The first Mercedes-Benz I was privileged to be a passenger in was the S 500 5.0-litre V8 with long wheelbase. I revelled in its impressive innovations such as power-assisted soft closing for the doors and boot lid, electric windows that lowered back down when it encountered an obstruction, sonar-assisted parking, burl wood trimmings, keyless entry, electric rear sun visor and double-pane window glazing that guaranteed acoustic attenuation inside the cabin and added security.
The car was roomy, had a stately appearance, impressive luxury innovations and the power to back it up. In short, I was hooked.
Today, my white Mercedes-Benz CLK 320 Elegance Cabriolet automatic is an impressive mid-size luxury convertible that serves my everyday needs. Although the mechanical underpinnings are based on the smaller C-Class, I chose it because its design and styling are derived from the E-Class.
The first thing that catches the eye is the way the soft top retracts neatly into its boot space then disappears as the rear cover closes smoothly. The look of this car with the top down is by far the most striking convertible you will ever see.
The V6 rumble is music to the ears and the cabin acoustics are excellent, with not a hint of wind noise when all closed up. The efficient aerodynamic design also cuts wind noise dramatically. Even when driving at 80 km/h with all the windows down, the cockpit remains calm and quiet.
* Pictures supplied by Thato depict the CLK 320 Cabriolet and the E 400 Coupé.