What Is It?
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
What's Special About It?
With styling derived from Mercedes' Formula One race cars and a range of engines topped by a 360-horsepower V8, the second-generation SLK looks primed to defend its territory against the Z4s and Boxsters of the world. Longer and wider than the original, the 2005 SLK offers more passenger room and a host of new features. Most notable among them is an innovative Airscarf system that uses vents in the seats to direct warm air to the driver's neck and shoulders for top-down comfort year-round. The convertible hardtop was redesigned for faster operation and a more compact size when folded for added trunk space. Large analog gauges dominate the dashboard, but the center stack is still awash in small buttons and knobs. Order the leather seats and you can choose from six different colors to give your SLK a more personalized look.
The lineup consists of three models: a base four-cylinder (SLK200), a midrange V6 (SLK350) and the range-topping AMG V8 (SLK55). The entry-level SLK200 uses a 163-hp four-cylinder while the SLK350 bumps the power up to a more muscular 272 hp. Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with a manual-shift automatic (five-speed for the 200, seven-speed for the 350) optional. Serious speed demons will want to look into the AMG-tuned SLK55 as it promises a 0-to-60 time of less than five seconds courtesy of its 360-hp, 5.5-liter V8. It's only available with the seven-speed automatic, but steering wheel-mounted shift buttons allow for fingertip control of the gear changes. Updates to the suspension include a new three-link front axle and a switch to rack-and-pinion steering. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches and a lowered sport suspension is also an option.
What's Edmunds Take?
Already a big-time player in the entry-level luxury roadster class, this new SLK doesn't appear to have many discernable faults. Whether you want serious power, eye-catching style or a warm neck on cold mornings, this car has it all. We're not sure if it wears the race car-inspired styling quite as well as Mercedes' SLR supercar, but most journalists in attendance considered it a more palatable redesign than the one administered by BMW to its Z3 roadster. — Ed Hellwig
2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
What's Special About It?
With styling derived from Mercedes' Formula One race cars and a range of engines topped by a 360-horsepower V8, the second-generation SLK looks primed to defend its territory against the Z4s and Boxsters of the world. Longer and wider than the original, the 2005 SLK offers more passenger room and a host of new features. Most notable among them is an innovative Airscarf system that uses vents in the seats to direct warm air to the driver's neck and shoulders for top-down comfort year-round. The convertible hardtop was redesigned for faster operation and a more compact size when folded for added trunk space. Large analog gauges dominate the dashboard, but the center stack is still awash in small buttons and knobs. Order the leather seats and you can choose from six different colors to give your SLK a more personalized look.
The lineup consists of three models: a base four-cylinder (SLK200), a midrange V6 (SLK350) and the range-topping AMG V8 (SLK55). The entry-level SLK200 uses a 163-hp four-cylinder while the SLK350 bumps the power up to a more muscular 272 hp. Both come standard with a six-speed manual transmission with a manual-shift automatic (five-speed for the 200, seven-speed for the 350) optional. Serious speed demons will want to look into the AMG-tuned SLK55 as it promises a 0-to-60 time of less than five seconds courtesy of its 360-hp, 5.5-liter V8. It's only available with the seven-speed automatic, but steering wheel-mounted shift buttons allow for fingertip control of the gear changes. Updates to the suspension include a new three-link front axle and a switch to rack-and-pinion steering. Wheel sizes range from 16 to 18 inches and a lowered sport suspension is also an option.
What's Edmunds Take?
Already a big-time player in the entry-level luxury roadster class, this new SLK doesn't appear to have many discernable faults. Whether you want serious power, eye-catching style or a warm neck on cold mornings, this car has it all. We're not sure if it wears the race car-inspired styling quite as well as Mercedes' SLR supercar, but most journalists in attendance considered it a more palatable redesign than the one administered by BMW to its Z3 roadster. — Ed Hellwig
Add A Comment »