Mercedes-Benz SLK

Ed's take: The interiors of the SLK-Class are similar to most of the other three-pointed stars with the numpad and COMAND.

The internal section of this model series is elegantly designed with extensive use of leather and it is incorporated with a number of sophisticated features. Its cabin can be customized with one of the five different color schemes for the buyers to select from. At the same time, the individuals can choose from variety of wood and metallic inserts, which certainly gives a compelling look to the cabin. One of the most important feature of this model series is its ergonomically designed sports seats, which offers excellent lateral support to the driver and front co-passenger. These seats have adjustable head restraints and have been covered with nappa leather upholstery. Furthermore, they have electrical adjustment facility including memory setting, which further adds to the convenience. The dashboard has a sleek structure and is equipped with several equipments including an illuminated instrument cluster with various functions, infotainment system, automatic AC unit and other such aspects. It also has a three spoke steering wheel, which is mounted with audio and call control buttons for convenience of its driver. The dashboard has wood finish with central console and the door panels, which emphasizes the exclusiveness of the interiors. It is also equipped with an analog clock that compliments the overall look of its interiors. The company has given it a lot of chrome treatment, especially on AC vents, door handles and steering wheel, which gives a magnificent look to the cabin. The leather wrapped steering wheel has a flat bottomed design, which is mounted with multi-functional switches for convenience of its driver. On the other hand, its instrument cluster has a TFT color screen along with a pair of round shaped meters, which are garnished with metallic inserts. It provides critical information like fuel consumption, vehicle's speed, fuel levels, tachometer, parking guidance and several other warning functions for keeping the driver updated. It has four 12V power sockets to connect notebooks, MP3 players, mobile phones and other electric devices. Apart from these, it also has LED reading lamps in the rear, illuminated vanity mirrors for both driver and front co-passenger, instrument cluster with 31.2 cm TFT color display, an illuminated glove box with ventilation and lockable function, inside rear view mirror with anti glare function, sun visors along with illuminated vanity mirrors, drink holders and a digital clock.

Interior Comfort:

This model series is currently available in two variants, but both the trims are equipped with identical comfort features, which gives the passengers a plush feel while traveling. This model series is all about luxurious seating arrangement, which is bestowed with several innovative functions. Its dashboard is fitted with a proficient automatic air conditioning system featuring heater and air filter, which regulates the temperature inside the cabin. However, individuals can opt for a superior THERMOTRONIC automatic AC unit with two zone control. The company has bestowed it with an advanced and illuminated instrument cluster featuring a color display. It provides informatics like outside temperature, trip computer, fuel consumption, fuel gauge, distance traveled, vehicle speed, gearshift position, tachometer, driver’s seat belt warning and a few other notification lamps for keeping the driver updated. For enhancing the ambiance of its cabin, this Roadster is blessed with an advanced Audio 20 infotainment system, which supports Bluetooth streaming. It is also equipped with 6 CD changer, USB interface, Aux-in port along with ergonomically located central controller. In addition to these, it also has navigation with, which gives destination guidance through address entry. Apart from these, the cabin is incorporated with smokers package, boot lighting, lockable glove compartment, power steering with electrical adjustment for height and reach, leather seating upholstery and sports pedal cluster with rubber studs. The buyers can also opt for COMAND Online control system with display and internet facility as well. The data is presented on a high resolution 31.2 cms color display for easy access. In combination with an appropriate mobile phone, it is possible to call up internet pages, while the car is stationary and to use Mercedes-Benz apps for POI searches, weather forecasts, Internet radio and the like while the car is in motion. It supports a DVD player, radio, 10 GB storage for audio and video files, 200 gigabytes hard drive, Bluetooth connectivity, COMAND controller and touch sensitive telephone keypad in center console. It also has communications module including a SIM card activated for three years for receiving "Live Traffic Information". This roadster is also fitted with aspects like electric parking brake with comfort function, remote boot lid release, vario-roof operation with convenience feature and heated windscreen washing system, the automaker has also incorporated an advanced cruise control system with SPEEDTRONIC variable speed limiter, which can deal with obstructions ahead and provides an effortless driving experience. It is incorporated with a power assisted steering column, which is adjustable for height and length that adds to the convenience. Furthermore, it also gets necessary features like ambient lighting system with 5-stage intensity control, electric sun blinds, sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors, power windows, electrically adjustable seats, power operated outside mirrors, a multi-functional steering wheel and SOLAR RED ambient lighting system. In addition to these, it also has an active park guidance system with PARKTRONIC that features night view assist plus and a 360 degree camera.

Interior Measurements:

This vehicle is quite spacious from inside, which can provide comfortable seating for two passengers only. It has a total head space of 993mm along with a decent knee room of 555mm. It also has an impressive shoulder space of 1404mm, which makes it quite comfortable for occupants inside. On the other hand, it has a total boot space of 335 litres (with roof closed), which goes down to 225 litres (with roof open). It is also fitted with a massive fuel tank that has a storage capacity of 60 litres that is good enough for planning longer journeys.

Ed's take: The power produced by the SLK-Class is just phenomenal when it comes to acceleration, because is what it has been made for.

The top end V8 engine is paired with an advanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission gear box, which is incorporated with a double de-clutching function. It enables the motor to zoom toward 100 Kmph speed mark in just about 4.6 seconds from a standstill. At the same time, it can reach an electronically regulated top speed of 250 Kmph, which is rather thrilling. On the other hand, its other engine is coupled with a 7G TRONIC Plus automatic gear box that allows it to reach 250 Kmph at the most. In the meanwhile, it can break the 100 Kmph speed mark from a standstill in mere 5.6 seconds from a scratch.

Ed's take: The engine performance of the SLK is just brilliant. The 3.5-litre V6 is relaxed when cruising and turns into a monster when you begin to push it.

As said above, this model series is available in two petrol engine options for the buyers to choose from. The entry level variant is equipped with a 3.5-litre petrol engine that has latest generation direct fuel injection technology. It comprises of six cylinders and twenty four valves that displaces 3498cc. This power plant has the ability to produce a maximum power of 306bhp at 6500rpm that results in a hammering torque output of 370Nm at 3500rpm. The car maker has paired this motor with a 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission gear box that distributes the torque output to the rear wheels. On the other hand, the AMG version is fitted with a 5.5-litre engine that displaces 5461cc. It comprises of eight cylinders and thirty two valves, which receives fuel through high pressure direct fuel injection system. It is capable of pumping out a superior power of 421bhp at 6800rpm that yields a pounding torque output of 540Nm at 4500rpm, which is rather impressive for this segment. This power plant is mated with an advanced AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission gear box, which helps in enhancing.

Ed's take: Sports car and mileage never go hand in hand and so is the case with the SLK as well.

The entry level trim is powered by a V6 petrol engine that is incorporated with a direct fuel injection supply system. This power plant can give away a minimum mileage of 10.10 Kmpl on city roads, that goes up to a maximum of 18.18 Kmpl on the bigger roads, which is surprisingly good. On the other hand, the 55 AMG is equipped with a 5461cc petrol mill, which is also incorporated with the same direct injection technology. Furthermore, it is also incorporated with an innovative Controlled Efficiency stop/start function, which shuts off four cylinders when they are not needed and thereby improves its efficiency. This power plant has the ability to produce a maximum mileage of 16.12 Kmpl on expressways that goes down to a minimum of 8.33 Kmpl, which is rather good for this class.

Ed's take: The power produced by the SLK is better than the previous generation now it is only offered with a 3.5-litre V6 or an AMG version, the 2.0-litre engine is no longer available.

Its 3.5-litre petrol engine comprises of six cylinders and can generate a maximum power of 306bhp at 6500rpm along with a hammering torque output of 370Nm at just 3500rpm. While the eight cylinder based 5.5-litre mill allows the AMG variant to belt out a commanding power of 421bhp at 6800rpm that yields a pounding torque of 540Nm at 4500rpm.