Based on the W203 C-Class series, the second generation of the elegant coupe CLK from Mercedes-Benz was launched in March 2002 in Geneva Motor Show, with the production and sales starting in June the same year.
The coupe came with a lot of standard features, both for comfort and safety. Another improvement over the previous generation, the C208, was the removal of the B-pillar, giving the car more of a convertible look.

Compared to its predecessor, the C209 CLK is 71 mm longer, reaching a length of 4,652 mm (183.1in), 18 mm wider to a width of 1,740 mm (68.5 in), and 42 mm higher up to 1,413 mm (55.6 in) to provide more interior room.

Under the hood, at the launch, there were seven engines available with power outputs ranging from 163 hp to 367 hp. New chassis and ultimate Mercedes-Benz technology were added to offer a driving experience unique in its class. Six of the engines are new developments or improvements, providing more power and torque than their predecessors.

A new generation of four-cylinder engines celebrated the debut in the model: the CGI engines, with gasoline direct injection. The TWINPULSE system combines numerous technologies to ensure low fuel consumption and the refinement of a six-cylinder unit in a four-pot. The CLK 200 CGI had 170 hp. Three diesel engines were offered with a displacement ranging between 2.1 and 3.0 liters and powers between 150 and 224 hp.