AUTO-CAR: 2011 Mercedes-Benz Slk-Class Review

Overview

For those that have neither the Gold Card budget of the SL nor the desire for a car that big, Mercedes-Benz offers the SLK. Like its bigger sibling, the SLK seats two and has a retractable hardtop. It first came to market in 1997, to compete with the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster. Since then, the Z3 has been replaced by the Z4, Porsche now offers the Cayman and an updated Boxster, and Audi introduced the TT coupe and convertible. As a response to stiffening competition, the second generation of the SLK was introduced for 2004. New body lines, new engines, and it became slightly longer and heavier; most of that continues into the current model. It last received an upgrade in 2009, when it got new wheels and a new nose. There were three models, SLK300, SLK350, and SLK55 AMG. And unlike the big-brother SL, the SLK is available with a manual transmission. For 2009, the 3.5L engine was tweaked to squeeze an extra 32 horsepower and seven pound-feet of torque out of it.

The Range

Body styles: Convertible
Engines: 3.0L V-6, 3.5L V-6
Transmissions: 6-speed manual, 7-speed automatic
Models: SLK300, SLK350

What's New

As of this writing, there is no mention of an AMG version of the SLK for 2011. That leaves two V-6 models, the 300 and 350, and the manual is only offered with the smaller engine. The SLK350 receives new 18-inch split five-spoke wheels. Both models get sport body styling and black inlays in the headlights for no charge.

Exterior
Its redesign in 2004 gave the SLK a body that put it more in line with the current SL. Front- and rear-end styling is sculpted, and is much more aggressive and mature than the first generation's.

Interior

As a less-expensive member of the Mercedes family, fewer features come standard. The leather two-seat cabin includes a nine-speaker audio system, dual-zone climate control, and manual sport seats; harman/kardon surround sound and digital climate control are available.

Performance & Handling
This is not the sportiest car in its class; that honor goes to the Porsche Boxster. What the SLK does offer, though, is comfortable cruising and elegant style in a compact package. In 2009, steering was changed to a mechanical system that improves feel and response. In the SLK, the 3.5L V-6 has more horsepower than in other Mercedes, at 300 instead of 268.

Safety

Stability control, traction control, and four-wheel discs with ABS with brake assist come standard. There are dual stage airbags and knee airbags, plus head-thorax airbags, which are integrated into the backrests of the seats.

EPA Fuel Economy

SLK300: 17-19mpg city/26mpg highway.
SLK350: 18mpg city/25mpg highway.

You'll Like