Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK-Class is all-new for 2012. Highlights include a new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine, a "Magic" dimming glass sunroof and an overall design inspired by the new SLS AMG sports car.Now comprehensively redesigned, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz continues its commitment to its hardtop, making this car a luxury convertible in spirit, not a sports car.
Besides providing a quieter, more weather-tight cabin and also enhancing security, a hardtop also eliminates the typical wear and tear that a fabric top endures, not to mention the replacement cost. It is luxury with a practical dimension.The most noticeable styling change occurs up front, where a large grille inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG makes the Mercedes SLK looks a bit angry now. The car's overall size and shape are generally the same as before, and underneath the new skin is an updated platform shared with the current (and excellent) Mercedes SLK C-Class. The suspension is still tuned to provide more comfort than sport, but with adaptive dampers and sportier tuning, the Mercedes SLK handles better for 2012.
Another notable change concerns the new base model. Dubbed the Mercedes SLK250, it features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. That's less power than the base V6 found in last year's Mercedes SLK300, but the torque output is a bit higher, and overall drivability won't significantly suffer. Most important, fuel economy has improved by about 4 mpg. As for the Mercedes SLK350, it still has a 3.5-liter V6, but the addition of direct fuel injection results in better fuel economy and more power.

Mercedes SLK

In total, the 2012 Mercedes SLK takes the strengths of its predecessor and augments them with the same sort of improvements that we've seen elsewhere in other refreshed Mercedes models. Build and materials quality have improved, feature content has increased and the interior controls (especially those for more complicated functions) are easier to use. The engines are more efficient, handling is better and that impenetrable feeling of a proper Mercedes-Benz carries on. Unfortunately, its price hasn't dropped like those of its other recently redesigned siblings.So is the 2012 Mercedes SLK good enough to stay relevant against its arch-rivals from BMW and Porsche? Absolutely. More enthusiastic drivers (say, those who want to shift their own gears), will still probably prefer the Porsche Boxster, though unlike the Mercedes SLK with its retractable hardtop, it has a traditional soft top. And the BMW Z4 boasts more interior space, more energetic engines, a retractable hardtop and arguably the sexiest roadster styling in its price range. Still, the 2012 Mercedes SLK holds its own in this impressive company thanks to its combination of styling, comfort and performance.The 2012 Mercedes SLK-Class is a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. There are Mercedes SLK250 and Mercedes SLK350 trim levels, which are primarily differentiated by engine.
Standard equipment on the Mercedes SLK250 includes 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, LED running lights, auto-dimming rearview and driver mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats and four-way lumbar adjustment, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB audio jack. The Mercedes SLK350 gets 18-inch wheels and sun-reflective leather upholstery (optional on the Mercedes SLK250).The Premium 1 package adds remote roof activation, heated seats, the "AirScarf" neck-level heating system, and a Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and an iPod interface. The Lighting package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers.Mercedes SLK opting for the Multimedia package nets you a larger central screen, a navigation system, voice controls, a six-CD/DVD changer and 10GB of digital music storage. The Distronic Plus package adds adaptive cruise control and Mercedes' PreSafe crash readiness technology. The Sport package includes 18-inch AMG wheels, styling adjustments and interior ambient lighting. The Dynamic Handling package gets a two-mode adjustable suspension and enhanced brakes.Stand-alone options include parking sensors, a dimming glass roof panel, a wind deflector, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded leather upholstery.The rear-wheel-drive 2012 Mercedes SLK250 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. A Mercedes SLK six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a seven-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes estimates this car will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Estimated fuel economy with the automatic transmission is 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.The 2012 Mercedes SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed auto is standard. Mercedes SLK estimates a 0-60 time of 5.4 seconds and fuel economy of 20/29.

Mercedes SLK

Every Mercedes SLK comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the abdomen and head. Also standard are rollbars and the Attention Assist system, which monitors the driver for signs of inattention or drowsiness. The optional PreSafe system anticipates an imminent crash and automatically takes measures to better secure occupants.As the new Mercedes SLK's interior design closely mimics that of the Mercedes SLS, owners of the range-topping supercar may be a little miffed that their car essentially shares the same cabin with Benz's cheapest sports car. Too bad for them, but Mercedes SLK owners will enjoy the same restrained dash styling and top-notch materials and construction. Controls are virtually identical to those found throughout the Mercedes lineup, meaning you're not missing out on functionality or features just because you've bought a two-seater.
Retract the roof into the trunk (which retains a useful 6.4 cubic feet from a top-up 10.1), and you'll find a cabin that's well insulated from wind thanks to its standard fixed-glass deflector as well as the optional pivoting wind-blocker panels. Heated seats and Mercedes' clever AirScarf system that blows warm air at your neck will keep you toasty during a crisp autumn drive, while available sun-reflective leather should reduce the always unfortunate summertime butt scorch. The 2012 Mercedes SLK also offers an optional glass roof panel dubbed "Magic Sky Control Roof" -- think of it as the sunroof version of Transitions eyeglass lenses, though the glass darkens at the touch of a button rather than automatically.The Mercedes SLK has always been more about touring than outright sport. If you want classic, razor-sharp roadster handling, the Porsche Boxster is going to be a better choice. That said, the new 2012 Mercedes SLK-- thanks to its standard sport-tuned suspension calibration, available adaptive dampers and well-sorted steering -- is the best-handling Mercedes SLK to date and delivers quite a few grins around the corners.In terms of power, the Mercedes SLK350's powerful V6 provides the sort of satisfying grunt we've come to expect from luxury roadsters, while sounding pretty sweet as well. If the extra cost and mandatory automatic transmission aren't big deals, it's certainly the engine to get. However, the Mercedes SLK250's turbocharged four-cylinder should be perfectly adequate for many buyers.