Mercedes SLK

Almost everything is known about roadster model in the Mercedes-Benz s offer. It started and continued as SL, but in the mid-90s, we got a special “branch” – SLK. Just as good grape vine, both branches last, each bringing its fruit with different flavors…

Being smaller and cheaper, the SLK turned to the population which is unwilling or unable to afford an SL. Whether accidentally or intentionally (I personally believe – intentionally), it successfully flirted with the female population, at least so far. With undoubted charm, it hosted quite a lot of world beauties and Serbian “celebrities” whose IQ is measured by a cubic centimeter of silicone implants.

Somehow, I ve wondered whether they were aware of what they actually drove, or the “three-point star” of the little “seducer” was enough. However, the SLK has been high sales two-seater for more than 15 years. When Mercedes is concerned, it is important to sell a product, not who will be the owner.

Thereby, I do not want to underestimate SLK or its customers… On the contrary! I just have a feeling that the SLK s look never sent appropriate message considering its value, with the exception of the AMG version. If we look at the small two-seater from a perspective of a driver s machine, it is excellent and respect different tastes, and I suggest that it has been the best Mercedes for quite a time in terms of driving dynamics.

The Loan
Here we are, next to the third-generation SLK. Does it seem to me, or there really are some significant changes? OK, it is still a small, just over four meters long roadster with the huge “nose”, seats almost at the rear axle, and short “tail”. But this is a serious character now, the one presented by the SLS, muscular, promising…

In a balancing and flirting with the old style (which was left alone for a time), the new SLK borrows vertical radiator grill from the first SL of the 50-ies. Ok, it has been borrowed, but the new SLK “wears” it very well!

Magic Sky
In fact, the minimalistic roadster interior is a combination of instruments, partly from the SLS and partly from the former SL (air vents for example). A little bit of anodized aluminum, excellent seats and better steering wheel. What else could you ask for? Well you could actually…

For instance, there are all current safety systems as standard or optional, so the often mentioned safety of a convertible goes ad acta. We must not forget the hard folding roof that can be operated when the car is moving. The roof has three options – metal, glass panoramic and Magic Sky. The “Magic Sky” gives you an opportunity to change the color of the glass from the white to blue, with the push of a button, thus preventing the penetration of sunlight into the cabin. It is a nice optional “toy”. Air Scarf is also a useful gadget that comes as standard. It nicely heats neck and head, so the SLK can be a pleasant ride when the roof is open; at only 9 ˚C (it is not always hot even in Tenerife).

The Essence
Let me get back to the point and promises. I hoped that the SLK was still dynamic and fun to drive, at least as much as its look promised. It is! After millions of curves in Tenerife, I have been quite sure that Mercedes subjected to no compromise considering dynamics and precision on one hand and comfort on the other. While some other convertibles still chirp and creak in the corners and uneven road, the SLK is stiff as a rock, which helps it a lot to be precise in curves.

Engine portfolio? Two small and one large unit. The “little” one is 1.8 turbo with two power outputs – 184 and 204 HP, and the “big” one is 3.5 V6 with 306 KS. Although I believe that “the weakest” engine is powerful enough, I threw in the middle. The SLK 250 with 204 KS should be a perfect combination of power, balance and performance. It was, but for a bit… The power is here, the balance is here, the performance (0-100 km/h in 6.6 seconds, 243 km/h top speed) is also here, but… The 7Gtronic Plus transmission does not fit into the overall picture.

Well, seven-speed automatic gearbox does its job very well in the city and open road, but if you drive on the winding mountain roads (for pleasure) the car can be hesitant in automatic mode, while the gear changes aren t quick enough in the manual. It does not fit in the overall dynamics of the SLK. It is like the wheels miss the pretty high 310 Nm torque, or it does not come when needed most. A six-speed manual transmission will appear during this year as an option, but the perfect combination would be the one with a dual-clutch gearbox. It will be in the AMG version (robotized manual, no torque converter), but I think the SLK 250 deserves it as well, and many would have paid it extra with pleasure.

Got to the Point
However, my taste is only mine, not necessarily the taste of the majority. What is crucial here is the realized essence. The Mercedes SLK looks promising and meets all the other requirements. Is it in fact the SL for beginners? Well, we can say so, with the notion that “about-the-beginners” must be just figuratively taken, and can easily be translated into rationality. For just a little less excitement you can save a lot of money.

Given the still limited everyday practicality, the SLK (like its bigger and more expensive sibling SL) is primarily intended for enjoyment. Well, of course, it is quite good for showing off, and from my perspective is an excellent “antibiotic” for curing midlife crisis. I felt younger, more handsome and more desirable in it, and what s wrong with that feeling? Nothing, of course, but… It could last a little longer.