Mercedes-Benz SLK Class

Shopping for a 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class? MSRP: $54,800

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The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a compact two-seat roadster introduced by the luxury automaker back in 1997 and hailed as one of the first modern retractable hard-top convertibles. Preceding other hard-top convertibles like the Lexus SC, Chrysler Sebring and even Mercedes’ own SL, the SLK combined sporty good looks with a rear-wheel drive layout and slotted into the market as the automaker’s entry-level convertible.

Not surprisingly, the car has been a runaway success for Mercedes-Benz and has been the market leader for its segment for a number of years. With a starting price in the high $40,000 bracket, the SLK has always been slightly more expensive than its closest rivals, the Audi TT Roadster and BMW Z4, but its uniqueness in the market has won it many fans--on both sides of the gender fence.

The SLK was originally offered exclusively with a four-cylinder engine, which most enthusiasts deemed too feeble for a sports car and led to it being labeled a “poser” car. However, a 3.2-liter V-6 engine was added to the lineup in 2001 and was joined that same year by a high-performance AMG variant with 354 horsepower on tap.

By now many rival automakers were offering similar models and the boxy shape of the original SLK was starting to show its age, so for 2005 Mercedes-Benz introduced the second and current generation of the car built on a brand new platform. This saw the SLK move to a much sleeker and sexier design as well as adopt a range of much more powerful engines--including a V-8 for the AMG variant.

While overseas variants still offered a four-cylinder option, the base SLK in the U.S. would adopt a V-6. This base model is the SLK300 and comes with a 228 horsepower 3.0-liter V-6. Next in line is the SLK350 with a 300 horsepower 3.5-liter V-6, followed by the range-topping SLK55 AMG, which comes with a 355 horsepower 5.5-liter V-8.

In 2009 the car was given some minor styling revisions to keep it fresh against its rivals, especially the BMW Z4, which is now in its third generation and also fitted with a folding hard-top roof. A limited edition Black Series model based on the SLK55 AMG was also launched, offering slightly more power and a range of other performance modifications.

Mercedes-Benz also plans to launch the third generation of the SLK in early 2011 so expect competition in the premium roadster segment to seriously heat up over the next 12 months.

Angular Rear Exterior View - 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class 2-door Roadster 3.5L

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