The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is a midsize luxury vehicle, in both coupe and convertible. Its American competitors include such notables at the Chevrolet Corvette and the Dodge Challenger. Foreign competition includes the Audi A5, BMW M3, Infiniti G37, Lexus SC 430, Volvo C70, Jaguar XK and Porsche 911. The physical looks of the CLK class has changed little in the past year, except that the super sporty AMG version has been discontinued.

There are essentially four CLKs, the 350 and the 550, each in coupe and convertible. Designations are based on the engines. Whether coupe or convertible, the 350 has a 3.5 liter 268 horsepower V6 while the 550 has a 5.5 liter 382 horsepower V8. Either is paired with a seven speed automatic transmission with overdrive.

Both CLKs get decent fuel efficiency. The 350 runs 17 miles per gallon city and 25 miles per gallon highway. The 550 gets 15 miles per gallon in town and 22 miles per gallon on the road. The 350, especially, is well above the class average for both city and highway driving.

Aside from mileage, the 350 is also generally respected for its turning diameter. On the other hand, it gets lower marks for horsepower and interior room. The 550 gets good marks for horsepower as well as turning diameter, though it keeps the lower marks for roominess.

NHTSA crash test numbers are not available for the Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class for either 2008 or 2009. Safety features include a tire pressure monitor, anti-theft system, antilock brakes with electronic braking assistance, traction control and stability control, inside the trunk safety release and airbags all around.

Luxury cars should have nice features and the CLK certainly does that. Standard features include power heated outside mirror, glass rear window in the convertibles and several other niceties. Among the nicest of all are the heated and cooled front seats. You can be warm well before the air in the car warms up or avoid sweating until the air cools, just by touching a button.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz CLK is not just a luxury car, for many it is the luxury car. Even so, prices on the CLK class are very reasonable for their class. The 350 coupe starts at $48,100 with the convertible beginning at $56,100. The 550 coupe starts at $56,800 with the convertible coming in at $64,800. All these prices are well below class average - which makes you just about the smartest, as well as the coolest, car buyer in your neighborhood.