2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.4 out of 10

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Dec 21, 2012

You might think of luxury roadsters as one-trick ponies, but these are remarkably versatile vehicles, most with just enough cargo space for weekend trips, enough comfort for everyday commuting, the features of luxury coupes, and enough seat-of-the-pants thrills to satisfy all but the most die-hard track hounds.

The SLK's competition hits it from all these angles.

The BMW Z4 is right in its wheelhouse, and if anything, it's a little more evocative in its styling and its balanced performance.

The Porsche Boxster--and the hardtop Cayman version--are brilliant mid-engine performers with the steering and chassis dynamics of cars twice as expensive, and they're among our top choices in the segment.

For left-field alternatives, we'd look at the Infiniti G37 Convertible, a folding-hardtop affair with luxurious fittings and good, if not great, performance.

And reaching upward in price, there's always the suave Jaguar XK convertible, a pavement-rippling performer as a base coupe or convertible, or a throaty growler in supercharged XKR form.

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Get FREE Price Quote	2013 BMW Z4 Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Jaguar XK Get FREE Price Quote	2013 Porsche Boxster Get FREE Price Quote
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.4 The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK is the least polarizing of the roadsters, but there's enough urgency to go with its elegant, mini-SL charm.	7.8 The 2013 BMW Z4 is spirited and purposeful, and balances fun and comfort quite well, but it's pricier than other roadsters.	9.2 Raising pulses and generating sheer envy: it's all in a day's work for the gorgeous, sublime Jaguar XK.	9.2 The 2013 Porsche Boxster is one of the most fun, stylish, and luxurious roadsters available.
MSRP From
$42,900	$47,350	$79,000	$49,500
Gas Mileage
20 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 34 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 24 MPG Hwy	20 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Turbocharged Gas I4	Gas V8	Gas Flat-6
EPA Class
2 Seater	Two Seaters	Mini-Compact	Two-Seater
Style Name
2dr Roadster SLK250	2dr Roadster sDrive28i	2dr Coupe Touring	2dr Roadster
Drivetrain
Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear Wheel Drive	Rear-Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
2	2	4	2
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
2 Door Roadster	Convertible	Coupe	Convertible
Transmission
Manual	Manual	Automatic	Manual