical supercharging, delivering 105 kW/143 hp and 135 kW/184 hp, respectively. The higher-end CLC 230 and CLC 350 models featured naturally aspirated V6 engines with 2.5 and 3.5 liters displacement, producing 150 kW/204 hp and 200 kW/272 hp, respectively.
Mercedes-Benz focused on improving engine efficiency across the range. Through various measures, all engines became up to 10.8% more fuel-efficient compared to previous versions, depending on the engine type and power output. The supercharged four-cylinder engine in the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR notably benefited, generating 15 kW/20 hp more power while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption by approximately 8%.
Transmission and Handling of the CLC
A 6-speed manual transmission was standard across all CLC Mercedes-Benz engine variants. Mercedes-Benz offered optional automatic transmissions: a five-speed automatic for four-cylinder models and the 7G-TRONIC seven-speed transmission for V6 models. When equipped with the Sport package, automatic transmissions gained manual shift capabilities via steering wheel gearshift paddles, offering a more engaging driving experience.
The suspension system of the CLC Mercedes-Benz was engineered for a balance of ride comfort and sporty handling. It utilized a multi-link front suspension with aluminum tie rods and McPherson struts, and a multi-link rear suspension with coil springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers. Torsion bar stabilizers at the front and rear contributed to driving stability. A notable innovation was “Direct-Steer,” a system that built upon speed-sensitive power steering by adding a variable steering rack ratio. This resulted in reduced steering effort during dynamic cornering and enhanced agility, making the CLC more responsive to driver inputs.
Wheels, Tyres and Market Positioning of the CLC Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz offered a wide array of wheel and tyre combinations for the CLC Mercedes-Benz, allowing for personalization and influencing driving dynamics. Ten different wheel types were available, ranging from 16-inch five-spoke light-alloy wheels to 18-inch AMG wheels. The top-of-the-line CLC 350 came standard with 17-inch light-alloy wheels. Sport package equipped models featured 18-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy wheels with wider rear tyres (225/40 front and 245/35 rear).
Alt text: Close-up of Mercedes-Benz CLC wheels, showcasing the 18-inch five-twin-spoke light-alloy design from the Sport package, emphasizing the vehicle’s sporty stance and wheel options.
The CLC Mercedes-Benz was strategically positioned as an entry-level model into the Mercedes-Benz coupé world. At launch, three models were priced below 30,000 euros, with the CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR as the most affordable petrol variant. The CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY, introduced later, further solidified this entry-level positioning, offering enhanced fuel efficiency and a lower price point. The CLC 350, while offering higher performance, remained reasonably priced within the range.
CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY and CLC 250 Model Updates
In March 2009, Mercedes-Benz introduced the CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY, an efficiency-optimized entry-level model. It featured a 1.6-liter supercharged four-cylinder engine, detuned to 95 kW/129 hp for improved fuel economy. Compared to the CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR, it offered around 8% better fuel consumption, making it the most economical CLC variant.
In May 2009, the CLC 230 was renamed the CLC 250 to align the model designation with its 2.5-liter engine capacity. This change was purely nomenclatural, with no impact on the engine’s performance.
End of Production for the CLC Mercedes-Benz
The CLC Mercedes-Benz faced challenges due to the global financial crisis of 2009, which significantly impacted sales. Simultaneously, Mercedes-Benz was developing a traditionally configured C-Class Coupé in the 204 series. Consequently, production of the CLC, based on the older 203 series C-Class, was gradually phased out by the end of 2010. The diesel models CLC 200 CDI and CLC 220 CDI were discontinued first, followed by the petrol models CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY, CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR, and CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR in December 2010.
Despite its relatively short production run after the 2008 update, the CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR was the most popular model, with approximately 18,000 units produced post-update and over 80,000 units in total throughout its lifecycle. The diesel models CLC 220 CDI and CLC 200 CDI also achieved significant production numbers. The CLC 350, with its higher performance and price, remained a niche model.
Conclusion: The Legacy of the CLC Mercedes-Benz
The Mercedes-Benz CLC served its purpose as an updated and appealing entry point into the Mercedes-Benz coupé lineup. While its production was relatively short-lived, it represents a significant effort by Mercedes-Benz to refresh a popular model and maintain its appeal to a broad customer base, especially those new to the brand. The CLC Mercedes-Benz, with its sporty design, updated features, and range of efficient engines, remains a noteworthy model in Mercedes-Benz history, bridging the gap between the older Sports Coupé and the newer generation of C-Class Coupés.
