The 3rd Generation Mercedes SLK was introduced in 2011. The 3rd Generation SLK is a front engine rear wheel drive compact luxury roadster that was originally introduced by Mercedes in 1996 to slot in below the more premium and expensive Mercedes SL. In 2016 Mercedes Benz SLK was rechristened with the name SLC Class. SLC Class is Mercedes’s attempt at creating a small, fast and light sports car. R172 Generation was available in 5 variants SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY, SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY, SLK300, SLK350,SLK55 AMG.
Exterior
The 3r Generation Mercedes SLK features a very familiar Mercedes design language. The front end features trapezium styled upswept LED headlights, a trapezium grille embossed with the Mercedes logo and a trapezium air intake that is flanked by daytime running lights. The rear end features trapezium style side swept LED taillights, a large rear bumper, and dual rectangular shaped sports exhaust tips. The SLK55 AMG model features a slightly sportier and aggressive design language. The front and houses a larger front bumper with a larger trapezium air intake flanked by dual rectangular styled air intakes. The rear end houses a standard lip spoiler, larger wheels and tires along with a sports exhaust system and rear diffuser. The overall exterior of the 3rd Generation Mercedes SLK features relatively restrained styling compared to other similarly sized sports cars. Options include a choice between 3 different rims, chrome hood fins, Bi-Xenon headlamps with active curve illumination, adaptive high beam assist, wheel locks and a rear spoiler. The overall exterior of the 3rd Generation Mercedes SLK features a fairly unique and distinctive design language that allows it to stand out amongst other cars in its class.
Interior
The interior of the 3rd Generation Mercedes SLK compromises of aluminum trims paneling. The seats are covered in a choice of Sahara beige, black and ash colored leather. Standard features include 8-way heated power seats with memory and air-scarf functions, 4-way power steering column, an 8-speaker Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, heated power side mirrors with power fold-in, climate control, and cruise control. Features on the highest end SLK 55 AMG include satellite navigation as standard, upgraded 11-speaker Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, automatic 2-zone climate control and parking sensors as standard. Options include a panorama roof with magic sky control, a choice between black Nappa, Bengal red and two tone brown/black Nappa premium leather upholstery, a choice between burl walnut and black ash wood trim paneling, AMG door pins, illuminated door sills, dashtop analog clock, lane keeping assist, PARKTRONIC with advanced parking guidance, all-season floor mats, battery trickle charger, adaptive cruise control, satellite navigation, automatic 2-zone climate control, 11-speaker Harmon Kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system, parking sensors and a leather/wood steering wheel. The overall interior of the 3rd Generation Mercedes SLK is very luxurious and fairly spacious when you consider its exterior dimensions.
Engine
Engine
(SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
(SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
(SLK300) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4
(SLK 350) 3.5 Liter V6
(SLK55 AMG) 5.5 Liter V8
Gearbox
6-Speed Manual
7-Speed Shiftable Automatic
9-Speed Shiftable Automatic
Mileage
The Mercedes SLK 3rd Generation can achieve an average of between 9KM/L to 14KM/L making for an estimated driving range of between 630KM to 980KM from the compact sports car 70-liter fuel tank.
Competitor
The main competitors of the Mercedes SLK 2011 are the Audi TT, Porsche Boxster, and the BMW Z4.
Specifications
(SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 [email protected]
(SLK 250 BlueEFFICIENCY) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 [email protected]
(SLK300) 2.0 Liter Turbocharged Inline-4 [email protected]
(SLK 350) 3.5 Liter V6 [email protected]
(SLK55 AMG) 5.5 Liter V8 [email protected]
Pros & Cons
Pros
Comfortable Interior
Great range of engines
Good ride quality
Good range of standard equipment
Decent performance
Hardtop convertible roof
Small exterior dimension