Quick Test: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 at AutoFans www Auto Com

Quick Test: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300

What: An updated version of Mercedes‘ junior roadster.
How Much: Base price, $45,825; As tested, $54,745
What’s Hot: Aggressive styling, glorious exhaust note, quick-action hardtop
What’s Not: Dead steering wheel, wonky iPod integration, high price relative to competition

On the Road: The original SLK was cute but compromised. It had a trick retractable hardtop, but was cramped inside and never had sports-car-appropriate powertrains. The new-for-2005 SLK350 was beefier looking, faster, bigger inside, and just better all around. A year later, the SLK280 version was introduced, providing a lower-priced, smaller-engined alternative for those who couldn’t hack the 350’s price tag. For 2009, the entry-level SLK gets a mild update, although the basic story stays much the same.

The SLK280 badge is no more, with “300″ taking its place to better represent the 3.0L V-6 that was always under the hood; horsepower remains at 228. The front bumper gets a nosejob, now split in Formula 1 homage, and the entire SLK lineup receives Mercedes’ new direct-steer system, which alters the steering ratio depending on input. When mated to the SLK, the result is a roadster that’s easy to drill through twisty roads and dead solid on the freeway. Though mechanically operated — unlike BMW’s Active Steering unit — the Mercedes system provides too little feedback through the wheel. It’s slow off center and takes too much edge off the driving experience.

The same need not be said for the engine, which provides 221 lb-ft of torque from 2500 to 5000 rpm. It propels the SLK300 to 60 mph in 6.1 sec and through the quarter mile in 14.5 sec at 96 mph. The six-speed manual’s shifter is easy to work, and the clutch takeup is light and linear. This V-6 sounds good, too; the exhaust note is more tenor than the burbling baritone of the V-8 SLK55 AMG. Listening to the wail reverberate off canyon walls with the top down makes for good tunes — good thing, too, because the iPod integration is so frustrating that you’ll leave the stereo off. It was never designed to scroll through thousands of artists and songs. Better to ignore the radio and keep an eye on that 6500-rpm redline, as it’ll smack you in the face with a harsh fuel cut-off as you cross it.

The SLK300’s biggest challenge is price. While it bases $850 below its most expensive competitor, the Porsche Boxster, adding common options sends the price soaring. Our tester came equipped with power seats, lumbar support, the aforementioned iPod integration, satellite radio, bi-Xenon headlamps, and Sport and heating packages. The total? $54,745, but it could have been higher. Want nav? The Multimedia Package (including Mercedes’ COMMAND system and 6.5-in. display) will set you back $2980; a seven-speed automatic an extra $1460. Get too frisky with the accessories and your SLK300 could cost well above the MSRP of the more powerful SLK350, and many other competitors, too. Yet the sticker won’t worry some, as they’ve already rationalized the only in-class retractable hardtop, which can open and shut in 22 seconds, has a built-in tonneau cover, and provides a measure of quiet and security that a ragtop can’t.

For spirited driving, cruising the Pacific Coast Highway, or motoring home in stop-and-go traffic, the SLK300 never feels out of place. It’s not as sporty as the mid-engine Boxter, but is more so than the front-drive, sedan-derived Audi TT. If previous sales numbers are any indication (Mercedes has sold more than a half-million SLKs since 1996), we’re sure the SLK300 will receive a warm welcome.

[source:MotorTrend]

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Quick Test: 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300

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This entry was posted on Sunday, July 20th, 2008 at 7:42 am and is filed under Auto Review, Car Review, Mercedes Benz. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.