Engine: 3.5-liter dohc 24-valve V6

Engine Options: 268-hp 3.5-liter dohc 24v V6; 302-hp 5.0-liter sohc 24v V8; 362-hp 5.4-liter sohc 24v V8

Transmission: 7-speed TouchShift automatic

Transmission Options: 5-speed TouchShift automatic; 7-speed TouchShift automatic

Standard Safety Equipment: dual two-stage frontal airbags; front-seat head and chest side-impact airbags; rear-seat side-impact airbags; antilock brakes with brake assist; electronic stability program; automatic-deploying roll bars (cabriolet); rain-sensing windshield wipers; Tele Aid automatic emergency response notification system; front and rear foglights

Optional Safety Equipment: radar-based cruise control; xenon headlights with heated washer system; rear side airbags (CLK55)

Basic Warranty: 4 years/50,000 miles

Assembled In: Osnabrueck, Germany

Model Tested: Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Coupe ($45,750)

Standard Equipment: dual-zone, automatic climate control with pollen and dust filter; leather upholstery; 10-way power-adjustable front seats; 3-setting memory for front seats, steering wheel and exterior mirrors; auto-dimming exterior mirrors; 8-speaker, AM/FM/cassette/CD stereo; automatic, front seatbelt presenters; programmable, remote opener; heated windshield washers; one-touch up/down power windows; power tilt/telescope steering wheel; keyless remote lock/unlock and top operation; and trip computer

Options as Tested: metallic paint ($680); and xenon headlamps and washers ($990)

Destination Charge: 775

Gas Guzzler Tax:

Layout: rear-wheel drive

Horsepower: 268 @ 6000

Torque: 258 @ 2400-5000

Miles Per Gallon in the City/Highway: 19/28

Wheelbase: 106.9 inches

Length/Width/Height in Inches: 182.6/68.5/55.4 inches

Track Front/Rear: 58.9/58.0 inches

Turning Cycle: 35.3 feet

Seating Capacity: 4 people

Head/Hip/Leg Room, f: 37.1/53.7/42.0 inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, m: inches

Head/Hip/Leg Room, r: 35.8/45.9/33.0 inches

Trunk Volume: 10.4 cubic feet

Payload:

Suspension, f: twin lower links, independent strut, coil springs, gas-pressurized twin-tube shocks, stabilizer bar

Ground Clearance: inches

Curb Weight: 3515 pounds

Towing Capacity: pounds

Tires: 225/45ZR17 front; 245/40ZR17 rear

Brakes: disc/disc with ABS and Brake Assist

Fuel Capacity: 16.4 Gallons