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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Expert Review: Autoblog
Autoblog
We usually see women behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. Who can blame them? It's a cute little car. The original SLK debuted in 1996 with a four-cylinder powerplant and all of 136 ponies. What it lacked in the motivation department it made up for with its Vario-roof retractable hardtop. Not since the 1957 Ford Skyliner could a car stop so much traffic while parked.
The SLK gained some testosterone with its first facelift in 2000. While the exterior was still rather tame, the chick car jokes ceased in 2001 with the introduction of the 354-horsepower SLK 32 AMG.
Things continued to get better with the all-new 2004 edition and its sleeker styling that paid homage to Mercedes' Formula One designs and the beastly McMerc SLR. The reality that AMG could stuff its hand-built 5.4-liter V8 under the hood made the second-generation SLK a serious performance car.
For 2012, the SLK officially begins its third generation, and you can see the difference from 100 yards. Especially from the front view, the roadster looks more mature and substantial. The split-grill design reconstitutes the 190 SL's design from the late 1950s in a handsome, modern manner. The bolder aesthetics continue in the rear, which features large arches over the rear wheels and LED taillamps. And it keeps getting better on the inside...
Continue reading First Drive: 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK...
Photos copyright ©2011 Rex Roy / AOL
Inside, the modernized retro theme continues, with our SLK350 tester's circular vent outlets ported through the handsomely contoured dash covered in hand-stitched Nappa leather (like the SLS AMG). Round analog gauges flank a center digital display in the main binnacle, while a bright, seven-inch LCD handles navigation as well as manipulating the climate control and infotainment systems.
While the interior and exterior are mostly new, from an engineering standpoint, the third generation seems more like a Gen 2.5.5; a facelift of the 2008 facelift. The 2012 SLK rides on the same 95.7-inch wheelbase. It's about an inch longer and an inch wider (overall width and track), and the tidy dimensions help this car stay true to what SLK stands for: Sportlich (sporty), Leicht (light) and Kompakt (compact).
Engines are familiar to fans of the Three-Pointed Star. In the States, we will eventually get two of three available engines for the new SLK: the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and the naturally-aspirated 3.5-liter V6. Four-cylinder models will be called the SLK250, while V6 models gets the SLK350 badge. For 2012, both engines gain direct fuel injection in a nod to efficiency. Horsepower, torque and preliminary estimated miles per gallon figures are 201, 229 pound-feet, and 23/31 for the 1.8-liter engine and 302, 273 lb-ft., and 20/29 for the uprated V6. On this trip, only the six-cylinder SLK350 was available for us to drive, as it will be the only model offered when the SLK goes on sale in June. The SLK250 is scheduled for availability in the U.S. later in the model year.
Both engines run their torque through an updated seven-speed automatic modified to accommodate a new fuel-saving start/stop functionality. Unfortunately, cars coming to the USA won't be getting the latter feature – at least for the moment. That's too bad, given where fuel prices are trending and the system's relative smoothness. Mercedes-Benz engineers use the crankshaft position sensor to know which cylinder has stopped closest to the optimum position for re-starting the engine. The engine control module then re-fires that cylinder first, an action that helps smooth out and quicken the re-start event.
To prepare for our drive, we needed to store two large duffle bags and wondered how much room our SLK350's trunk provided. Mercedes-Benz literature claims 6.4 cubic feet with the roof lowered and 10.1 cubes with the roof raised. Since we would soon be driving from sea level through the clouds to the observatory at Teide National Park, some 7,800 feet above the Atlantic in Spain's canary Islands, the top would be down and up depending on the precipitation (or a lack thereof). The trunk easily swallowed two large backpacks and a camera case with the roof stowed. Nifty.
The SLK's hallmark retractable hardtop comes in three varieties: solid steel panels, a tinted roof section or with Benz's trick new Magic Sky Control electrochromatic roof section. The later roof's trick is that the transparent panel can shift its tint from almost clear to heavily darkened.
The glass section is a glass-matrix polymer-glass sandwich in which nearly microscopic rectangular particles are suspended in carrier-type fluid. When a small electrical charge is put through the polymer layer, the particles obediently arrange themselves in a vertical orientation, letting light pass through mostly unencumbered. When the juice is cut via a switch on the windshield header, the particles rotate 45-degrees, blocking most of the light (and heat) attempting to pass through. The shift requires nary a second. (Geek Note: Magic Sky Control uses a similar principle to Delphi's Magnetic Ride Control dampers that control the flow path of damper fluid.)
When it came time to press the starter button and head for the observatory, temperatures were mild, and low clouds hung over our oceanfront starting point. With rain threatening, it neither felt nor looked like top-down driving weather, so the top stayed in place.
The imperfect roads on Tenerife presented a less-than-ideal surface that worked to shake and rattle the SLK. It accomplished neither. The roadster easily absorbed the punishment with the aplomb of a true fixed-roof coupe. Interior noise levels (engine, road and wind) were well subdued, and the exhaust note of the V6 sounded sportier than the same mill in the C-Class sedan. No surprise there, but still a welcome discovery.
Short-wheelbase cars can feel skittish, but the SLK simply doesn't. Even at full throttle with every foot-pound of torque twisting the rear half shafts, the SLK350 felt unshakable and secure.
As we left the island's primary roads for the twisties ascending the extinct volcano's walls to the observatory, the SLK's locked-down feeling continued. Our route took us into the clouds that were heavy with moisture and the narrow roads turned slick. It seemed that the entire ride up the mountain was a Falling Rock Zone, and plenty of rocks littered the asphalt – like we needed more excitement.
Even running uphill, the 302-hp six-cylinder had plenty of power in reserve. Thinking that leaving the electronic stability control in the 'On' position was a good idea, we'd often feel it working to keep the SLK in line. As expected, it immediately curbed any oversteer, but did so in a way that wasn't retaliatory – it simply chided for being overexuberant.
What was unexpected was the so-called torque-vectoring function of the Electronic Stability Control. When diving into a corner under braking, we're trained to expect a certain amount understeer – particular from Mercedes. The SLK senses the understeer and helps to mitigate it by adding a measured amount of braking to the inside rear wheel, helping to increase the car's yaw rate and make it rotate more easily.
We'll have to wait for the AMG-tuned version of the SLK to arrive before this chassis can be completely exploited, but indications are good thus far. Unfortunately, the ESC on the SLK350 cannot be completely disabled. When the dash switch is toggled off, the tires will spin to aid acceleration on snow or through mud, but any yaw immediately triggers a throttle intervention. When the AMG version arrives, expect an option to completely shut down the ESC.
Even with ESC on, the SLK remained a remarkably fun steer. The traditional hydraulic rack-and-pinion box had a natural on-center feel. Rolling off of center, starting at about 5 degrees, the box cranks the wheels with a constant ratio. At 100 degrees of steering angle – just beyond a quarter turn and just before your arms get crossed up – the ratio increases and the wheels turn more quickly. This is a huge help on roads that twist enough that you spend as much time looking out the side glass as the windshield. On the roads of Tenerife, we rarely had to shuffle the wheel or get our arms completely crossed-up.
Somewhere north of 6,000 feet we broke through the clouds and the top went down. It was chilly enough for us to turn on the Airscarf, a feature that blows warm air on your neck. We also put up the Airguide windstop. With the heater cranked up, we remained warm in the cabin, and buffeting was kept to a minimum.
After shooting some photos, we headed back down the mountain. This strained the brakes, as evidenced by the soft pedal and burning odor. However, the Continental SportContact5 tires (225/40R18 front and 245/35/R18 rear) – known for their ability to shed speed with authority – never faltered. The average SLK driver probably isn't going to give their drop-top the same workout, so for daily duty, the standard stoppers should do nicely.
In all, the 2012 SLK's driving experience was a good one. It did, however, leave us wondering about a few things. First, we're looking forward to some time behind the wheel of the lighter SLK250. The tonnage is down by more than 100 pounds and weight distribution should be closer to 50/50. The SLK350's smaller-engined sibling could end up being the better of the two offerings – that is, until the V8 AMG model enters the mix. We'll let you know as soon as we get the chance to try them out.
Photos copyright ©2011 Rex Roy / AOL
New Car Test Drive
Fresh looks, new engine, comfortable for daily driving.
Introduction
The Mercedes-Benz SLK350 is the smaller and less-expensive of the marque's two-door roadsters. The SLK350 features a retractable hardtop that shuts out the weather when up and allows for the freedom of open-air driving in just 20 seconds. In price and performance the SLK350 competes with the Audi TT, BMW Z4, and Porsche Boxster.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class features fresh looks inside and out and a new engine, though the platform isn't substantially new.
Initially, a new 3.5-liter V6 is the only engine available. It replaces another 3.5-liter V6, but adds direct engine and changes from a 90- to a 60-degree configuration, which is the ideal design geometry for a V6. Horsepower and torque are up slightly, but fuel economy is improved by 12 percent. The lone transmission is a 7-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with steering wheel paddles.
Due in early 2012 is the SLK250, which will feature a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder. Following soon thereafter will be the SLK55 AMG, which will get a new 415-horsepower 5.5-liter V8.
In basic V6 form, the SLK350 is quite quick, but not as fast as higher end models from its competitors. The new engine has a pronounced exhaust note that is probably the rawest aspect of the car.
Handling is impressive, though not quite as sharp as that of the Porsche and BMW competition. The steering isn't razor sharp just off center but it gets quicker as the steering wheel is turned thanks to Mercedes-Benz's Direct Steer. It's a great system that aids handling in sharp turns. While the Boxster and Z4 may be sportier, the SLK-Class is the most comfortable car in its class, with a quiet, stable ride.
Inside, the SLK-Class offers the typical high-quality Mercedes-Benz cabin featuring an attractive design and top-notch materials. Room is good for all but tall drivers, who will want more seat travel. The folding hardtop limits trunk space, but there is still enough room for a weekend away.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 delivers agile handling, ready power and a smooth ride. Driving enthusiasts, however, will be better served by the Porsche or the performance version of the BMW.
Lineup
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is initially offered in only one model: the SLK350 ($55,675), powered by a new 3.5-liter V6 engine that makes 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The lone transmission is a 7-speed automatic that can be shifted manually with steering wheel shift paddles.
Standard equipment includes leather upholstery, air conditioning, interior air filter, cruise control, 8-way power seats with lumbar adjustment, power tilt/telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, heated power mirrors with turn signals and driver's side auto-dimming, power windows, power locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM radio with 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, HD radio, auxiliary input jack, Bluetooth audio streaming and wireless cell-phone link, mbrace assistance system, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, universal garage door opener, automatic headlights, theft-deterrent system, cloth windscreen, sport-tuned suspension, rear fog lights, and P225/40R18 front and P245/35R18 rear tires on alloy wheels.
Options start with Premium Package 1 ($2,590), which includes heated front seats, AirScarf neck-level heating, a Harman Kardon sound system, an iPod interface, satellite radio, and remote control for the retractable roof. A Multimedia Package ($2,150) adds a navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, the Mercedes COMAND control screen, an SD card reader, and a 10-gigabyte music hard drive. A Dynamic Handling Package ($990) adds a Sport button to control an adjustable suspension. A Sport Package ($2,500) comes with red interior ambient lighting, AMG wheels, and more aggressive AMG-designed front air dam, side sills and rear apron. The Distronic Plus Package ($2,685) includes Pre-Safe crash safety system and adaptive cruise control. A Lighting Package ($1,090) adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers, and a Wood Trim Package ($990) brings Burl Walnut wood interior trim and a wood and leather-wrapped steering wheel. Stand-alone options consist of front- and rear-obstacle detection ($970), dual-zone automatic climate control ($760), Keyless Go keyless access and starting ($650), a glass panel roof ($500), Mercedes' new Magic Sky Control roof ($2,500), a Plexiglas windblocker ($350), illuminated door sills ($700), and the AMG alloy wheels ($500).
Safety features include dual front airbags, side airbags, knee airbags, active head restraints, roll bars, tire-pressure monitor, Attention Assist, anti-lock brakes with brake assist, traction control and electronic stability control.
Walkaround
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class features the classic sports car silhouette, with low stance, long hood, and short rear deck. The design, which appeared on the high-performance 2011 SLS AMG, takes cues from the 1955 190SL, with a pronounced, upright grille. The large grille features the Mercedes star, which can be interpreted as the front view of a propeller, and it is flanked by bars that look like airplane wings. Daytime running lights are standard, and self-cleaning, adaptive bi-xenon headlights that point into turns are optional.
The car is 1.5-inches wider this year, 1.5 inches longer and it sits a half inch lower. The front fenders sport side gills which are new to the SLK-Class, but are recognizable from the larger SL-Class. The rear end features an integrated trunk spoiler and LED taillights. The overall look is more masculine, which is just what the SLK-Class needed.
The retractable hardtop is easy to operate, but it doesn't work while the car is moving as similar tops do on some competitors. It goes up or down in a tidy 20 seconds. The top is offered with a body-color roof panel, an 80-percent tinted clear panel or the new Magic Sky Control roof. This industry first option features a tinted film with particles that can be charged. Press a button to send a charge through the film and it reduces the tint to 80 percent, letting in lots of light. When uncharged, the particles flatten out, increasing the tint to 95 percent, darkening the view above considerably, and helping to keep the car cool on a hot day. Magic Sky Control is a cool little innovation, but at $2500 it's more of a curiosity than a wise option choice.
Interior
Like other Mercedes models, the SLK-Class interior is replete with top-notch materials. There are no hard plastic surfaces or wide panel gaps. The dashboard, armrests and center console are all soft to the touch, and the design is made more interesting by contrasting colors. Real aluminum or burl walnut wood trim add to the look, as does the red ambient lighting included with the Sport Package. The gauges, which feature gray numerals on a white background with aluminum trim rings, have a classy watch-like quality. These gauges straddle a digital display that shows trip computer, outside temperature and other vehicle information.
Like other luxury cars, the SLK-Class features a central control interface. Mercedes calls it COMAND, and it uses a rotating knob on the center console to control the communications, navigation and entertainment functions. A series of buttons on the center stack makes getting to each area easier, but it will still take awhile for the uninitiated to get used to the system. It may be a bit complex, but it eliminates the need for many hard-to-find buttons. After several turns in various Mercedes, we've gotten used to COMAND, but it took longer to learn than BMW's iDrive system did.
Appropriate for a sports car, the seats are comfortable, supportive and have thick enough bolstering to keep occupants in place in fast corners. Head and legroom are plentiful for average size occupants, but tall folks might want more seat travel. You won't want to put the seat back all the way because it rubs up against the rear bulkhead and causes an annoying squeaking sound. Cool weather comfort is aided by the available AirScarf system, which blows warm air on passengers' necks. It's a bit of a help on a cool day, but it won't make you want to drive with the top down when it's under 50 or 55 degrees outside.
The retractable hardtop does a good job of shutting out noise when up, and visibility is good with the top up, too. The SLK offers two types of windblockers. The standard cloth windblocker works just fine and an optional version with two fold-down Plexiglas wings works just as well while offering better rear visibility. Neither version, however, will shut out enough wind to make cell phone calls possible at highway speeds when the top is down.
While the top takes up some trunk space, the SLK has a decent 6.4 cubic feet of cargo volume. As we found out, that is just enough to hold two pieces of carry-on luggage and two laptop bags.
Driving Impression
The 2012 SLK350 is legitimately sporty, but it competes with cars that are even sportier, namely the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4 sDrive35is.
We drove the 2012 SLK350 on North Carolina's famed Tail of the Dragon and found it to be an ideal car for this technical 11-mile stretch that features some 300 turns. It carved through the corners like an Olympic slalom skier and had just the right amount of power to sprint from one turn to the next. We torture-tested the brakes with two complete turns through the Tail (down and back twice), but they never faded or warped. Most production car brakes would struggle in such conditions.
With its low stance and short wheelbase, the SLK350 dives readily into turns. When pushed through switchbacks, it rotates nicely, without a tendency to plow forward. It also stays very flat through corners, and gathers itself quickly to head back in the opposite direction. It's a good car for an autocross.
Just off center, the steering isn't razor sharp, but thanks to its Direct Steer system, it gets much more responsive in tight corners. This variable ratio system becomes quicker the further off center the steering wheel is turned, making it easier to rotate the car through the 180-degree switchbacks found on the Tail of the Dragon. It's a great system, but we still prefer the Porsche Boxster's steering, which is sharper and offers more feedback.
The SLK-Class structure isn't changed appreciably for 2012, but it didn't really need to be. There is very little cowl shake with the top up or down. The SLK-Class doesn't feel as solid as the Porsche. Ride quality, on the other hand, is more compliant over bumps, making the SLK-Class easier to live with on a daily basis.
The 2012 SLK350 marks the debut of an all-new engine for Mercedes. Though it displaces the same 3.5 liters as last year's V6, it is more powerful, more responsive and more fuel efficient. Power is available at all speeds with broad rev ranges, so sprinting ahead of traffic and passing will never be a problem. Throttle response is tuned more for comfort than outright performance. It tips in smoothly but doesn't feel dull. The engine note is prevalent, especially at full throttle. It's a raspy, somewhat flatulent note that isn't as cool as a V8 rumble. Still, we thought it fit with the car's sporty character.
While the SLK350 is quick, it's not as quick as some of its competitors. Zero to 60 mph takes 5.4 seconds in the SLK. The Porsche Boxster S and BMW Z4 sDrive 35is are sub five-second cars. Those looking for more power in the SLK-class will have to wait for the upcoming SLK55 AMG with a reported 415-horsepower 5.5-liter V8. Those who want to save money in the SLK-Class will want to opt for the forthcoming SLK250, which will feature a 201-horsepower turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder.
The 7-speed automatic works well in everyday driving and aids fuel economy, but it's meant for a passenger car, not a sports car, and we found it lacking for this car. It's one of the major reasons the SLK isn't as sporty as some competitors. When you start to push it during performance driving, shifts in Drive feel slushy. Sport mode holds gears longer to make power more readily available, but the shifts still aren't quick. You can opt to shift it manually via the steering wheel paddles, but it takes its sweet time engaging that next gear. The dual-clutch automated manuals offered by the competition crack off the gear changes much quicker. To compound the issue, Mercedes doesn't offer a manual transmission, which is just wrong for a sports car.
Summary
In a class with some impressively sporty competition, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is competitive, but it gives up some performance for a smooth ride, reactions that aren't quite as sharp, and a transmission that fits better in an S-Class than in a sports car. The new engine offers an impressive balance of power and fuel economy, and the looks are more masculine than ever. Prices continue to rise, though, making the SLK350 a less accessible deal than it was in the past.
Kirk Bell filed this NewCarTestDrive.com report after his test drive of the Mercedes-Benz SLK350 in Tennessee and North Carolina.
Model Lineup
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 ($54,800).
Assembled In
Bremen, Germany.
Options As Tested
Premium Package 1 ($2,590) with heated front seats, AirScarf neck-level heating, Harman Kardon sound system, iPod interface, satellite radio, and remote control for the retractable roof; Multimedia Package ($2,150) with navigation system with voice recognition and real-time traffic information, Mercedes COMAND control screen, SD card reader, and 10-gigabyte music hard drive; Magic Sky Control roof ($2,500).
Model Tested
Mercedes-Benz SLK350 ($54,800).
2012 Mercedes SLK-Class Information
Research the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class specs, photos, reviews and ratings here. Ready to buy a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class? Find Mercedes car dealerships in your area, search for Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class deals, rebates and incentives, or browse 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vehicles for sale.
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Other SLK-Class Years
- 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2007 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2004 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2002 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2001 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 2000 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 1999 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
