2004 Benz CLK
 By Tom Lankard and Mitch McCullough

 $44,350 to
$79,500

Cruise Yacht
540
By Kevin Falvey

$949,541

The second-generation Mercedes-Benz CLK now includes a full line of convertibles. The CLK coupes and cabriolets offer comfortable, luxurious accommodations and sporty performance. They look stunning even when sitting still, and are a delight on the road. They sit at the head of their class for looks, performance and passenger space.

In many ways, the CLK line is in a class by itself, sporting sleek lines carefully sculpted to make a statement different from sedan-derived coupes like the BMW 330Ci. Completely redesigned last year, the current CLK models replace the first-generation (pre-2003) CLKs. The CLKs are all about style, and from Mercedes' point of view, their direct competitors aren't even on the road yet.

The CLK models offer excellent handling and are a joy to drive. They feel taut, like a true sports coupe, and don't lean in corners. The ride is firm but comfortable. The CLK500 is more exciting to drive than the CLK320 and its interior seems nicer.

All CLK models boast a long list of standard equipment including: 10-way adjustable power seats with three memory settings; ABS with emergency brake assist; electronic stability control; and dual-zone climate control with pollen and dust filter. All boast extremely well-equipped and attractive interiors, with two-tone leather and aluminum trim available as an option on the CLK500 and an exclusive, monochromatic black interior on the CLK55 AMG

A notable addition to the line's robust list of standard features is Mercedes' Tele Aid system, which calls an emergency response center and gives the car's location in the event any seatbelt tensioning retractor or airbag deploys. The cabriolet also boasts a new design of side-impact airbag mounted in the front seat that adds head protection to the usual chest protection expected from such systems.

Barefoot and freshly showered, I grabbed a cold one from the wetbar and kicked back in the cockpit lounge of the new Cruisers Yachts 500 Express. I wanted to relax with a book. But the 500 Express made hard work of light reading. That’s because every boater walking the dock at the marina where I was berthed stopped cold on the planks astern of me. Each uttered, “Nice boat,” followed by a request for a tour and my take on the 500 Express’ ride, handling, and construction. So join me on a quick tour of what’s possibly the best—but still not perfect—express cruiser I’ve tested.

RUNNING IT  Take the helm and you’ll begin to understand. Rotating in or out of a tight slip is made easy by the built-in slow mode available on the electronic controls of the 684-bhp Volvo Penta D12DMP diesel inboards that are the sole power choice for the 500 Express. With the idle dropped to 550 rpm, boat speed is just 4.6 mph. There’s no lurching and jumping in and out of gear as often experienced on other boats powered by big, mechanically controlled diesels. Maneuvering is a snap.

Now push the levers forward. The 500 Express breaks over in a rush of power. You quickly settle into a brisk, 26.8-mph cruise at 1800 rpm. That speed is the point where the D12’s torque is at the max and horsepower is near its peak. As a result, the 500 Express effortlessly climbs the back of a following sea. Plus, you can cruise for more than 280 miles at this speed. What’s more, the torque and power curves remain high from 1800 rpm to almost 2310 (top end). So lay the hammer down. This 40,000-pound sport yacht responds with an exciting dose of acceleration.