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2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Review

July 28, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Redesigned dashboard with its cleaner layout and higher-quality interior
Edmunds

Arguably one of the best-looking two-seaters on the road
Car and Driver

Goes from a small and sleek coupe to an open-topped roadster in seconds
ForbesAutos

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.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Redesigned dashboard with its cleaner layout and higher-quality interiorEdmundsArguably one of the best-looking two-seaters on the roadCar and DriverGoes from a small and sleek coupe to an open-topped roadster in secondsForbesAutos 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." ConclusionThe 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class offers a stunning exterior and a stylish, if somewhat confusing, interior.  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 ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

Other Choices:

Though the 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has racy good looks, it's one of the most mature and isolated of the small roadsters on the inside--with more of the spirit of a big grand-touring convertible than a perky roadster. If you plan to drive the SLK daily on the commute, you might think that's a good idea, but if you're looking for a weekend plaything, one of the more spirited sportscars might be more likely to give you goose bumps. The Audi TT is smooth and refined, with a light, nimble feel that makes it the more city-friendly choice; its interior stands out as being well styled. The BMW Z4's curvaceous styling may look feminine, but it has assertive, satisfying performance; however, its cabin is cramped. For driving enthusiasts who might even go to the track on the weekend, it's hard to beat the Boxster, which doesn't have as good a ride as the SLK or TT, but elicits precise, communicative steering, impressive handling, and a great sound from its flat-six engine. Lastly, at about half the price of the other choices, the Mazda Miata still makes a compelling case for those who want to keep it simple and go top-down on sunny fair-weather days.

Next Steps:

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See the Mercedes-Benz SLK Class in Other Years:

2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002 | 2001 | 2000 | 1999 | 1998

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