Introduction
All new for 2005, the Mercedes-Benz SLK features dramatic changes to its appearance and its personality, while retaining the distinguishing retractable steel hardtop. Through this evolution, the second-generation SLK has been transformed into a bona fide sports car that offers more interior space and improved amenities over its ground-breaking predecessor. Two models are available: the SLK350 with a new, 268-hp DOHC V-6 and the SLK55 AMG that packs a 355-hp V-8 and brings chassis upgrades to further sharpen its corner-carving skills. Our tester was a modestly optioned SLK350 with the AMG Sport Suspension.
Exterior
Taking visual cues from Mercedes' Formula One racers and the SLR supercar, the SLK's bold nose anchors a rising-arch profile that's complemented by a steeply raked windshield, pronounced fender flares, and dramatic body contours. Staggered-width alloy wheels mount 225/45ZR17 front and 245/40ZR17 rear tires on the SLK350, while the SLK55 AMG goes plus-one, and wears 225/40ZR18 and 245/35ZR18 rubber.
Interior
Avant-garde style and nearly 12 percent more room highlight the SLK's cabin revamp, although entry/exit remains more a process than a single motion. Once inside, you'll find supple leather upholstery--premium Nappa in the AMG model--set off by aluminized accents and silver-painted seat frames made of lightweight magnesium. While overall control layout is good and legibility of the gauges and displays praiseworthy, the plethora of knobs and mini-buttons in the SLK's central dash stack is less than user-friendly, with or without the optional navigation system.
The SLK has a proper Mercedes-Benz feature set, from a full range of power assists and a multifunction display accessed by selector buttons on its three-spoke steering wheel to dual-zone climate control, an anti-theft system with TeleAid Stolen Vehicle Recovery feature, and the ubiquitous programmable SmartKey.... Read full article