Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
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Vehicle Overview
Redesigned last year, the Mercedes-Benz third-generation SLK-Class roadster continues to offer a folding metal hardtop, but there's also the option of the Mercedes-Benz MAGIC SKY CONTROL®, a glass roof panel with variable transparency The SLK-Class is available in three trims: the turbo four-cylinder SLK250 that can be had with a manual transmission, the 302-horsepower V-6 SLK350 and the high-performance SLK55 AMG® powered by a big 5.5-liter V-8. Competitors to both cars include the Audi TT, BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.
New for 2013
For 2013, all SLK-Class models now come equipped with mbrace2™ in-car technology and optional Adaptive Highbeam Assist. SLK350 models now come standard with features including heated seats, iPod/MP3 interface, remote-operated hardtop, AIRSCARF® neck-heating system and a premium stereo with satellite radio. Fuel-saving Eco Start/Stop is also now standard on the 3.5-liter V-6.
Exterior
The SLK-Class is one of the shorter cars in its class. Like on the SLS-Class supercar, the SLK-Class grille sits low and well ahead of the headlights; a single chrome band divides it, with the Mercedes-Benz three-pointed star sitting front and center. Like many new luxury cars, the SLK-Class uses LEDs in its taillights and daytime running lights. All SLK-Class models feature a standard power-retracting hardtop with optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL®, a glass pane that can be electronically switched to be transparent or opaque. Other exterior features include:
- 17-inch wheels standard; 18-inch wheels optional
- Standard power-retracting hardtop
- Optional sport appearance package
- Optional adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers
- Optional keyless access system
- Available rear spoiler
Interior
A more shelf-like dashboard dominates the new SLK-Class two-seat interior; Mercedes-Benz says it used horizontal shapes to emphasize the car's width. A standard 5.8-inch center screen houses the stereo and optional navigation displays. The automaker says the SLK-Class glove compartment is 26 percent larger than its predecessor. Trunk volume measures 10.1 cubic feet with the folding hardtop raised and 6.4 cubic feet with it lowered. Interior features include:
- Available harman/kardon® Logic 7® premium stereo
- Standard aluminum trim; optional wood trim
- Standard flat-bottom, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio and cruise controls
- Optional wood-and-leather steering wheel
- Available leather seats; heated seats optional
- Optional neck-level heating vents embedded in seatbacks
Under the Hood
The SLK250 uses a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the SLK350 has a 3.5-liter V-6. Mercedes-Benz says the SLK250 accelerates to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, while the SLK350 takes 5.4 seconds. Mechanical features include:
- Turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder with 201 hp and 229 pounds-feet of torque (SLK250)
- 3.5-liter V-6 with 302 hp and 273 pounds-feet of torque (SLK350)
- SLK250 comes with a six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic; SLK350 comes only with the automatic
- SLK350 has standard Eco Start/Stop fuel-saving technology
Safety
All SLK-class models come with eight airbags, including head-extending side airbags that deploy from the doors. Additional safety features include:
- Available parking assist
- Electronic stability control with traction control
- mbrace2™ in-car telematics
- ATTENTION ASSIST®
- Adaptive high-beam assist
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
From its stunning exterior design down to the subtlety of the smallest stitch, we labored over every detail. All that´s left is for you to fire the ignition, lower the top and pick a road -- any road, that is.
Design
Leading with an aggressive new design, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class draws on its racing pedigree to redefine the roadster experience. And the result is an exhilarating vehicle engineered for escaping the everyday with the top down and the throttle open.
You'll see it reflected in the muscular styling, led by a heroic grille that proudly displays the Mercedes-Benz emblem. Sculpted headlights underscored by LED Daytime Running Lights and wraparound LED taillights grace front and rear, respectively, and design cues all around come from the iconic SLS AMG®.
Interior
Inside the cockpit, innovations abound. Overhead, the available MAGIC SKY CONTROL® panoramic roof panel can vary its tint from light to dark at the touch of a button. The optional AIRSCARF® neck-level heating system extends the top-down driving season by providing warmth on brisk days. In addition, our optional AIRGUIDE provides an innovative wind-blocking system to reduce in-cabin turbulence. And of course, the SLK-Class is equipped with a hardtop that retracts silently in less than 20 seconds.
Safety
In the all-new 2012 SLK-Class, Mercedes-Benz also sets new standards of safety for convertible sports cars. Entering its third generation, this trendsetting roadster offers a full complement of ever-evolving assistance systems to support the driver, including ATTENTION ASSIST® driver drowsiness monitoring. Available in conjunction with DISTRONIC PLUS® adaptive cruise control, the landmark PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system can prepare the cabin for impact -- and even apply the brakes automatically -- if an impending collision is detected.
Under the hood
With an advanced V-6 engine under the hood, the power of 2012 SLK-Class Roadsters is polished by an adaptive seven-speed automatic transmission. Responsive handling comes courtesy of a sophisticated suspension and Direct-Steer System technology.
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