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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Review

October 30, 2008

STYLING | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Very, very similar to models that cost three times as much
Car and Driver

An appropriately luxurious look that takes key elements from other, more expensive Mercedes-Benz models
Cars.com

For 2009, all models get new shoes and a nose job
Motor Trend

The current second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been available for five years, but despite its longevity, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK still boasts eye-catching looks.

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class comes in three flavors, which J.D. Power lists as "SLK 300, SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG, with the major differentiator being the model's particular powertrain." Mercedes-Benz aficionados might notice that the SLK280 is no longer available, as its name has been changed to SLK300 for 2009. The Mercedes-Benz 2009 model year brings exterior updates to the SLK-Class, which Motor Trend says includes "larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps" up front, as well as a "nose job—trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look." The SLK55 AMG got similar updates, but "the changes are less evident because of its larger grille," according to Car and Driver. Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has an exciting look that calls to mind some of Mercedes' more potent racers.

The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class has also receives a minor makeover from Mercedes-Benz designers. Motor Trend notes the "taillamps are now tinted" and "exhaust tips are squared off," while Car and Driver observes that "the rear bumper is more sculpted and adds a mock diffuser."

The exterior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class may be stunning and more racer-like than before, but as the saying goes, the real beauty is on the inside of the SLK-Class. The interior of this 2009 Mercedes-Benz is also redesigned slightly, and Car and Driver reports that "new gauge faces and a new three-spoke steering wheel" are among the most notable changes, along with "an updated navigation system" that Edmunds says will display along an "expanded 6.5-inch LCD screen." Edmunds adds that the Mercedes-Benz's 2009 design for the SLK-Class is "beyond reproach," and Kelley Blue Book is impressed that "Mercedes has done a wonderful job of organizing the SLK's interior without losing the look and feel common to all Mercedes products."

Reviewers at Car and Driver are also pleased to find that "the choices of textures and colors in the dashboard have been streamlined," and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the new materials look great. Edmunds in particular is impressed with the "classy interior appointments" found inside the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.

Conclusion

If you're looking to impress the neighbors, parking a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in the driveway is one sure way to accomplish that mission.

STYLING | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Very, very similar to models that cost three times as muchCar and DriverAn appropriately luxurious look that takes key elements from other, more expensive Mercedes-Benz modelsCars.comFor 2009, all models get new shoes and a nose jobMotor Trend The current second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been available for five years, but despite its longevity, this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK still boasts eye-catching looks. The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class comes in three flavors, which J.D. Power lists as "SLK 300, SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG, with the major differentiator being the model's particular powertrain." Mercedes-Benz aficionados might notice that the SLK280 is no longer available, as its name has been changed to SLK300 for 2009. The Mercedes-Benz 2009 model year brings exterior updates to the SLK-Class, which Motor Trend says includes "larger mesh in the grille and redesigned foglamps" up front, as well as a "nose job—trimmed back a bit, with the wings fleshed out for a more Formula 1 look." The SLK55 AMG got similar updates, but "the changes are less evident because of its larger grille," according to Car and Driver. Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com agree that the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has an exciting look that calls to mind some of Mercedes' more potent racers. The rear end of the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class has also receives a minor makeover from Mercedes-Benz designers. Motor Trend notes the "taillamps are now tinted" and "exhaust tips are squared off," while Car and Driver observes that "the rear bumper is more sculpted and adds a mock diffuser." The exterior of the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class may be stunning and more racer-like than before, but as the saying goes, the real beauty is on the inside of the SLK-Class. The interior of this 2009 Mercedes-Benz is also redesigned slightly, and Car and Driver reports that "new gauge faces and a new three-spoke steering wheel" are among the most notable changes, along with "an updated navigation system" that Edmunds says will display along an "expanded 6.5-inch LCD screen." Edmunds adds that the Mercedes-Benz's 2009 design for the SLK-Class is "beyond reproach," and Kelley Blue Book is impressed that "Mercedes has done a wonderful job of organizing the SLK's interior without losing the look and feel common to all Mercedes products." Reviewers at Car and Driver are also pleased to find that "the choices of textures and colors in the dashboard have been streamlined," and reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the new materials look great. Edmunds in particular is impressed with the "classy interior appointments" found inside the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class. ConclusionIf you're looking to impress the neighbors, parking a 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class in the driveway is one sure way to accomplish that mission. 2009 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK STYLING | [8 out of 10] Car and Driver: "Very, very similar to models that cost three times as much" Cars.com: "An appropriately luxurious look that takes key elements from other, more expensive Mercedes-Benz models" Motor Trend: "For 2009, all models get new ...

Read More of this Review:

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

Other Choices:

The 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class remains closely comparable to rival small roadsters from BMW and Porsche, the Z4 and Boxster, which all offer strong acceleration and premium features, though forgoing some of the simplicity and lightness in the process. If a simpler, more traditional roadster for weekend top-down driving is what you seek, you may be happier with the back-to-basics Miata. However, if you plan to drive the roadster every day, the SLK is perhaps the top choice due to its excellent retractable hardtop, which seals out the weather and even road and wind noise. The soft tops available for the Z4 and Boxster are no match, though they don't compromise trunk space as the SLK's setup does. The Z4 offers a distinctly different style, with swoopier sheetmetal, while the Boxster remains the top choice for those craving a purer sportscar experience, though its interior isn't quite up to the standards of the others. The TT is nimbler and more maneuverable for city driving, but its interior isn't as spacious and comfortable as the SLK's. The SLK remains among the most refined and smoothest-riding of the roadsters, and this year's changes promise to make it even more enjoyable to drive.

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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

Comments (1 total)

  1. By Hank Greenberg #1, Posted: 10/4/2009

    I have a brand new slk350 that is four weeks old. I placed a cup of coffee in the cup holder which sits directly above the GPS system. I was on a bumpy road and a small amount of coffee dripped out of the hole in the coffee lid and somehow went into the GPS system and "fried" the system boards. MB wants $6,000 to replace because the GPS was not defective. I agree that there is no defect with the system. The defect is in the design. You cannot place liquids over sensative electrical systems unless you build a shield that will prevent such an event to occur. I have discussed this with senior mechanical engineers at BU and they said the design is "an accident ready to happen"
    How do I get MB to own up to there bad design so I don't get stuck with these humungus charge on a car that has less than 1,000 miles on it?

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