1998 Mercedes-Benz CLK-Class Review (continued)
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Driving Impressions

This is a technologically advanced automobile that also happens to be a treat to drive--sports car responses, including the most precise steering we've ever experienced in a Mercedes, European luxury sedan ride quality, and plenty of power.

Hard core enthusiasts will probably bemoan the absence of a manual transmission, something that's offered on Volvo's new C70 coupe, one of the CLK's few direct competitors. We've already registered our small reservations concerning the computer decisions of the Mercedes 5-speed automatic, and trying to operate the shifter manually just isn't much fun, thanks to the multiple doglegs in the shift gate.

That reservation aside, there's lots to like here, including the price tag, which is about half of what you would have to pay for the least expensive of previous Mercedes coupes.

And obviously, it's a treat to look at.