Forget, if you can, today's accepted order of executive preference. The order that tells you how the young and vibrant drive a BMW while those older and more sedate choose a Mercedes. It may be accepted wisdom but it has nothing to do with tradition.

No, historical fact tells a different story. A story of how, back in the years immediately before and just after the Second World War, the young blades drove Mercedes - and were proud to do so; the 300S of 1935, the 500K of 1936, the 320N of 1937 or the 300SL racing sports coupe that dominated motorsport until the mid-Fifties.

All this is remembered very clearly in Stuttgart, where there are engineers who yearn to prove the marque's ability to take on and beat BMW at its own game. The current Mercedes CLK is a case in point. The second generation version launched in 2002 was a big step forward from a driving enthusiast's perspective and in recent times, further efforts have been made to make this car even better to drive.

As well as the adoption of the new engines, these efforts included the adoption of what Mercedes dubs 'Direct Control' technology. This amounts to modified axle bearings, more direct steering and a shorter gearshift travel, offering a sportier, more dynamic feel to the car. Likewise, optional steering wheel gearshift buttons for models with an automatic transmission, revised audio units with Europe-wide navigation and bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function have also been introduced. Stung by criticism of so-so interior quality, Mercedes also took steps to redesign many of the CLK's switches and controls. Trim changes on the current car include a redesigned front bumper and radiator, Plus a smarter fascia for Avantgarde-trimmed models.

"Mercedes yearn to take on and beat BMW at their own game.."

All of this is just as well, since the smaller C-class Sports Coupe has been making inroads into CLK sales for some time now. Important then, for there to be a discernable distance in stance between the two cars. The stouter platform that the CLK enjoys in second generation guise has enabled the engineers to get rid of the normal centre pillar arRangement between the front and rear windows, a design cue that harks back to classic Mercedes coupe models of the Sixties, a time when the marque was unashamedly a sporting brand. Which of course is where we came in.

No point in having a sporting brand of course without some sporting engines to go with it - which again is what we now have, at least in the pricier versions. The V8 models have over 300bhp to play with, the CLK 500 with 388bhp and the flagship CLK 63 AMG boasting 481bhp. The AMG model features composite brakes and the Coupe versions also get a sportier exhaust with twin tailpipes. As you'd expect however, you'll need to match power to pound notes. Even the CLK 500 costs at least £47,490, though you can console yourself by remembering that the revolutionary 7G-Tronic automatic gearbox fitted to this model has helped economy and improved performance. This car will now jet to 60mph in just 5.7 seconds. You can also amaze friends with two reverse gears.

Further down the Range, even the more affordable models are well worthwhile. The £29,910 CLK 200K and the £33,745 CLK 280 both have much to recommend them. The CLK 200K features a 184bhp 1.8-litre supercharged unit that Stuttgart says has all the economy of a four cylinder engine with the refinement of a 'six'. It's certainly quick enough, with sixty 8.8s away en route to 147mph, yet at the same time the potential for a 33mpg combined economy figure. The CLK 280's 231bhp 3.0-litre V6 unit meanwhile, is so smooth and torquey that it seems rather pointless to cough up over £4,000 more for the 272bhp CLK 350 variant. All of which leaves only the diesel-powered 220 CDI and 320 CDI variants, cars that recognise the rise and rise of diesel influence on these shores. Prices for these start at around £30,000. The pretty Cabriolet Range mirrors that of the coupe but expect to pay a premium of around £3,500, model for model.

Inside, the improvements for second generation models are small but again, very significant. Where some of the trim in the original version felt a bit down-market, this car has much more in common with the larger S-class-based CL coupe and, like that model (but unlike the C-class Sports Coupe), can easily seat four adults in long distance comfort. The longer, wider and taller shape helps here, as does the decision to get rid of the central rear seat (instead there's a storage tray) and concentrate on pampering just two rear passengers properly. Expect to find that equipment levels have risen to justify the UK importers' price hike. All models now come with climate control for the air conditioning, automatic headlamps with washers, all-round electric windows, rain-sensing wipers, a height and reach-adjustable steering wheel, 'Speedtronic' cruise control, twin front, side and window airbags, Plus of course ABS with Brake Assist and the ESP stability control programme. There are three trim levels - Plush Elegance, trendier Avantgarde and Sport.

On the move, the absence of that centre window pillar makes more difference than you would credit, allowing a fresh air experience akin to that of a convertible with few of the drawbacks. Expect to also find far superior levels of ride and handling, aided by much greater feel and sensitivity from the revised power steering system. This Mercedes was always a great looking car. It now has the dynamics to match the looks.

TOP 5 CLK DEALS

The results below show the top CLK deals on buyacar

	Mercedes-benz CLK 220 CDi Avantgarde 2dr Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £444	Saving £7,340	Price £23,815
	Mercedes-benz CLK 320 CDi Avantgarde 2dr Tip Auto Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £498	Saving £7,816	Price £27,344
	Mercedes-benz CLK 200K Avantgarde 2dr [184] Tip Auto Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £445	Saving £7,438	Price £24,572
	Mercedes-benz CLK 200K Elegance 2dr [184] Tip Auto Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £445	Saving £7,438	Price £24,572
	Mercedes-benz CLK 320 CDi Sport 2dr Tip Auto Coupe
	ETR	Mthly £541	Saving £8,116	Price £29,544

typical 11.44% APR

PCP finance quote over 48 months,  10,000 miles pa,  deposit of £1000