Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet)
20 MPG The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) is EPA-rated at 20 MPG combined (18 city / 24 highway). Over 15,000 miles a year that is about 750 gallons, $2400 a year in fuel, or $0.160 per mile at $3.20/gal.
Across its full 2000–2005 run it averages 20 MPG, essentially flat across 6 model years.
Running cost at different fuel prices and mileages
The figure everyone actually wants, and the one the EPA does not publish — because it depends on a fuel price no agency will commit to.
| Fuel price | Per mile | 10,000 mi/yr | 15,000 mi/yr | 20,000 mi/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2.50/gal | $0.125 | $1250 | $1875 | $2500 |
| $3.00/gal | $0.150 | $1500 | $2250 | $3000 |
| $3.20/gal | $0.160 | $1600 | $2400 | $3200 |
| $3.50/gal | $0.175 | $1750 | $2625 | $3500 |
| $4.00/gal | $0.200 | $2000 | $3000 | $4000 |
| $4.50/gal | $0.225 | $2250 | $3375 | $4500 |
| $5.00/gal | $0.250 | $2500 | $3750 | $5000 |
Every model year
| Year | Combined | City | Highway | EPA fuel cost/yr | CO₂ g/mi | Trims |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2004 | 20 MPG | 18 | 24 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2003 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2002 | 20 MPG | 17 | 24 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2001 | 20 MPG | 18 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
| 2000 | 20 MPG | 17 | 25 | $3850 | 444 | 1 |
Where a model year offered several engines or drivetrains, the figure is the average across all EPA-tested trims that year — the trim count is shown so you can see how much averaging is involved.
How it compares in its class
Among the 229 subcompact cars models tracked here, the Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) ranks 158 on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG.
Closest more-efficient alternatives in the same class: Pontiac Firebird/Trans Am (20.3), BMW 325ci (20.5), BMW 328ci Convertible (20.5), BMW 330ci (20.5), Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3 (20.5).
Tailpipe CO₂ is rated at 444 grams per mile, which works out to roughly 6.7 tonnes a year at 15,000 miles.
Questions
What MPG does the Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) get?
The 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) is rated at 20 MPG combined by the EPA — 18 city and 24 highway. Across all 6 model years in the database it averages 20 MPG, ranging from 20 to 20 depending on year and trim.
How much does a Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) cost in fuel per year?
At 20 MPG and 15,000 miles a year, it burns about 750 gallons — roughly $2400 a year with fuel at $3.20 a gallon, or $0.160 per mile. The EPA's own published annual figure for the 2005 model is $3850.
Has the Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) become more efficient over time?
Barely. It sits at 20 MPG today against 20 in 2000 — essentially flat across 6 model years, with efficiency gains offset by weight and power creep.
Is the Mercedes-Benz CLK320 (Cabriolet) efficient for its class?
It ranks 158 of 229 in the Subcompact Cars class on current figures, against a class average of 24.2 MPG. That is 4.2 worse than typical for the class.
EPA test figures from fueleconomy.gov. Cost per mile and annual fuel spend are computed at a reference price of $3.20 per gallon — use your own price. Estimates based on official test figures and average fuel prices. Real-world consumption varies with driving style, load, terrain and maintenance.