Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 BlueEFFICIENCY 7G-Tronic Review: Sky Light

What we like:

Innovative glass roof

purposeful looks

purposeful noise

classy cabin

well-equipped

What we dislike:

Doesn't have the strong mid-range of a forced fed motor

The SLK is not lacking in the perceived quality and luxury departments. With its recent models, Stuttgart has lifted its game in the build quality stakes tremendously and the new roadster has benefited from this. The dash seem to be inspired by the SLS AMG’s, which is a pretty good thing indeed. Also featured prominently on the dash are the circular air vents, which in turn seem to be inspired by those found in the W123 E-Class as well as the R107/C107 SLC models, a high mounted LCD screen for the infotainment system in the middle of the dash as well as instruments that are recessed within two separate pods. Like in recent topless Mercs, the controls to operate the roof are neatly tucked under a cover forward of the driver’s arm rest. The interior designers have used LEDs throughout the cabin for ambient lighting to lift the interior atmosphere further in low light conditions.

The SLK350’s cabin has been further spruced up when compared to the base SLK200 model’s with new dials, red stitching on the seats, steering wheel, gearshift boot and door trim that are matched by the red seat belts and so on.

Like any topless model with a folding metal roof out there, access to the boot is very limited when the roof is down. Roof up though and there’ll be a reasonable load area. In addition to the boot, the SLK’s cabin is also littered with many useable compartments that can store smaller items. These include a sizable glove compartment and a large cubbyhole underneath the driver’s arm rest and door bins. Another practical feature is the luggage net on the rear wall behind the passenger’s seat.

Naturally, the SLK350 is comprehensively equipped with more standard kit than the SLK200. These include LED daytime running lights, bi-Xenon headlamps, ambient lighting as well as the AMG Sports Package with 18-inch wheels. The panoramic roof with that clever MAGIC SKY CONTROL is an additional $7,600 option.

The more purposeful looks inside and out, improved performance and soundtrack of the V6 model have the made the SLK a more convincing roadster overall that is more than a match for its closest premium rivals like the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster.

Credits: Story by Raymond Lai Photos by Yang and Raymond Lai