Selfish. Bloody egocentric. Just when you thought the leisure classes would receive their just desserts, driving hot, costly, European coupes with zero concessions for additional folks, bag or dreary practicalities, along comes a set of 2-door tryhards to detonate that encouraging fantasy.

Mercedes coupes haven't been too broad of the sign and this brand-spanking CLK appears as elegantly complex as ever. It's particularly brilliant in heat because, windows dropped, the CLK offers you an almost - roofless feeling of sweep (and ) expense with each of the structural advantages driving a can - top. In accordance with the remainder of the twodoor Benz family, its three-pointed star is now worn by CLK big - in the center of the grille, not a bonnet emblem as before. It seems cleaner, less purposeful than before, and creates a really attractive, unmistakably Mercedes face.

However the CLK does not appear as ballsy (read masculine) because it really used to. The old version had a thick, chunky tail that appeared to state 'power' even though there wasn't any (CLK 200), while the highsided, finely tapered back quarters of the new CLK seem blobby from some angles, dwarfing the 16inch alloys with this 320 Elegance. However, imagine if you cannot manage $140K?

The 330Ci, in the flip side, is lower, more streamlined, more sporty, but certainly associated with a $52K 318i. And that is the grab.

In an attempt to distance the coupe and convertible versions from the 2002 extensive - headlamp E46 sedan / wagon improvement, BMW has created several subtle adjustments.

Possibly. It's driver appeal, when there's one area where BMW has consistently dominated. As well as the 330Ci is as fantastic as ever on a road. It only feels so agile, so satisfying, it makes other back-drive cars appear boring. Pushed hard into a 45km/h bending, the BeeEm reacts with a little, but obvious, step out within the tail to keep its brilliant stability and tip the nose in tight. There isn't any understeer, no bullshit, only amazing poise. You may usually have the 330Ci using its rear half to correct its posture which creates an amazingly flowing, involving drive. Sharp, progressive, beautifully weighted - the steering system is outstanding, and providing excellent feel - and every facet of the experience gels together with uncommon harmony. Great brakes, also.

But the BMW is not ideal. Body control is exceedingly limited and the 330Ci consistently feels closely linked with what is passing beneath, but the tradeoff is just a ride quality that borders on severe, and may be tiresome over demanding surfaces. Its overriding focus is managing prowess, and also the company ride is evidence. This really isn't any softcore cruiser.

Remarkably, the Mercedes isn't, possibly. The old CLK's distant steering and hushed reactions were countered by notable comfort and politeness, but it lacked excitement. Not always a problem as soon as your fiveyear-old merchandise still commands a waiting list and has got the greatest resale to the market, however cushy and eager can cohabit - as CLK variation 2.0 proves.

And it is the new front-end that really does it. And it works.

Over the exact same roads that trigger lots of vertical motion within the BMW, the CLK is unflappable. It is not as fast or as amusing as the BeeEm, however it has perspective and offers an even more balanced link between handling and ride. It really is refined, also, and although this really isn't any sports-car, the CLK could be drive.

Its steering is astonishingly specific, with lots of no obvious kickback and sense, and handling stability is really great - first understeer, while the tempo quickens leaning towards neutrality. The Benz feels imperviously protected, yet can also be restrain open. Ease off the CLK counters and also the accelerator midcorner by transferring its equilibrium onto the outside back tyre and tucking its nose in. Much less sharply or as clearly as the BMW, head, but enough to improve the state-of play. The new CLK will kick its tail out in a welcome one - a most unMercedes like quality, plus tight corners, with ESP disengaged. The 330Ci senses more sensory and stays the hardcore driver choice, however it's the better dynamic compromise that is offered by the CLK.

The Mercedes is really a performer, also. The mixture of a 160kW V6, body, and a slushbox barely looks like the recipe for a serotonin overdose, however the CLK shifts like sherlock. A 15.8-second standing-400 run is damned amazing, and the 18valve V6 feels powerful, and seems elegant. Torque peaks at 310Nm across plateau for easy force and, despite a small 6000rpm redline, the CLK motor is both eager to rev and smooth as well.

Even though it's not without flaws, same holds for the adaptive fivespeed vehicle. Ordinarily, the gear box reads your driving style fast and reacts smartly. The shifts aren't seamless as in the BMW, with a little lumpiness under adjustments, but nonetheless, it normally works perfectly and the leftright manual over-ride is really a beauty. Get caught behind slowmoving traffic, however, and also the tranny goes into the electronic brain dithers over what equipment to choose and also economy mode - good before you ask for greatest overtaking go. The interruption is less-than another ahead of the automobile drops several equipment and goes bananas, but if you are standing in the proper pedal, you need brimstone and fire, not quiet.

In case the Merc's engine/gearbox staff is estimable, then your BMW's is actually amazing. Not only is the amazing M54 3.0litre straight-six among the planet's great engines, but the fivespeed Steptronic auto is just the finest in the company. Besides a different exhaust note, it's nearly impossible to feel the BMW altering equipment. It's never caught out, never fluffs a change, and consistently adapts brilliantly to your own amount of lead-footedness. Indeed, it really is so great that you really do not feel overly shortchanged to be lumped with a self-shifter. Even though the 330Ci will upchange automatically kiss and should you try the 6400rpm cutout, and being used, it makes more sense.

The 170kW 3.0litre six is brilliant. Even it can't be stifled by an auto gearbox. While the 330Ci reaches 4000rpm and cranks up the intensity, the CLK has a cordial, linear power delivery. Not merely does this charge harder over the tacho's last twogrand, additionally, it seems unreal - a clear metallic wail that's certainly a family member of the M3's soundtrack, but deeper and over almost 2000rpm earlier. It drones a little over a light throttle, but could not be anything but a BMW six within the melody it plays.

However, the sugar with this set of cream buns is their practicality. Having a coupe which not only looks sweet, but carries over two in relaxation, is really a massive reward. And both these vehicles readily contend with this kind of dreary things. Both boots are amply sized, even though BMW is deeper and greater, and has a bigger opening from bag to cottage. The BeeEm also offers belts for five (with a dodgy - back lap belt), however the Benz counters with independently formed seats, winddown rear windows, and no - column side holes.

The 330Ci's cottage is roomier, with somewhat more rear knee and headroom, and much more underthigh seat support, however the distinction is not huge. The CLK also offers several magic tricks, such as the electric seat and wheel that slide-out of harm's way once the ignition is off, and also the electric feeders that move your seat belt once the door shuts.

The new CLK's cottage intends to address criticisms over falling inside- quality requirements at MercedesBenz, which is a peach. The dashboard still is not as bombproof as Benz cabins used to be, however it will show flair, and is wonderfully finished. Heading the developments over other Mercedes models will be the new gauges - straightforward, concise, and trendy. Even the Sophistication's wood trim is not overly putrid - a real accomplishment.

Even though the silver trim gracing our Sapphire Black test car seemed like it had been pinched with an SS Commodore, trendy minimalism is the key. And also the basic-gray leather trim is not very as much as the especial trim requirements of the Mercedes. It appears somewhat tough in components and contains some puckers where the stitching is not very straight.

Therefore, an amazingly close competition, although nearly a dead heat. Can two coupes with various philosophies and opposing driving styles actually be the equivalent of every other? In the BMW's favour, it's faster, cheaper, has more character, and it is simpler to ensure. It is really a fantastic drive with an excellent drivetrain and it has a depth of athletic ability you may never tire of. You will not feel as a peasant should you wind up with a 330Ci, when you can not stretch to an M3. It proves that, regardless of the nondriving picture snobs enticed to the propeller badge in ever-growing numbers, BMW has not forgotten the way to construct a fantastic driver's auto.

But I am providing the points selection for the Mercedes. Ultimately it's not as dynamic or as satisfying as the BMW to drive, however the distinction is not huge. And also the mature CLK stays effortlessly assured and trendy in everything it can, without isolating the motorist in the actions. The CLK is outstanding in the way it can join serenity with speed, which is our vote that is swung by this blissful nonchalance. Just. Ultimately, a non-athletic Benz that is up for a sport.