Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class

Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class
Overview
Manufacturer	Mercedes-Benz
Production	2008 - present
Assembly	Juiz de Fora, Brazil
Body and chassis
Class	Compact executive car
Layout	Front engine, rear-wheel drive
Powertrain
Engine	1.8 L I4 2.5 L V6 3.5 L V6 2.2 L I4 Diesel
Dimensions
Wheelbase	2,715 mm (106.9 in)
Length	4,448 mm (175.1 in)
Width	2,078 mm (81.8 in)
Height	1,405 mm (55.3 in)
Chronology
Predecessor	Mercedes-Benz C-Class Sport Coupe

The Mercedes-Benz CLC-Class (internal name CL203) is a luxury compact car which has been produced by the Mercedes Car Group division of Daimler AG since 2002, as part of the C-Class, and since 2008 as its own lineup. The car is a three-door liftback.

First generation

The first generation was based on the W203 C-Class and sold as the C-Class Sportcoupé or Sport Coupe. At the launch of the Sportcoupé, a new family of supercharged four cylinder engines, dubbed M271, also debuted for the entire range C-Class range. All of them used the same 1.8 L engine, with different designations according to horsepower levels, including a version powered by natural gas. The 193 PS (142 kW/190 hp) C 230K was initially available only in the Sportcoupé.

While BMW's 3-Series hatchback was criticized as looking like a full-sized 3-series with the rear chopped off, the Sportcoupé's fastback profile was considered a more stylist off-shoot of the C-Class sedan. While the C230 base model enabled the automaker to reach a lower price point than existing models sold in North America, some suggested that the hatchback configuration (as "liftback" is almost never used in North America) and the "inexpensive Mercedes" moniker would undermine the marque which was traditionally composed of expensive cars. It also lacked standard leather seats and a CD player, amenities typically expected of German luxury imports (especially a Mercedes).

Like the BMW 3-Series hatchback, the Sportcoupé proved unpopular with the younger buyers it was targeted towards, due to high prices compared to the lower entry-level models it was competing against, as well as unfavorable exchange rates. Although removed from the North American lineup in 2005, it continued on sale in other markets. From October 2000 until 2007, a total of 230,000 Sportcoupés were built in the Bremen factory and in Brazil.

Second generation

The Sportcoupé was eventually spun off into its own separate line called the CLC-Class, but it still based on the W203 platform, with an updated front and tail inspired by the W204 C-Class. Mercedes found that the Sportcoupé was a popular first Mercedes for new customers, 40 per cent of whom reportedly return to buy more expensive models later on, therefore it was decided that there was not much scope seen in developing a completely brand new model, since it is a 'budget C-Class', which offers buyers a very reasonabaly priced entry into Mercedes ownership. It therefore had do with a completely re-designed rear and front along with some other refined or new details (Mercedes claims this to be around 1000 features) to keep it fresh, also in this way the status of the W204 C-class would be further protected.

The CLC is produced in Brazil at the company’s plant in Juiz de Fora, close to the state border with Rio de Janeiro.

The car was presented at the 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Berlin, which took place from the 27th to 31st of January 2008.

In 2009 the CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY was added to the range, and the CLC 230 is rechristened CLC 250.

Despite being in interesting option as first Mercedes, Mercedes-Benz has decided the CLC will get no next generation. Instead, the W204 C-Class will get a true coupe added to the series in 2012.

Range

The CLC range is the following, at launch the only new model was the CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR, with its engine coming from the W204 C-class:

Petrol engines

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
CLC 160 BlueEFFICIENCY	1.6 16V	S4	129 PS (95 kW; 127 hp)
CLC 180 KOMPRESSOR	1.8 16V K	S4	143 PS (105 kW; 141 hp)
CLC 200 KOMPRESSOR	1.8 16V K	S4	184 PS (135 kW; 181 hp)
CLC 230 / CLC 250	2.5 24V	V6	204 PS (150 kW; 201 hp)
CLC 350	3.5 24V	V6	272 PS (200 kW; 268 hp)

Diesel engines

Version	Engine	Cyl.	Power
CLC 200 CDI	2.2 16V CDI	S4	122 PS (90 kW; 120 hp)
CLC 220 CDI	2.2 16V CDI	S4	150 PS (110 kW; 150 hp)

Gallery

• 
  CLC 220 CDI
• 
  CLC 220 CDI