Mercedes-Benz first launched its SLK roadster in 1997. A second-generation version was revealed for 2004, and a modest facelift to that model was introduced for 2008.
SLK -- which means Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light) and Kurz (short) -- is positioned below the considerably more expensive SL roadster. The SLK was actually Mercedes' first hardtop convertible roadster, predating the SL hardtop.
The SLK competes with the BMW Z4, Audi TT, Infiniti G37, and Lexus SC 430. The only non-AMG SLK model offered in North America is the SLK 350, which is powered by a 305 horsepower 3.5L V6.
The 2004 redesign brought the introduction of a Formula One-inspired appearance and significant performance improvements. The 2008 update builds on this with a revised front fascia with more design cues from the German automaker's Formula One cars.
New taillights and a revised interior complete the SLK's update. The SLK 350 comes standard with Mercedes' 7G-TRONIC Sport seven-speed automatic. The transmission has a manual control mode operated via F1-style paddle shifters.
MECHANICAL
3.0L DOHC SMPI 24-valve V6 engine
6-speed manual transmission-inc: direct-action short throw shifter
Electronic stability program (ESP)
Rear wheel drive
Independent 3-link front suspension-inc: co
il springs over gas-pressurized shock absorbers, anti-dive geometry
Independent 5-arm multi-link rear suspension-inc: separate coil springs, shock absorbers, anti-squat geometry, alignment control
Front/rear lowered ride-height & stabilizer bars
17" x 7.5" front 6-dual-spoke aluminum wheels
17" x 8.5" front 6-dual-spoke aluminum wheels
P225/45R17 front high performance tires
P245/40R17 rear high performance tires
Vehicle-speed-sensitive pwr rack & pinion steering w/direct-steer system, integrated hydraulic damper
1-piston ventilated front & 2-piston solid rear disc brakes
Anti-lock disc brakes system (ABS) w/brake assist system
EXTERIOR
Electro-hydraulic retractable steel hardtop
Formula 1-style nose w/color-keyed grille crossfins
Variable-focus halogen headlamps-inc: polycarbonate lenses, light-sensing auto-on headlamps, automatic lamp substitution
Halogen front fog lamps
Single rear red fog lamp
Driver-programmable daytime running lamp
s
Pwr heated mirrors w/integrated LED turn signals
Variable intermittent aero-blade windshield wiper
Red & smoked-tinted rear lamps w/LED brake & tail lamps
INTERIOR
Leather seat trim
8-way adjustable sport seats w/silver painted magnesium trim, height adjustable head restraints
Center console w/enclosed storage
Retractable dual cupholders
Velour carpeting & floor mats
Stainless-steel door sill trim
Rubber-studded brushed stainless-steel pedals
3-spoke leather-wrapped 4-way tilt/telescopic sport steering wheel-inc: audio controls, multi-function display controls
Black gauges w/white markings, silver instrument tubes
Electronic analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel level, quartz clock
Digital odometer, Touch Shift gear & mode s
election
Multi-function display in instrument cluster-inc: trip computer, exterior temp gauge, digital speedometer, coolant temp, maintenance system, audio status, reminder & malfunction messages, driver-programmable settings
Mercedes-Benz Maintenance System Plus display-inc: distance remaining to next maintenance, type of service due, reminders, brake-pad wear
Audible reminders & messages-inc: exterior lamp failure, low fuel, engine oil, coolant, washer fluid, release parking brake, headlights on, remove key from ignition
Touch turn signals (flashes (3) times w/1-touc
h)
Tire pressure loss warning system
Pwr windows-inc: 1-touch express up/down, 1-button raising/lowering of all windows via pwr top switch
SmartKey system-inc: remote central locking system, anti-theft engine immobilizer, drive away automatic locking
SmartKey infrared remote-inc: trunk open, panic alarm, fuel filler door, selective unlock
Bluetooth hands-free communication
Cruise control
Anti-theft alarm system
Tele Aid global positioning system (GPS) satellite system-inc: stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlock service, automatic alarm & collision notification
AM/FM/Weatherband radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, fiber-optic communication among components
Illuminated glovebox
Automatic dual-zone climate control-inc: dual rotary controls, electrostatic dust & pollen filters, active charcoal filter, REST mode w/engine heat recirculation feature or cabin ventilation, dash-top diffuser vent
Rear window defroster w/auto-shutoff based on time & driving speed & exterior temp
Silver trim
Courtesy lamps w/delay shutoff
Dual front reading lamps
Night security illumination
Locator lighting
Leather-wrapped shift knob
Parcel net in RH footwell
Pockets in doors
Illuminated carpeted trunk
Enclosed storage on rear cabin wall
EPA FUEL ECONOMY RATINGS
City 17/hwy 26 (3.0L engine/6-speed manual trans)
City 19/hwy 26 (3.0L engine/7-speed auto trans)
Anti-lock disc brakes system (ABS) w/brake assist system
Driver & front passenger dual-stage airbags w/Occupant Classification System
Head & thorax side-impact airbags
Knee air bag
3-point shoulder belts w/emergency tensioning device (ETD) & belt force limiter
Electronic stability program (ESP)
Illuminated emergency interior trunk release