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Mercedes-Benz SLK

EPA MPG: 26 mpg
Average Retail Price
$11,275 - $16,775

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Road Test

For 2012, the sporty and luxurious SLK two-seater convertible was extensively updated. As part of the renovation, it was treated to two new engines -- a 201-hp 1.8-liter four-cylinder for the SLK250, which we tested, and a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V6 in the SLK350.

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2013 Sports cars & Convertibles Reliability

No Data Available

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Mercedes-Benz vs. Other New Car Brands

Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap
NA
IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver
NA
IIHS Side Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash
NA
NHTSA Overall Side-Crash
NA

2013 Sports cars 2-seat Ratings

$11,450 - $17,025
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$12,625 - $15,625
economy-icon
EPA MPG 26 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$20,900 - $56,975
economy-icon
EPA MPG 19 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$9,050 - $12,500
economy-icon
EPA MPG 24 mpg
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
$21,050 - $32,300
economy-icon
EPA MPG NA
Road test
Reliability
Owner Satisfaction
Features & Specs
Body Style
    convertible
Seating
2 front
Drive Wheels
Rear
Engines Available
  • 1.8-liter 4 turbo (201 hp)
  • 3.5-liter V6 (302 hp)
  • 5.5-liter V8 (415 hp)
Transmissions Available
  • 7-speed automatic
  • 6-speed manual
Warranty
Coverage varies among versions of this vehicle

In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties
Model History
2012-
Current Generation

A 2012 freshening brought a new 3.5-liter V6 and seven-speed automatic, as well as a 1.8-liter turbo four-cylinder with a six-speed manual. The small cabin is well finished, but narrow. On the whole though, we like this car. Handling is sporty and enjoyable, while ride and noise levels are civilized enough to leave you unrattled on a long road trip. The retractable metal top folds away quickly. When it's up, the SLK behaves as a credibly solid and quiet coupe. Safety features include antilock brakes, brake-assist and electronic stability control as standard equipment. The optional "Attention Assist" system warns drivers who show signs of growing tired. Available features for 2016 include optional blind spot monitoring. Additionally, the SLK250 was replaced by the SLK300 for 2016, which brought more power and a nine-speed automatic transmission.

2005-2011
2005 Redesign Year
This two-seat convertible has many high-end technical and safety features, including a power-folding hardtop. With the roof up it feels almost as solid as a fixed-roof coupe. Over the years, the SLK continued to be fun to drive, with agile handling, a comfortable ride, and a strong V6. In fact, this version of the SLK is even more fun to drive than its predecessor. The engine provides strong power and torque and the suspension is fully capable of handling the upgraded performance. Optional warm-air vents in the head restraints add comfort when driving with the top down on cool days. The manual shifter and clutch are a pleasure to use.
1998-2004
1998 Redesign Year

This two-seat convertible was introduced for 1998, boasting many innovative technical and safety features. Its major draw is an electrically-retractable hardtop that folds and stows in the trunk at the touch of a button. With the roof up, this convertible feels almost as solid as a fixed-roof coupe, but, overall, the SLK isn't very sporty. The steering isn't quick or precise, and the supercharged, intercooled 2.3-liter Four lacks oomph. Interior space is tight. Model-line updates include a vague and rubbery five-speed manual transmission for 1999 and the V6-powered, six-speed SLK320 for 2001.