2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Convertible
(3.5L V6 7-speed Automatic)

• View Photo
  Wider rear flanks and taut curves characterize the 2012 SLK350 as it pulls away.
• View Photo
  The new SLK350 also cuts a striking figure with its top up.
• View Photo
  The SLK350's interior is fairly plush with nice leather and tight fitments, but the center stack and surrounding dash feel a bit dated.

View More Photos

Pros

New look; improved power and handling; versatile convertible hardtop; sublime engine sound.

Cons

Abrupt throttle response.

Still the Baby SL?

The cars of Mercedes-Benz have typically traded visceral thrills for a kind of velvet force, a refined solidity at triple-digit speeds. This car company's highway bruisers shrug off road imperfections even as they carry passengers in hushed isolation. Small wonder that Mercedes-Benzes are coveted by plutocrats of all persuasions.

Though it's far from grand in exterior proportions, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 expresses the company's customary design attributes, so the baby SL feels every bit as formidable as its stablemates. Trading the blunt, racing-style grille of its SLK predecessor for a more upright smile, the 2012 SLK350 shares the same look of muscular tension as the upmarket SL and beyond-market SLS.

Read More

Mercedes SLK Roadster

The new Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster enters its 3rd generation and looks to take open-top driving pleasure to a new level. The latest SLK Roadster has an unmistakable sporty design, with impressive comfort and as always; improved efficiency. This time around it features something special as well, with a new panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control, we will get back to what that is all about later in the article though. As far as styling goes, the new Merc SLK Roadster comes with the long bonnet you have come to expect from the brand, with a compact passenger compartment and a short tail end. Much of the front styling of this SLK, with its wide radiator grille and clearly defined headlamps, was taken from the 190 SL, a vehicle which many consider to be the original SLK, all the way back in the 1950’s. The vario-roof in the SLK Roadster will now come in 3 variants: The base version where the roof is painted the same colour as the car, a version with tinted glass or the version with the Magic Sky Control. This option switches from light to dark with the press of a button, allowing for the feeling of open-top driving even when the top is still very much on. The dark option for this version allows the passengers to turn on ‘shade’ if needs be. At launch the car will be available in 2 models, the SLK 200 and the SLK 350, with both options coming with BlueEFFICIENCY. Fuel saving has been improved on both these models, with the SLK 200 gaining 19% efficiency and the SLK 350 gaining a huge 28%. The SLK 200 comes with a 4-cylinder engine that develops 135 kW which along with the optional 7-speed automatic transmission, consumes just 6.5 litres/100km. The Sporty model is able to complete 0-100km/h in just 7 seconds, before topping off at 237km/h. The SLK 350 comes with a V6 engine that generates 225 kW and is able to complete 0-100km/h in a blistering 5.6 seconds before reaching its max speed of 250km/h. This results in a combined fuel consumption of 7.1 litres/100km. Pricing for the new Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster is as follows: SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY R 555 700 SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY R 734 100

Read More

New Mercedes SLK 55 AMG 2012 Trailer

Read More

Mercedes-Benz presents the 2012 SLK
Mercedes-Benz have released details of their latest incarnation of the SLK and the initial report looks promising. Mercedes have always strived for innovation with their SLK range, and the 2012 model is no different. The first SLK model that was released in 1996 came with a vario-roof to transform the roadster into a coupe with the touch of a button. The second generation SLK introduced us to the warm AIRSCARF which ensured a pleasurable driving experience with the top down, even in cooler temperatures. Not to be outdone, the latest SLK comes with innovation of its own: a panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL. And while the name certainly is impressive, it is simply a roof that can change its tint to become lighter or darker with a touch of a button. The theory behind this technology is to allow the driver to make the roof completely transparent if so desired, this gives the feeling of open-top driving even in cold conditions. And conversely the driver can make the roof dark once more to provide shade in blistering heat. Time will tell how useful this feature will actually be, or if it is nothing more than a gimmick that no one really uses. Under the hood the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY engines produce 135 kW (184 hp) and 150 kW (204 hp) respectively. The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY has some particularly impressive fuel economy stats, clocking in at just 6.1 litres / 100km and 142g of CO2 which is the lowest in the segment. For some extra oomph, the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY comes with a V6 engine that generates 225 kW (306 hp) and completes 0-100km/h in just 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 250km/h. The fuel economy for the 350 is not too bad either, coming in at just 7.1 litres / 100km. The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK goes on sale this year on the 26th of March in Europe. Look for more information and pricing on a local release date as the information becomes available.

Read More