After three years on the market, the CLK had to be changed due to new Euro 4 emission regulations.
Along with the new engines, the car received some design updates.

Mercedes-Benz didn’t have a proper E-Class Coupe after the retirement of the W124 generation. It didn’t have anything to oppose to the 3-Series Coupe as well. So, it decided to build a mix of a coupe based on the W203 C-Class platform with some styling inspired by the W212 E-Class.

The 2005 model kept a similar shape for the headlights, with twin rounded lamps on each side. Compared with the 2002 version, they had clear lenses. The grille received three slats instead of four as on the non-facelifted version. The taillights were redesigned as well. Both bumpers received a new design.

The interior was enhanced by introducing the new COMMAND 2.0 infotainment system, which featured a DVD-based navigation system. It also allowed an iPod integration via an external port installed in the glove compartment. The center stack design was modified, and the former commands carried over from the C-Class were replaced with newer ones.

Under the hood, the CLK was offered with a choice of gasoline and diesel engines ranged between 150 hp and 388 hp. Apart from the base engines (150 hp diesel, 163 hp, and 184 hp gasoline units), all the other versions received the new 7G-Tronic gearbox.