2008 Mercedes Benz SLK Class

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By  Marty Padgett, Executive Editor

2008 Mercedes Benz SLK Class 5.5L AMG
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 2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS STYLING | [8 out of 10]

Edmunds: "Redesigned dashboard with its cleaner layout and higher-quality interior"
Car and Driver: "Arguably one of the best-looking two-seaters on the road"
ForbesAutos: "Goes from a small and sleek coupe to an open-topped roadster in seconds"

In 2005, Mercedes-Benz set out to restyle the hot-selling SLK-Class, and the body style introduced that year is the same one that can be found on today's 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. While the styling is universally praised, 2008 is the last year for the current generation of SLK-Class, as Mercedes-Benz has deemed it time for another update.

The exterior of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class gets superlative compliments in the reviews researched by TheCarConnection.com. Kelley Blue Book writes that "the SLR McLaren-like front end turns heads at every encounter" and "the perfectly aligned side bodylines appear as though carved from a single block of steel." Car and Driver adds that this 2008 Mercedes-Benz is "arguably one of the best-looking two-seaters on the road." Edmunds reviewers say that for Mercedes-Benz, 2008 brings an SLK-Class that comes in three trim levels: "SLK280, SLK350 and SLK55 AMG," though the only real external differences are that the SLK280 "includes 16-inch alloy wheels," versus 17-inch wheels on the SLK350 and 18-inch wheels and some unique "exterior trim details" on the SLK55 AMG. All three trims of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class feature the "power-folding hardtop," according to ConsumerGuide, and Edmunds says it's "unique-in-class."

The interior of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been updated as well, going from good to great. Kelley Blue Book says that "Mercedes has done a wonderful job of organizing the SLK's interior," with controls that are "close at hand," according to ConsumerGuide. However, ConsumerGuide notes a few drawbacks, most prominently that "not all" of the controls are "obviously marked, and the steering-column stalk for cruise control invites confusion with the turn-signal lever." ForbesAutos offers both pros and cons for the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class, writing that the interior "is elegant, with a dashboard that flows" from side to side, though they point out that "as with all Mercedes-Benzes, there are many buttons and knobs that can seem overwhelming at first."

Conclusion: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers a stunning exterior and a stylish, if somewhat confusing, interior.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS PERFORMANCE | [8 out of 10]

Car and Driver: "A roadster that makes you want to go hunting for Corvettes"
ConsumerGuide: "Ample thrust from any speed"
Kelley Blue Book: "Feels more composed on the road than previous generations"

For a convertible with such a racy appearance, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, as you might expect, would claim strong performance as be a given. In the previous version, this wasn't the case, but for Mercedes-Benz, 2008 brings an SLK-Class with much stronger performance credentials.

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers a choice of three engines, indicated by the trim level of the vehicle. Edmunds says that under the hood of the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK280 is "a 3.0-liter V6 that makes 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque," while the midline "SLK350 comes with a 3.5-liter V6 good for 268 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque." If you demand significantly more power from your luxury convertible, Mercedes-Benz offers the "high-performance SLK55 AMG," which Edmunds says features a "5.4-liter V8 that pumps out 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque," good for a "0-60-mph time of 5.1 seconds." Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com indicate that the other engines also turn in strong performance, with Kelley Blue Book claiming that the SLK350 moves "from zero to 60 miles per hour in just 5.4 seconds," while ConsumerGuide shows "6.1 seconds 0-60" for the SLK280.

A pair of transmissions is offered on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, and which one comes standard depends on the engine. ForbesAutos says "a standard six-speed manual transmission drives the rear wheels on the SLK280" and a "seven-speed automatic with manual-shift capability is optional." On the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK350 and SLK55 AMG, the "seven-speed automatic" is the only available transmission. Impressions of the manual are wholly positive, but the seven-speed auto gets mixed reviews. Car and Driver characterizes the manual on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class as "good," while Kelley Blue Book adds that it is "quick-shifting." When it comes to the seven-speed automatic, Cars.com writes that the "operation can be rude," as it "can get jerky at low speeds in lower gears and delivers a sizable jolt if you hit the gas pedal while slowing down." Other reviewers disagree, however; for example, ConsumerGuide praises the 2008 Mercedes-Benz automatic for "smoothly" changing gears and notes that it "downshifts promptly to provide passing power."

For a car that offers respectable amounts of power, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class also manages to return decent, but not great, fuel economy. The EPA estimates that the SLK280 will get 18 mpg city and 24 mpg highway with the automatic transmission and 17/25 mpg with the standard manual. The numbers drop to 17/23 mpg for the SLK350 and 14/20 mpg for the SLK55 AMG.

One of the biggest criticisms Mercedes-Benz faced with the previous SLK-Class was that it simply didn't offer the handling qualities that its dimensions and styling suggested. For the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class, that criticism all but disappears. Edmunds says the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers handling to "please all but the most demanding drivers," and "only when compared directly to this segment's athletic star, the Porsche Boxster, do the SLK's slightly less tactile steering and slower handling responses become apparent." Other reviewers add praise, with Kelley Blue Book finding that "ride has definitely been improved, with less harshness over bumps and improved stability in tight turns." ConsumerGuide sums it up, writing that "any SLK has precise steering, adroit overall balance, and grippy cornering" to go along with "strong brakes" that easily "deliver drama-free stops."

Conclusion: Welcome handling improvements have turned the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class into a full-blown performance car.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS COMFORT AND QUALITY | [8 out of 10]

Edmunds: "A quieter cabin than its competitors' soft tops"
ConsumerGuide: "Good shoulder width and head clearance"
Kelley Blue Book: "Supportive bucket seats"

Build and materials quality are, as you would expect, quite high on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. A pleasant surprise is also found in the SLK's overall comfort, which in a small car can sometimes be sacrificed in the name of aesthetics.

The two-door, two-seat 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is outfitted with a pair of bucket seats that offer both good support and commendable comfort levels. Edmunds writes that the "soft and supportive seats remain comfortable even after several hours of driving," while ConsumerGuide adds that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK's dimensions provide "good shoulder width and head clearance, but tall drivers may want more legroom." Car and Driver describes the interior simply as "comfy." In accordance with the increased emphasis on sporty handling, Kelley Blue Book says that for 2008 Mercedes-Benz has installed "supportive bucket seats" for both front occupants.

Storage space on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz isn't ideal, though it still offers more room than many of its competitors. ConsumerGuide testers find that, with the top lowered, there is "just enough space for a couple of soft suitcases," while "raising the roof frees sufficient trunk volume for a long weekend." Cars.com offers some dimensions to go along with their impressions, listing the trunk volume in the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class as "6.5 cubic feet with the top down and 9.8 cubic feet with the top up."

Materials and assembly quality is outstanding on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class, a reflection of both the badge on the front and the sticker price in the window. Edmunds praises the interior for its "handsome, soft-touch materials" and notes that "even the plastics used exhibit the same high quality." ConsumerGuide notes that "cabin materials are top-notch," though in one of the few complaints read by TheCarConnection.com concerning materials, they find themselves wishing that "the dressy aluminum trim were available on more models than just the top-end SLK55." That aluminum trim is essentially the only change in materials between the SLK55 and the less-expensive SLK280 and SLK350.

Interior noise is usually above average in convertibles, but the folding hardtop on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class does an admirable job of providing a comfortable decibel level inside the cabin with the top up. Kelley Blue Book says that, with the top up, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz boasts a "cozy but quiet environment" in the cabin. Top down, ConsumerGuide says, "wind noise is modest," and they note that the "SLK's sport-tuned exhaust note is prominent, but it never annoys."

Conclusion: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers an exceptionally well-crafted interior and comfortable seats, but unsurprisingly, cargo space isn't exactly ample.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS SAFETY | [8 out of 10]

Kelley Blue Book: "Four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS)"
Cars.com: "BabySmart child-recognition system prevents the front passenger-side airbag from activating"
Edmunds: "TeleAid emergency call system"

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class hasn't been crash-tested by either the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), most likely because of its sticker price and low sales volumes, but it is equipped with a wide array of safety features that should inspire confidence in 2008 Mercedes-Benz owners.

When it comes to safety features, Mercedes-Benz has developed a reputation for offering some of the finest in the industry. The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is no exception. Cars.com lists the standard safety features offered on the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class as "side-impact airbags, all-disc antilock brakes, traction control and an electronic stability system." They add that "a BabySmart child-recognition system prevents the front passenger-side airbag from activating" when a child is in the front seat, which is a welcome feature, given the fact that the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK offers no backseat in which to put children. ConsumerGuide mentions that the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class also comes with a "tire-pressure monitor, roll bars," and "daytime running lights."

One additional feature of the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class that improves overall safety is the view that the driver enjoys. ConsumerGuide reviewers say that while the "removable mesh wind blocker clouds rear visibility," overall "the outward view is good" from within this 2008 Mercedes-Benz, even when driving "top-up." Cars.com reaffirms that opinion, writing "top-up visibility isn't bad."

Conclusion: Offering all the safety features you could ask for, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has a solid safety roster.

2008 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS FEATURES | [9 out of 10]

Edmunds: "Many of the AMG model's extra features are optional on the SLK 280 and SLK 350"
ForbesAutos: "Optional 'Airscarf' feature, which incorporates neck-level vents in the seats"
Kelley Blue Book: "Leather seats, cruise control, leather-wrapped tilt/telescopic steering wheel"

Like most Mercedes-Benz models, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class comes well equipped even in its most basic trim. For those who want more luxury, for 2008 Mercedes-Benz offers a full complement of optional features on the SLK-Class.

Offered as standard equipment on every 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is an extensive list of features that ConsumerGuide says includes "air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls." You'll also find a "leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, height-adjustable bucket seats," and "remote keyless entry." Further, there's a "nine-speaker CD audio system," according to Edmunds. While the standard features list on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK280 and SLK350 is identical in terms of features, ConsumerGuide notes that the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG adds "power tilt/telescopic steering wheel, heated 8-way power seats," and "illuminated mirror visors."

The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class certainly isn't lacking when it comes to standard features, and the options list only adds to the SLK's lust-worthy features. Mentioned in nearly every review read by TheCarConnection.com is the "optional Airscarf neck-level heating system" in the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class, which Cars.com finds will blow "warm air from the headrests." ForbesAutos reviewers find that feature particularly helpful for "convertible lovers who enjoy top-down motoring in the fall." Another desirable option on the Mercedes-Benz 2008 SLK-Class is the Harman Kardon audio system, and Kelley Blue Book says that other cool options include a navigation system and "HID headlamps."

Conclusion: The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers what is perhaps the most desirable feature available in a convertible today: the Airscarf.