Best Car Reviews - 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550

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Introduction

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 is a rear-wheel-drive luxury coupe with a naturally aspirated V8, aimed at drivers who want elegant grand-touring character with genuinely brisk performance. As the final year of the W209-generation CLK in North America, it stands out for its pillarless coupe profile, 5.5-litre V8 and a blend of classic Mercedes-Benz styling and everyday comfort.

Design and Exterior Features

The CLK550 has a long-hood, short-deck coupe shape that remains distinctive years later. Its 4,652 mm overall length and 2,715 mm wheelbase give it a compact grand-tourer stance rather than the proportions of a small city car. The 2009 model was not a full redesign; changes were minor, while the CLK550 retained its sport-focused AMG-style body treatment, including a more assertive front air dam, side skirts, rear apron and trunk-lid spoiler.

Pillarless side-window design for a clean, open profile.
Standard 18-inch AMG twin five-spoke wheels.
Sport body styling with integrated trunk-lid spoiler.
AMG-style twin exhaust finishers.
Sport suspension and upgraded braking hardware.

Interior and Comfort

The CLK550 cabin is arranged around a traditional Mercedes-Benz dashboard with clear controls, leather upholstery and supportive front seats. It is a four-seat coupe, although rear-seat space is best for occasional adult use or shorter passengers. For 2009, heated front seats and a glovebox-mounted six-CD changer became standard across the CLK range. Material quality is generally solid, though some lower dashboard and switchgear plastics feel less special than the leather and trim surfaces.

Leather upholstery and heated power-adjustable front seats.
Dual-zone automatic climate control.
Power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel.
Front seats designed for long-distance comfort.
Optional multicontour and ventilated front seats.

Performance and Handling

The 2009 CLK550 uses a 5.5-litre DOHC 32-valve V8 producing 382 hp at 6,000 rpm and 391 lb-ft of torque from 2,800 to 4,800 rpm. A seven-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels. Mercedes-Benz quoted approximately 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds for the coupe, giving it strong overtaking ability and effortless motorway pace. The sport suspension and upgraded brakes provide confident handling, although the car prioritizes composure over razor-sharp sports-car responses. EPA fuel-economy figures for the coupe are 15 mpg city, 22 mpg highway and 17.5 mpg combined, equivalent to approximately 15.7, 10.7 and 13.4 L/100 km respectively.

5.5-litre naturally aspirated V8 with 382 hp.
391 lb-ft of torque for immediate mid-range response.
Seven-speed automatic with steering-wheel shift paddles.
Manufacturer-quoted 0-60 mph time of about 5.1 seconds for the coupe.
Premium gasoline requirement and relatively high fuel use.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology reflects the late-2000s luxury-car era rather than modern touchscreen expectations. Standard equipment included a six-speaker audio system and six-CD changer. Available equipment included COMAND navigation, Bluetooth phone connectivity, satellite radio, iPod integration, Harman Kardon audio, keyless entry and ignition, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, and an electronic trunk closer. COMAND can feel dated and less intuitive than newer systems, but the available features were competitive for its time.

Standard six-speaker audio system and six-CD changer.
Available COMAND navigation system.
Available Bluetooth phone connectivity.
Available Harman Kardon surround-sound system.
Available adaptive bi-xenon headlamps and keyless entry/ignition.

Safety Features

The CLK550 includes anti-lock brakes, traction control and Electronic Stability Program stability control, supported by upgraded brakes and a rigid passenger compartment. Airbag equipment differs between coupe and cabriolet body styles: the coupe uses full-length side curtain airbags, while the cabriolet has head/thorax side-impact airbags and automatically deploying rear rollover bars. Rear side airbags were available. No model-specific 2009 CLK-Class crash-test rating from IIHS or NHTSA is readily verifiable, so it is better assessed by its equipment rather than an assumed score.

Anti-lock braking system with electronic brake-force distribution.
Electronic Stability Program and traction control.
Front airbags and side-impact protection.
Full-length side curtain airbags on coupe models.
Automatic rollover bars on cabriolet models.

Pricing and Variants

The 2009 CLK550 coupe had a starting MSRP of $56,800 in the United States, excluding the $875 destination charge; the CLK550 Cabriolet started at $64,800. The CLK range also included the less powerful V6 CLK350 in coupe and cabriolet form. At the time, the CLK550 competed most directly with premium two-door models such as the BMW 650i Coupe, Lexus SC 430, Audi S5 and Infiniti G37 Coupe. It offered more traditional luxury and V8 torque than many rivals, but it was costly when new and remains expensive to run compared with smaller performance coupes.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Powerful, smooth and charismatic naturally aspirated V8.
Timeless pillarless coupe styling.
Quick acceleration without AMG-level harshness.
Comfortable front seats and strong long-distance refinement.
Generous standard CLK550 performance equipment.

Cons

High premium-fuel consumption.
Ageing infotainment and limited modern connectivity.
Rear-seat and rear-access practicality are limited.
Luxury-car parts and specialist labour can be expensive.
Some interior plastics do not match the price position.

Maintenance and Common Issues

RepairPal estimates average annual repair and maintenance costs for a 2009 CLK550 at about $999, although actual ownership costs can rise substantially with age, mileage and deferred servicing. Common owner and repair-report patterns include camshaft adjuster solenoid or variable-valve-timing faults, intake-manifold actuator problems, electrical-system diagnosis issues, cooling-system repairs, and wear in suspension or engine-mount components. A pre-purchase inspection should also check service history, diagnostic trouble codes, transmission shift quality, oil leaks, convertible-top operation where applicable, and completion of all recall work.

Camshaft adjuster solenoid and variable-valve-timing faults.
Intake-manifold actuator or related intake-system faults.
Electrical or control-module diagnostic issues.
Cooling-system leaks or ageing components.
Suspension, engine-mount and other age-related wear items.

Rating

Overall rating: 8.0/10. Design: 8.8/10. Comfort: 8.2/10. Performance: 8.7/10. Technology: 6.5/10. Safety: 7.5/10. The CLK550 earns its score through its V8 performance, elegant design and comfortable touring ability, while its ageing technology, fuel appetite and potential repair costs prevent a higher overall result.

User Reviews and Feedback

Owner feedback commonly describes the CLK550 as an underappreciated V8 luxury coupe. Drivers tend to value its engine response, styling and relaxed high-speed manners, while long-term ownership feedback emphasizes careful maintenance and realistic budgeting for repairs.

Owners frequently praise the V8 for smooth, effortless acceleration.
The pillarless design is widely appreciated for its distinctive appearance and visibility.
Front-seat comfort and long-distance cruising ability receive positive feedback.
Many consider the car more elegant and less aggressive than an AMG alternative.
Maintenance history is regularly viewed as more important than purchase price alone.

Best Cars in This Category

2009 BMW 650i Coupe
2009 Audi S5 Coupe
2009 Infiniti G37 Coupe
2009 Lexus SC 430
2009 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe

Summary

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK550 is best suited to buyers seeking a stylish, rear-wheel-drive V8 coupe with genuine luxury-car comfort rather than the latest technology. Its 382-hp engine, refined seven-speed automatic and enduring design make it an appealing used grand tourer. A well-documented example inspected by a Mercedes-Benz specialist can offer considerable character and performance, but it is most rewarding for an owner prepared for premium fuel, preventative maintenance and occasional luxury-car repair bills.