2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet A208

• V8-powered luxury drop-top with refined surfaces and solid build

• 0–100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds — strong for a convertible of its era

• Comfortable, composed ride that still feels premium decades later

Design and Proportions That Still Hold Up

The CLK430 Cabriolet doesn’t scream for attention, but it turns heads with proportion alone. Long hood, short rear deck, taut surfaces — it’s all very deliberate. You can tell it was designed before the era of aggressive creases and oversized grilles. The body flows smoothly, especially with the soft top retracted. With the top up, it still reads coupe-like.

Up front, the twin oval headlamps give it a bit of personality — not too stern, not too flashy. Out back, things are clean. Subtle spoiler, rounded tail lamps, and twin exhausts hint at the V8 under the hood without making a fuss.

V8 Power and Composed Ride

This car’s heart is the 4.3-liter V8 — the same engine seen across the AMG-lite range of that era. In the CLK430, it’s good for 275 hp and 295 lb-ft of torque. It’s not wild by modern standards, but in 2001, this was solid power, especially for a convertible.

Acceleration is brisk — 0 to 100 km/h in around 6.5 seconds. Not neck-snapping, but plenty fast with the roof down. A 5-speed automatic channels all that grunt to the rear wheels. Shifts are smooth, not lightning-quick, but they suit the car’s relaxed but capable vibe.

The chassis strikes a nice balance. It soaks up bumps better than you’d expect for a cabriolet of its age. You can throw it into corners — but you’re more likely to enjoy cruising at pace with one elbow on the windowsill and the V8 humming away up front.

Inside: Quiet Luxury That’s Stood the Test of Time

Mercedes was still nailing interiors back then. Open the door and it’s all rich leather, deep wood grain, and switchgear that feels like it’ll outlast you. The cabin has aged well — no gimmicks, just proper materials and smart layout.

Standard gear was generous for its time: dual-zone climate control, power seats with memory, and a pretty decent sound system. Safety tech included ABS, traction control, and multiple airbags — again, solid for the early 2000s.

Market Placement and What Made It Work

Back in the day, this car sat nicely between the 3-Series Cabriolet and Audi’s drop-top offerings. It was more mature than a BMW, less clinical than an Audi. It didn’t have the all-out punch of an SL or the aggression of an AMG, but that was kind of the point — it played the classy, understated card.

The CLK430 Cabriolet A208 isn’t a collector’s item, but it’s got staying power. The design’s aged gracefully. The powertrain still delivers. And the build quality reminds you why people used to whisper “German engineering” with reverence.

Technical Specifications: 2001 Mercedes-Benz CLK430 Cabriolet (A208)

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Performance

• Engine: 4.3-liter M113 V8

• Power Output: 275 hp (205 kW) @ 5,750 rpm

• Torque: 295 lb-ft (400 Nm) @ 3,000 rpm

• 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): Approximately 6.5 seconds

• Top Speed: Electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph)

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Body Measurements

• Length: 4,567 mm (179.8 in)

• Width: 1,722 mm (67.8 in)

• Height: 1,380 mm (54.3 in)

• Wheelbase: 2,690 mm (105.9 in)

• Curb Weight: Approximately 1,690 kg (3,726 lbs)

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Powertrain

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic

• Drive Type: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

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Capacities

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 62 liters (16.4 US gallons)

• Seating Capacity: 4 occupants

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Price

• Original MSRP in the U.S.: Approximately $62,335

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