Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a luxury roadster. The name was chosen to reflect the company's intentions for the car - that it be Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light), and Kompakt (compact). There have been two generations of SLK cars from Mercedes-Benz. The vehicle is perhaps famous for its folding hardtop. While it did not pioneer it, the SLK revived its usage in modern automobiles. It was soon followed by the Peugeot 206 CC, Lexus SC 430 and the Mercedes-Benz SL-Class.

See Wikicars' comprehensive  Review.

Recent Changes

 * Ahead of its 2011 Geneva Motor Show debut, Mercedes-Benz has released a teaser image of the third-generation SLK: an electro-chromatic panoramic glass retractable hard-top feature called Magic Sky Control. A similar system is found on the Maybach 62.

Styles and Major Options
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Pricing
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Gas Mileage
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As seen on the FuelEconomy.gov website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:

Engine and Transmission
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Performance
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Reliability
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Safety
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Photos
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Colors
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Main Competitors
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Hybrid Models
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Unique Attributes
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Interior
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Resale Values
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Criticisms
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Generations
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Current Generation: (2005–present)


See Mercedes-Benz R171 for complete details.

The SLK was updated in 2005 with a new Formula One-inspired appearance and serious performance. The new R171-platform SLK was again on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 2005, and it won the Canadian Car of the Year Best New Convertible award. Highlighting its potential appeal to women, New Zealand's Lucire magazine announced it as its 'Car to Be Seen in' for 2005. The current SLK is also built in Bremen, Germany. There are rumours that Mercedes-Benz is going to produce a SLK 63 AMG model with their new 6.2L naturally aspirated automobile engine designed from scratch by AMG division.

Models of the new SLK include:

First Generation
 * SLK 200 Kompressor - 1.8 L 120 kW (163 hp DIN) I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 7.9 seconds, top speed of 143 mph. (not available in Canada and the US)
 * SLK 280 - 3.0 L (2996 cc) 170 kW (231 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 6.3 seconds, top speed 155 mph. (starting in 2006 model year)
 * SLK 350 - new 3.5 L (3498 cc) 200 kW (272 hp DIN) double overhead cam V6 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 5.4 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited).


 * SLK 55 AMG - 5.5 L (5439 cc) 265 kW (360 hp DIN) V8 engine, 0-100 km/h (62 mph) 4.8 seconds, top speed 155 mph (electronically limited). A tuned version of this is used as the Formula One safety car.

First Generation/Origins (1998–2004)


See Mercedes-Benz R170 for complete details.

The R170-platform the SLK 230 Kompressor was introduced in 1997 for model year 1998 to compete with the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z3. Setting it apart was its folding hardtop, but this added weight, denting the performance of the 185 hp 2.3 L supercharged I4 engine and automatic transmission. The SLK was on Car and Driver's Ten Best list for 1997.

A 5-speed manual transmission was added for 1999, but it was the introduction of a 215 hp 3.2 L V6 and 6-speed manual transmission in the 2001 SLK 320 that really brought the Sportlich to the car.

A AMG model was added in 2002, with a 354 hp supercharged version of the 3.2 L V6. This SLK 32 AMG was the best-performing SLK ever, and was a direct rival of the BMW M Roadster and Porsche Boxster S.

All Mercedes SLKs were built in Bremen, Germany. The very first Mercedes SLK was completed on January 29, 1997. The final 2004 Mercedes SLK was completed on April 7, 2004.

The first-generation SLK was designed by Michael Mauer.

Summary of all versions and engine specifications:

R170 Pre-facelift


 * SLK 200 - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 136 hp I4 engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 9.3 seconds, top speed of 208 km/h (129 mph). NB Exported only to Portugal, Italy and Greece.
 * SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 192 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.7 seconds, top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph).
 * SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 193 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 7.4 seconds, top speed of 231 km/h (143 mph).

R170 With Facelift


 * SLK 200 Kompressor - 2.0 L (1998 cc) 163 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 8.2 seconds, top speed of 223 km/h (138 mph). NB Not exported to North American markets.
 * SLK 230 Kompressor - 2.3 L (2295 cc) 197 hp I4 supercharged engine, 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds, top speed of 240 km/h (148 mph).
 * SLK 320 - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 218 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds, top speed of 245 km/h (152 mph).
 * SLK 32 AMG - 3.2 L (3199 cc) 354 hp V6 engine, 0-60 mph in 4.9 seconds, electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Worldwide
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Design quirks and oddities
The Mercedes-Benz SLK uses a magnesium subframe instead of a steel subframe. Compared to the steel subframe, the magnesium subframe is stronger and also lighter but it's more expensive.

Awards

 * 2003 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study winner (Premium sports car)