Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is all-new for 2012. Highlights include a new turbocharged four-cylinder base engine, a "Magic" dimming glass sunroof and an overall design inspired by the new SLS AMG sports car.The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has long been known for one thing: its nifty retractable hardtop that still makes people "ooh" and "aah" as it neatly folds away into the trunk. Alas, this feature is no longer unique among roadsters, which means this former pioneer must now rely on its other attributes. In the past that wouldn't necessarily be a good thing, but the completely redesigned 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

re-enters the fray with bold new styling, a fuel-efficient new base engine and most importantly, a lot more fun behind the wheel.The most noticeable styling change occurs up front, where a large grille inspired by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG makes the SLK looks a bit angry now. The car's overall size and shape are generally the same as before, and underneath the new skin is an updated platform shared with the current (and excellent) C-Class. The suspension is still tuned to have a comfortable ride, but with adaptive dampers and sportier tuning, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class handles significantly better for 2012. Like no previous SLK, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class car is now an awful lot of fun to drive.
Another notable change concerns the new base model. Dubbed the SLK250, it features a turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 201 horsepower. That's less power than the base V6 found in last year's SLK300, but the torque output is a bit higher, and overall drivability won't significantly suffer. Most important, fuel economy has improved by about 4 mpg. As for the SLK350, it still has a 3.5-liter V6, but the addition of direct fuel injection results in better fuel economy and more power.In total, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class takes the strengths of its predecessor and augments them with the same sort of improvements that we've seen elsewhere in other refreshed Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class models. Build and materials quality have improved, feature content has increased and the interior controls (especially those for more complicated functions) are easier to use. The engines are more efficient, handling is better and that impenetrable feeling of a proper Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class carries on. Unfortunately, its price hasn't dropped like those of its other recently redesigned siblings.

 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

So is the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class good enough to stay relevant against its arch-rivals from BMW and Porsche? Absolutely. More enthusiastic drivers (say, those who want to shift their own gears), will still probably prefer the Porsche Boxster, but the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is no longer a slouch around corners, and it still has that retractable hardtop the Boxster lacks. The BMW Z4 does have a hardtop along with more interior space and more energetic engines, but it no longer feels substantially more fun to drive than the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. There's no way to go wrong here, but overall the rejuvenated 2012 SLK stands as an excellent choice in this impressive company.

Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-seat convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. There are SLK250 and SLK350 trim levels, which are primarily differentiated by engine.
Standard equipment on the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class includes 17-inch wheels, automatic wipers, LED running lights, auto-dimming rearview and driver mirrors, cruise control, automatic climate control, eight-way power front seats and four-way lumbar adjustment, driver memory functions, a power tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, vinyl upholstery, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB audio jack. The SLK350 gets 18-inch wheels and sun-reflective leather upholstery (optional on the SLK250).
The Premium 1 package adds remote roof activation, heated seats, the "AirScarf" neck-level heating system, and a Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio and an iPod interface. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has Lighting package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers. In  Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class opting for the Multimedia package nets you a larger central screen, a navigation system, voice controls, a six-CD/DVD changer and 10GB of digital music storage. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class distronic Plus package adds adaptive cruise control and Mercedes' PreSafe crash readiness technology. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Sport package includes 18-inch AMG wheels, styling adjustments and interior ambient lighting. The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class dynamic Handling package gets a two-mode adjustable suspension and enhanced brakes.Stand-alone options include parking sensors, a glass roof panel, a dimming glass roof panel, a wind deflector, keyless ignition/entry, dual-zone automatic climate control and upgraded leather upholstery.

Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

The rear-wheel-drive 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder that produces 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a seven-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class estimates this car will accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds. Estimated fuel economy with the automatic transmission is 23 mpg city/31 mpg highway.The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed auto is standard. In Edmunds performance testing, it went from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds -- a few tenths slower than the Z4 sDrive35i. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 20 mpg city/29 mpg highway and 23 mpg combined.Every Mercedes SLK comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the abdomen and head. Also standard are rollbars and the Attention Assist system, which monitors the driver for signs of inattention or drowsiness. The optional PreSafe system anticipates an imminent crash and automatically takes measures to better secure occupants.In Edmunds brake testing, an SLK350 came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 113 feet.

courtesy by http://www.edmunds.com/mercedes-benz/slk-class/2012/