W209 (2003 to 2009)

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (W209), manufactured globally from 2003 to 2009, refined the mid-sized luxury coupé formula by introducing a more elegant, pillarless profile and a significant leap in cabin sophistication. This generation offered a massive variety of engines, ranging from the CLK200 Kompressor and CLK320 V6 to the heavy-hitting CLK500 V8, and eventually the CLK63 AMG, which debuted the brand's legendary 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. The lineup also featured two of the most significant performance cars in the brand's history: the ultra-exclusive, wide-bodied CLK DTM AMG and the track-focused CLK63 AMG Black Series, both of which remain high-water marks for the AMG division. In the 2026 Australian market, the W209 has achieved a strong following, with desirability exceptionally high for the CLK63 AMG Black Series and the post-2006 facelift models, which benefit from the more modern 7G-Tronic transmission and updated M272/M273 engines. The buyer pool in Australia is composed of performance-oriented collectors who prize the W209’s status as the last of the mid-sized, naturally aspirated V8 coupés and lifestyle enthusiasts who enjoy the effortless grand touring capability of the cabriolet variants. Locally, market value has stayed firm for original, Australian-delivered examples with low kilometres, as 2026 buyers are prioritising vehicles that have had proactive maintenance by specialists like Stuttgart Shop, MB Spares, or Ammstar to address known age-related issues such as M272 balance shaft gears, 7G-Tronic conductor plates, and soft-top hydraulic cylinder leaks. For the Australian aficionado, the W209 represents a perfect balance of modern usability and timeless Mercedes elegance, frequently serving as a standout at Mercedes-Benz Club social drives from the Great Ocean Road to the Gold Coast.

The Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class (W209), manufactured globally from 2003 to 2009, refined the mid-sized luxury coupé formula by introducing a more elegant, pillarless profile and a significant leap in cabin sophistication. This generation offered a massive variety of engines, ranging from the CLK200 Kompressor and CLK320 V6 to the heavy-hitting CLK500 V8, and eventually the CLK63 AMG, which debuted the brand's legendary 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8. The lineup also featured two of the most signif… Read more