Mercedes-Benz CLK I (C208) gallery (1997–2003)

The first generation of the CLK premium coupe and cabriolet based on the C-Class W202 chassis was produced from 1997 to 2003.

All photos 200 I (C208) 12 1997–2003 II (C209) 97 2002–2010

Mercedes-Benz CLK I (C208), coupe, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 47582

1600 x 1200 71 CLK GTR — 1999

coupe A silver mid-engine hypercar with open butterfly doors, a massive rear wing, multi-spoke wheels, and distinctive quad headlights parked on an open surface.

Mercedes-Benz CLK I (C208), coupe, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 47581

1600 x 1200 61 CLK GTR — 1999

coupe Low-slung silver supercar featuring quad oval headlights, a prominent roof air scoop, large integrated rear wing, and multi-spoke wheels parked on an open paved surface against a blue sky.

Mercedes-Benz CLK I (C208), coupe, silver, front three-quarter view — photo 47580

1600 x 1200 69 CLK GTR — 1999

coupe A silver low-slung mid-engine supercar featuring quad oval headlights, a roof-mounted air intake scoop, and a prominent rear wing against a blue studio background.

1600 x 1200 80 CLK GTR — 1999

1600 x 1200 63 CLK GTR — 1999

1600 x 1200 57 CLK GTR — 1999

800 x 600 85 CLK320

800 x 600 74 CLK320

800 x 600 77 CLK-Class W208

800 x 600 82 CLK-Class W208

800 x 600 85 CLK-Class W208

800 x 600 90 CLK430

The first-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK (C208 coupe and A208 cabriolet) launched in early 1997. Designed around the four-headlamp front styling signature of the E-Class W210, it was engineered on the underlying mechanical platform of the C-Class W202. A soft-top convertible joined the lineup in 1998. The CLK achieved strong commercial success by filling the market gap for a mid-sized, premium open-top and coupe model.

The engine range was entirely gasoline-based, offering supercharged 2.0-liter and 2.3-liter Kompressor four-cylinders alongside a 3.2-liter V6 (CLK 320) and a 4.3-liter V8 (CLK 430). The top performance model was the CLK 55 AMG driven by a naturally aspirated 5.4-liter V8 producing 347 hp. A 1999 facelift added multi-function steering wheels, revised bumpers, integrated turn signals in side mirrors, and upgraded interior electronics. The rare CLK GTR race-homologation mid-engine supercar shared the styling cues of the C208.