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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK Class Safety Review

October 30, 2008

SAFETY | 8 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

Big blind spots with top up
Edmunds

Standard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags
Cars.com

Traction control, slip control, stability control
Kelley Blue Book

While the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has yet to be crash-tested by either of the testing authorities in the U.S., its long list of safety features and its Mercedes lineage are enough to earn it high marks in the safety category.

Mercedes-Benz vehicles have long been praised for their advanced safety features, and the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class proves to be no exception. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com invariably praise the numerous safety features on the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class. J.D. Power reviewers first notice that "all 2009 SLKs will carry integrated roll bars," a critical safety element that provides head protection in a convertible in the event of a rollover. Cars.com adds that "standard safety features" on the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class "include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, knee airbags and an electronic stability system." In addition, Edmunds reports that a "brake assist" feature is included, along with Mercedes-Benz's "TeleAid emergency call system," which is also standard on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK lineup. Finally, ConsumerGuide mentions that all 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vehicles come with "daytime running lights" and a "tire-pressure monitor."

Unfortunately, despite the wealth of safety features included on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK line of roadsters, there is nothing to compensate for the poor top-up visibility. Edmunds is perhaps the most vocal in its criticism of the visibility, reporting that one major "drawback involves the SLK's inferior sight lines, as the intricately constructed roof unavoidably creates significant blind spots." However, a quick press of the roof release solves that problem, as the visibility from within the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class with the top down is, understandably, vastly improved.

Conclusion

The long list of safety features on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class should inspire confidence, but visibility can be troublesome.

SAFETY | 8 out of 10Expert Quotes:Big blind spots with top upEdmundsStandard safety features include antilock brakes, side-impact airbagsCars.comTraction control, slip control, stability controlKelley Blue Book While the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has yet to be crash-tested by either of the testing authorities in the U.S., its long list of safety features and its Mercedes lineage are enough to earn it high marks in the safety category. Mercedes-Benz vehicles have long been praised for their advanced safety features, and the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class proves to be no exception. Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com invariably praise the numerous safety features on the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class. J.D. Power reviewers first notice that "all 2009 SLKs will carry integrated roll bars," a critical safety element that provides head protection in a convertible in the event of a rollover. Cars.com adds that "standard safety features" on the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class "include antilock brakes, side-impact airbags, knee airbags and an electronic stability system." In addition, Edmunds reports that a "brake assist" feature is included, along with Mercedes-Benz's "TeleAid emergency call system," which is also standard on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK lineup. Finally, ConsumerGuide mentions that all 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class vehicles come with "daytime running lights" and a "tire-pressure monitor." Unfortunately, despite the wealth of safety features included on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK line of roadsters, there is nothing to compensate for the poor top-up visibility. Edmunds is perhaps the most vocal in its criticism of the visibility, reporting that one major "drawback involves the SLK's inferior sight lines, as the intricately constructed roof unavoidably creates significant blind spots." However, a quick press of the roof release solves that problem, as the visibility from within the Mercedes-Benz 2009 SLK-Class with the top down is, understandably, vastly improved. ConclusionThe long list of safety features on the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class should inspire confidence, but visibility can be troublesome. 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:

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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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