Mercedes-Benz SLK 350

SLK 350 Review

Mercedes Benz SLK is a two seater sports car from the fleet of German automaker. It comes in two trim levels among which, Mercedes Benz SLK 350 is the entry level variant. It is powered by a 3.5-litre, V-Type petrol engine that is capable of producing a peak power of 306bhp in combination with a maximum torque output of 370Nm. This two-seater is incorporated with sophisticated safety aspects like adaptive brake, attention assist, intelligent light system and so on. It is also incorporated with pre-safe aspects including reinforced pillars, crumple zones, six airbags and belt systems. This sports car features an innovative neck level heating system that wraps the air around driver and passenger like a warm scarfs. It is also available with an optional panoramic vario-roof featuring magic sky control. It has adjustable transparency system that changes its light transmission capability with a push of a button. In addition to these, this variant has COMAND online system with 17.8cm color display that includes a radio, speed sensitive volume controls and a 10GB hard disc capacity. At present, this two seater competes with BMW Z4 in Indian automobile market.

Exteriors:

This variant has a sleek body structure with expressive character lines and eye-catching cosmetics. To start with the frontage, it has a large perforated radiator grille fitted with a body colored louvre. It is flanked by a large headlight cluster that is incorporated with two projector style lamps along with DRLs and turn indicators. The front bumper is quite sleek and is equipped with perforated air intake section along with LED fog lamps. The overall look of front profile is accentuated by the chrome plated insignia incorporated to the grille. Its side profile has neatly crafted wheel arches that are equipped with 17-spoke alloy wheels. These rims are further covered with a set of high performance tubeless radial tyres. Its side profile has aspects like easy to grab door handles and stylish wing mirrors that are further incorporated with turn blinkers. Its rear profile has modernistic design owing to the owing to the all LED taillight cluster and a rugged bumper. The tailgate is quite large and is integrated with a license plate console along with a third brake light. Its bumper is equipped with a muffler cutter, which houses a rectangular shaped exhaust pipe. This vehicle has a total length of 4134mm along with an impressive width of 1810mm and a decent height of just 1301mm. It has a low ground clearance of 135mm along with a large wheelbase of about 2430mm.

Interiors:

The interiors of Mercedes Benz SLK Class SLK 350 trim is done up with extensive use of nappa leather. It is further embellished with brushed aluminum inserts. This two-seater has a decent leg and shoulder space inside along with a good head room of 993mm. There are individual seats fitted inside that are integrated with 'Neck-Pro' head restraints along with side bolsters . Furthermore, they have electrical adjustment facility along with memory settings. These seats along with 3-spoke steering wheel along with shift selector lever have leather covering. Its elegantly crafted dashboard comes equipped with a storage box, instrument cluster along with air con vents. There is a flat-bottomed multi-functional steering wheel that is further accentuated by brushed metallic inserts. The door panels are equipped with control switches for seat adjustment and windows. There are several utility based features installed inside like center armrest with storage unit, cup holders, bottle holders, accessory power sockets and a clock.

Engine and Performance:

This variant is powered by a 3.5-litre V-type petrol engine that has a total displacement capacity of 3498cc. It comprises of six cylinders and twenty four valves that receives fuel through direct injection system. It has the ability to produce a peak power of 306bhp at 6500rpm while yielding 370Nm at just 3500rpm. It is further mated with a 7G-tronic 7-speed automatic transmission gearbox that distributes the torque output to the rear wheels. This vehicle can achieve a top speed of about 250 Kmph while breaching a 100 Kmph speed mark in just 5.6 seconds. It can produce a decent mileage in the range of 6.5 to 10.1 Kmpl depending upon the road conditions.

Braking and Handling:

Both the front and rear wheels have been equipped with a set of ventilated disc brakes that are loaded with superior brake calipers. This reliable braking mechanism is further reinforced by anti-lock braking system along with electronic stability program and brake assist . Its front axle is fitted with McPherson Strut along with stabilizer bars, while the rear axle has independent multi-link suspension featuring coil springs. This vehicle is incorporated with direct steer system comprising a speed dependent regulation that provides precise response depending on its speed levels. It is also integrated with a direct rack and pinion based mechanism, which further augments its response and simplifies the handling of this vehicle.

Comfort Features:

The manufacturer is offering this Mercedes Benz SLK Class SLK 350 with an array of comfort features. The list includes PARKATRONIC system including parking guidance, electric parking brake with comfort function, remote boot lid release, heated windscreen washer system and a manually adjustable steering column. In addition to these, it has a smokers package, boot lighting, lockable glove compartment, stowage unit in central console, sports pedal cluster with rubber studs and SOLAR Red ambient lighting system . Apart from these, it has an automatic air conditioning system with dust and pollen filter, which regulates the temperature inside. Furthermore, this variant has an infotainment system featuring 6-CD changer that supports USB port, AUX-In socket and Bluetooth streaming. It is also integrated with a navigation system along with a 10 GB hard disc.

Safety Features:

This vehicle is incorporated with several sophisticated safety aspects like six airbags, side impact protection beams, electronic stability program, acceleration skid control, ABS, hill start assist and tyre pressure loss warning system. This two-seater also has pedestrian protection aspects, crash-responsive head restraints (Neck-Pro) and central locking with interior switch. In addition to these, the company has installed ASSYST maintenance interval indicator, adaptive braking lights and several warning notifications in instrument cluster.

Pros:

1. Asserting exterior appearance is a big plus.

2. Acceleration and pickup is remarkable.

Cons:

1. Initial cost of ownership can be made competitive.

2. Many more comfort features can be added.