MERCEDES SLK

Mercedes SLK

 Mercedes have just launched the third generation SLK series as they mark 125 years of existence. Although it now looks more mature thanks to the restyled upright radiator grille and bonnet it still has the DNA of a sport coupe. It now has a wider radiator grill and bears the Mercedes-Benz star in a prominent central position. It ‘heavily’ copies it looks from both the SLS and the CLS. 

With the roof down

It can easily be said to be the result of the marriage between the CLS and SLS. The ventilation grilles in the front are chromed giving it a look that was famous with Mercedes-Benz roadsters of the 1950s. It comes fully fitted with LED headlights for both front and rear headlights.

Roof in motion

The roof is made of a much lighter material making it easier to change from a roadster to a coupe in seconds. One can choose a normal roof that is painted in the same way as the car. Alternatively there is the option of having the panoramic vario-roof with dark-tinted windows or my favourite MAGIC SKY CONTROL. What it does is switch the glass from light to dark at the touch of a button.

With the roof up

When in ‘light’ mode it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather. In its dark state the roof provides welcome shade and prevents the interior from heating up when the sun's rays are very intense. In other words: a feel-good atmosphere at the touch of a button. 

Interior

Mercedes have also fitted it with a new pivoting transparent plastic layers which are attached to the reverse of the roll-over bars. They help avoid turbulent air flow in cockpit, hence maintaining good air pressure in the cockpit.  

Panoramic roof

Under the bonnet are numerous engine options available for each model. The four-cylinder engines in the SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY and SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY develop 135 kW (184 hp) and 150 kW (204 hp) respectively. The SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY engine is the most economical roadster in its segment. It consumes 6.1 litres of fuel for every 100km covered. 

V6 engine

With the seven-speed automatic transmission 7G‑TRONIC PLUS, it easily sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.0 seconds, and achieves its top speed at 237 km/h. The SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY is equipped as standard with the 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission. It consumes only 6.2 litres of fuel per 100km covered.  

Indicator lights

From a standstill it reaches 100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, and it has a top speed of 243 km/h. On top of it class is a V6 engine fitted in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY which draws 225 kW (306 bhp). It can take the SLK 350 from 0 to 100km/h in 5.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically muzzled at 250km/h. It only requires 7.1 litres of fuel for every 100 km covered.

Cockpit

In terms of suspension, one can choose between three different options; a conventional steel suspension that comes as standard, a sports suspension with harder springs and dampers ensures a systematically sporty driving experience and lastly a Dynamic Handling package. 

Bi-xenon headlights

Its merits include a suspension with continuous adjustable damping. It has an electronically controlled fully automatic damping system, so the vehicle rolls away gently even on poor road surfaces, but still offers high driving dynamics

Branded door silts

The evidence of it copy paste design is visible in the interior. The centre console and other trim parts gleam in brushed aluminium. Wood can be selected as an option in high-gloss dark brown walnut or high-gloss black ash. Four round, galvanised air outlets (similar to the ones found in the SLS) integrated in the dashboard. The SLK's generous round dials are flanked by a display for the information generated by the online computer. 

Rear LED light

The colour display for the communications and entertainment functions is housed in the centre of the dashboard. On top of the dashboard sits a fine analogue clock.  Other high-quality items of equipment include a multifunction sports steering wheel with a flattened bottom section and a thick leather crown, plus optional sun-reflecting leather. It also has the standard and innovative neck-level heating system AIRSCARF.