Mercedes-Benz CLC CL203 CLC 250 V6 (204 Hp) 7G-TRONIC


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety 5.0 / 5
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.7 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 3.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz CLC:

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is the internal designation for a range of compact executive cars manufactured and marketed by DaimlerChrysler from 1999 to 2010, as the second generation of the C-Class — in sedan/saloon, three-door hatchback coupé and station wagon/estate body styles.
Design work on the W203 C-Class began in mid-1994, with the final design approved in December 1995 by the executive board. Design patents were filed on 20 April 1998 and 4 March 1999. Testing began in 1997, with development concluding in 2000. The second generation C-Class was presented on March 21, 2000 and went on sale starting in September 2000. The sedan debuted with a range of inline-four and V6 petrol engines and inline-four and -five diesels. Most of the engines were carried over from the W202, but the C 320 was exclusive, offering 160 kW. The diesels now featured common rail direct fuel injection and variable geometry turbochargers. Six-speed manual gearboxes were now standard for the entire range, except the C 320. There was a version of this car that was made in Korea....(Read more on Wikipedia)

CL203 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz CLC (CL203). With 245 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1470 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.6 s). The top speed reaches 234 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Euro NCAP Year 2002
Adult Occupant 32 points (out of 37)
Stars 5
Expert Note:
The CLC (CL203) shares its platform and safety structure with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (W203/CL203) tested by Euro NCAP in 2002, achieving a strong 5-star rating for adult occupant protection. While the CLC itself wasn't re-tested, its inherent safety design is robust for its era.

CLC 250 V6 (204 Hp) 7G-TRONIC Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines the strong V6 with the advanced 7G-TRONIC, offering a refined and capable driving experience with smooth, quick shifts.

Fuel Economy

Similar fuel economy to the CLC 230 7G-TRONIC, acceptable for a V6 automatic, but not a standout for efficiency.

Best Use Case: Mixed / Highway

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Stylish and sporty coupe design with a premium badge.
  • • Wide range of efficient diesel and powerful petrol engines.
  • • High-quality interior materials and comfortable cabin for front occupants.
  • • Good handling dynamics for a compact luxury coupe.

Cons:

  • • Rear seating is very cramped, limiting practicality.
  • • Based on an older C-Class platform, feeling dated compared to rivals.
  • • Some petrol engines (M271 timing chain, M272 balance shaft) have known reliability concerns.
  • • Firm ride quality on sportier trims can be uncomfortable on rough roads.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(CL203: 2008 - 2010).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:CLC
Generation:CL203
Modification (Engine):CLC 250 V6 (204 Hp) 7G-TRONIC
Start of production:2009
End of production:2011
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:4
Doors:3
Engine:
Power:204 Hp @ 6100 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:81.7 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:245 Nm @ 2900-5500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 272.920 More details about the engine M 272.920
Engine displacement:2496
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:4
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:DOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:88 mm mm
Piston Stroke:68.4 mm mm
Compression ratio:11.4:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:13.5-13.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9-7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined (NEDC):9.3-9.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban (NEDC):13.5-13.7 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban (NEDC):6.9-7.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.3-9.7 l/100 km
Emission standard:Euro 5
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:8.6 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:8.6 sec
Maximum speed:234 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.2 kg/Hp, 138.8 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6 kg/Nm, 166.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1470
Max. weight:1995
Max load:525
Trunk (boot) space - maximum:1100 l
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:310 l
Fuel tank capacity:62 l
Size:
Length:4448 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1728 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1405 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2715 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Width including mirrors:2078 mm
Front track:1505 mm
Rear (Back) track:1476 mm
Front overhang:842 mm
Rear overhang:891 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):10.77 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears7
Transmission typeAutomatic
Gearbox typeG-TRONIC
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeFront wheel tires: 195/60 R16; 205/55 R16; 225/45 R17; 225/40 R18
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 6J x 16; 7J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 7.5J x 18
Front suspensionIndependent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer

Would you recommend the Mercedes-Benz CLC ? Tell us why or why not!