2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG C208

• The 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG C208 features a hand-built 5.4L V8 engine producing 342 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque.

• Accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 5.4 seconds, offering sports car performance in a luxury coupe.

• Combines understated design with high-performance engineering, making it a unique offering in the early 2000s.

Subtle Design, Serious Intent

This isn’t a car that needs to shout to be heard. The CLK55 AMG’s proportions are clean and elegant, almost conservative for something this potent. But take a closer look. The AMG-specific bumpers, side skirts, and slightly wider wheels quietly suggest this coupe means business. It rides low but not slammed. Everything feels cohesive. Grown-up.

A Proper V8 from the AMG Workshop

Here’s where things really get interesting. AMG dropped a hand-built 5.4-liter V8 under the hood, producing 342 horsepower and 376 lb-ft of torque. Power goes to the rear wheels via a five-speed automatic that’s quick enough for the time and smooth enough for daily driving. 0 to 60? Around 5.4 seconds. Not bad for something this polished.

Ride and Handling: Comfortable but Capable

AMG didn’t just throw in power and walk away. The suspension is firmed up over the standard CLK, with stiffer dampers, tighter springs, and meatier anti-roll bars. The result is a car that corners flatter than you expect, without turning into a punishing ride. Brakes are upgraded too—ventilated discs all around that feel strong and predictable underfoot.

Cabin: Classic Benz with AMG Touches

Inside, it’s typical early-2000s Mercedes—sturdy materials, deep seats, and a sense that everything’s built to last. AMG sprinkles in a few subtle tweaks: sport seats with better bolstering, a sportier gauge cluster, and subtle badging. You won’t find carbon fiber or red stitching. It’s more about refinement here than aggression.

Rivals and Relevance

Back in 2002, if you wanted a fast luxury coupe, you looked at cars like the BMW M3 or Audi S4. But the CLK55 AMG charted its own course—less track-ready than the M, more mature than the S. It was a muscle car in a tux. And that made it pretty special.

Final Word

The 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG C208 didn’t need flared arches or a massive wing to prove itself. It delivered effortless performance, quiet confidence, and a level of engineering that made it feel substantial. Even today, it stands as a reminder that fast can be understated—and that’s often the coolest kind.

Technical Specifications: 2002 Mercedes-Benz CLK55 AMG C208

Performance

• Engine: 5.4L V8 (M113 E55)

• Power Output: 342 hp (255 kW) @ 5,500 rpm

• Torque: 376 lb-ft (510 Nm) @ 3,000–4,300 rpm

• 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h): Approximately 5.4 seconds

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

Body Measurements

• Length: 180.2 inches (4,577 mm)

• Width: 67.8 inches (1,722 mm)

• Height: 54.0 inches (1,372 mm)

• Wheelbase: 105.9 inches (2,690 mm)

• Curb Weight: Approximately 3,485 lbs (1,580 kg)

Powertrain

• Transmission: 5-speed automatic with TouchShift manual mode

• Drivetrain: Rear-wheel drive (RWD)

• Fuel Type: Premium unleaded gasoline

Capacities

• Seating Capacity: 4 passengers

• Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.4 gallons (62 liters)

• Cargo Volume: Approximately 11.0 cubic feet (311 liters)

Price

• Original MSRP (2002): Approximately $68,450 USD

• Current Market Value: Varies based on condition and mileage; examples have been listed between $8,000 and $15,000 USD.

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