Mercedes Benz SLK: even more driving pleasure with considerably lower fuel consumption
Published: 25th February 2008
Mercedes Benz SLK Class
Following a comprehensive model facelift, the Mercedes Benz SLK is now even more dynamic and provides an even more emotional driving experience. The most important visual changes include a redesigned front and rear end, as well as a carefully modified interior with a new instrument cluster and three-spoke sports steering wheel. Mercedes Benz also installs the V6 sports engine from the SL-Class in the new SLK 350, where it develops an output of 305 hp at 6500 rpm 33 hp more than the six-cylinder unit in the previous SLK 350. Torque has also been increased by 10 Nm, and is now 360 Nm at 4900 rpm.
Despite this higher output and very good performance figures, the fuel consumption of the SLK 350 has been significantly reduced. Its combined consumption with the six-speed manual transmission is now 30.7 mpg, which represents a remarkable improvement in fuel consumption by 2.7 mpg.
In addition to the Mercedes Benz SLK 350, the four-cylinder model SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR and the six-cylinder SLK 280 remain available in this compact Mercedes roadster range: the output of the supercharged four-cylinder engine has increased by 21 hp to 184 hp, while fuel consumption has been improved by 4.2 mpg to 36.7 mpg. The NEDC fuel consumption of the SLK 280 (231 hp) has been improved by 1.3 mpg to 30.4 mpg. The SLK 55 AMG continues to be powered by the familiar 5.5-litre V8 engine developing 360 hp.
The designers have given an even more sporty touch to the visual appearance of this cult two-seater. One eye-catching feature is the newly designed front bumper, which now has differently distributed cooling air apertures and a more pronounced arrow shape. The rear end has also been restyled; the diffuser-look lower section now makes the roadster appear even more muscular from the rear. Trapezoidal exhaust tailpipes and dark-tinted tail lights do even more to accentuate this impression. The exterior mirrors now have LED indicator repeaters with a pronounced arrow shape, and also have a larger lens area.
Mercedes Benz SLK-Class
Our Mercedes Benz SLK-Class Guide lists the full specification of the current UK SLK-Class range, including car prices, fuel consumption, dimensions and other vital data.
Price Range: £29,445 - £51,585
Body Style:
Fuel:
/ 
Models in the range: 4
We have road tested the Mercedes Benz SLK-Class, to read our in-depth car review:
Mercedes Benz SLK-Class Review - Jul 2005
Our Car Buyer’s Guide covers all of the UK’s major new cars and includes CO2 ratings and car insurance groups. Data updated on the 14th Oct 2009
