Now in its third edition, the all new Mercedes-Benz SLK raises the bar when it comes to driving pleasure. The roadster offers driver’s a quick and responsive engine inside a stylish yet comfortable open-top sports car. Mercedes managed to pack all these attributes into a great looking, environmentally conscious vehicle that is built to be driven on a day to day basis. Thus making it one of the top car designs out this year. The 2012 SLK350 goes on-sale in the U.S. in June 2011.
“The new SLK embodies the role of the trend-setter like no other car,” says Dr Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and CEO of Mercedes-Benz Cars. “I am convinced that with its passionate design, its high-quality interior and its modesty at the filling station, it will also continue to provide an enormous amount of fun on the road in future, consolidating its status as a cult roadster.”
Innovations are part of the successful history of the Mercedes-Benz SLK:
- In 1996 the first generation caused a sensation with the vario-roof, which transformed the wide-open roadster into a coupé with a fixed roof at the touch of a button in just a few seconds;
- The second generation placed the warm AIRSCARF around the neck and shoulders of the occupants as needed, ensuring pleasurable open-top motoring even in cooler temperatures;
- For the very first time, the third generation offers a choice between three variants of the much-imitated vario-roof. One of these is celebrating its world premiere – the transparent panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL, which can be switched to light or dark. It therefore offers a choice of an open-top feeling even when the roof is closed, or provides shade in strong sunshine and prevents the interior from heating up. Alternatively the vario-roof is available in painted or glass versions.
The highlights of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK also include a striking and masculine sports car design, a sporty and refined interior with authentic, high-grade materials and a choice of three suspension variants – a standard suspension, a sports suspension or a suspension with automatically adjustable damping.
Dr Thomas Weber, Member of the Board of Management responsible for Group Research and Head of Development, Mercedes-Benz Cars: “With the SLK we offer a wide range of technical alternatives to give customers a personal choice. Among them are a number of unique innovations. Moreover, the SLK is a prime example of how impressive performance, stylish driving comfort and high ecological standards can go hand in hand. In the 125-year history of the automobile, we have never experienced such major leaps in efficiency. Lower fuel consumption and even more driving pleasure – a formula we certainly translate into reality in the SLK.”
Outstanding on all fronts
The best or nothing – this motto is at the heart of the Mercedes-Benz philosophy, and also the guiding theme for the new SLK. The original book of specifications already laid down that the design characteristics of the new roadster must not be one-sided, but must ensure top performance in all major disciplines. Mercedes-Benz engineers have rigorously translated this requirement into reality, and given the SLK attributes that guarantee the roadster a peak position in its segment in multiple respects. Among them are extremely compact dimensions combined with an extremely generous interior providing a feel-good atmosphere and numerous practical features. Naturally outstanding performance and sporty, agile handling are also major characteristics of the new SLK. Moreover, the new SLK is the most economical petrol model in its class, with three new, efficient and powerful direct-injection engines plus the ECO start/stop function, and also the safest roadster with its unrivalled range of safety features.
Dr Joachim Schmidt, Head of Sales and Marketing at Mercedes-Benz Cars: “Firmly embedded in the genes of the SLK is exhilarating driving pleasure in any weather conditions, open or closed, for recreation or day-to-day motoring. It combines its decidedly sporty character with outstanding comfort and high-grade appointments. The new SLK also sets new standards among the compact roadsters where fuel economy and environmental compatibility are concerned. A wealth of outstanding attributes and technical innovations will once again make it the benchmark in its class – and undoubtedly also a success for our brand. The SLK is a roadster with a character, and everyone will want it.”
A look back at the success achieved by the preceding models. Since the first generation was launched, the SLK has won the enthusiasm of more than half a million customers.
Even more features
The new SLK has a wealth of new features compared to its already well-equipped predecessor.
New standard equipment
- New-generation 4 and 6-cylinder engines with direct injection
- Adaptive brake lights
- ATTENTION ASSIST
- Audio 20 CD with 5.8-inch colour display, Bluetooth hands-free system, central head unit and USB connection
- NECK-PRO head restraints
- ECO start/stop function
- Electric parking brake (EPB)
- Headbags in the doors
- LED tail lights
- Air conditioning
- Boot with reversible floor and two elastic straps to secure luggage
- Optimised seven-speed 7G-TRONIC PLUS automatic transmission in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY
- Tyre pressure loss warning system
- Daytime running lamps
- Integrated aerials, also for GPS
- Brushed aluminium trim even for the basic version
New optional extras
- Ambient lighting with colour tone “SOLAR red”
- AMG Sports package
- Analogue clock on the dashboard
- Illuminated door sill panels
- COMAND Online with internet access, 7-inch colour display and central controller
- DAB tuner (Digital Audio Broadcast)
- DISTRONIC PLUS including PRE-SAFE® Brake
- Dynamic Handling package with adaptive damping, Torque Vectoring Brake and Direct-Steer system
- Entry-level navigation package “Becker®MAP PILOT”
- Speed Limit Assist
- Intelligent Light System with bi-xenon
- KEYLESS-GO
- Exclusive nappa leather
- PARKTRONIC with Parking Guidance
- PRE-SAFE®
- Sun-reflecting leather for cooler seats in strong sunshine
- Panoramic vario-roof
- Flex bottleholder
- Panoramic vario-roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL (switchable transparency)
- Roll-over bars with anodised aluminium inserts
- AIRGUIDE draught-stop
