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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster - Test drive and new car review - 2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 / SLK35
What do the Guide Rating stars mean? Though the first generation MercedesBenz SLK roadster had a cool folding hardtop and jewelrylike instruments, it was too cute to be considered a serious sports car. In 2004, the SLK350 upped the ante with brawnier looks and a torquey 3.5 liter V6, and for 2009 MercedesBenz has gone even further to lend credibility to its entry level convertible. Though pricing has not been officially announced, Mercedes promises a negligible increase over 2008's prices $44,975 for the SLK300 (previously named the SLK280), $50,275 for the SLK350, and $64,025 for the SLK55 AMG.First Glance: Progressive improvementLarger photos: Front rear MercedesBenz may sell loads of breadandbutter sedans like the EClass, but roadsters are a key part of the brand's mystique. And they're popular, too; with almost half a million sold since its introduction in 1996, the SLK has enabled a wider group of the driving population to boast a Benz in the garage. Mercedes stepped up their game with the 2009 SLK350, and changes include a few minor interior mods (like a nextgen COMAND system, an updated instrument cluster (link goes to photo), and a new steering wheel.) Outside, a more aggressive front end features a larger triplepointed star (in case you really want people to know you're driving a Benz), a truncated nose, and a more aggressive grille. While the base SLK300 (previously known as the SLK280) gets slightly better fuel economy and burns a touch cleaner, its output is unchanged at 228 horsepower. The SLK55 AMG still puts out a whopping 355 hp, but the midrange SLK350 gets all the makeover love for 2009: it receives a 32 horsepower bump in power, producing a nice round 300 horses and 265 lbft of torque. Both the SLK300 and SLK350 now get 17" wheels standard, while the SLK55 is clad with 18" alloys. Also new across the board is a directsteer system that tightens the steering ratio when the wheel is 5 degrees offcenter. The SLK thankfully keeps its muscular looks and its geewhiz folding hardtop, which makes it easier to justify as a fourseason car.In the Driver's Seat: More reasons to drop the top2009 MercedesBenz SLK interiorPhoto © MercedesBenzLarger interior photo Climb into the MercedesBenz SLK and you'll feel instantly enveloped; its leather seats are supportive, the doors are tall, and its proportions are compact. While its nearlytwiceasexpensive big brother SL550 feels spacious in comparison, the SLK is snug but wellfinished. For 2009, the M&M candyshaped instrument buttons have been tinted black (instead of silver), and top stitching has been updated. While its retractable hardtop makes it quiet and comfortable when the sun isn't shining, a number of neat features encourage topdown motoring. An optional heating package includes heated seats, a wind blocker, and an AIRSCARF system that kills the chill by blowing hot air onto the back of your neck. (AIRSCARF, incidentally, will also be available on SL models for 2009.) The Multimedia Package includes Harmon/Kardon premium sound, HDD navigation, and hard disc music storage, while all SLKs get the easiertouse COMAND head unit, which will eventually be incorporated into all MercedesBenz passenger cars. While it loses the annoying little buttons on the side of the screen, it's not quite as intuitive as Audi's wheeloperated MMI system. Also newly available for 2009 is Burl Walnut Trim, which really gives you that juniorexeconthego feeling if you're not into the SLK's traditionally stark interior. All in all, the SLK's slick cabin is every bit MercedesBenz; nicely finished, ergonomically sound, and well constructed.On the Road: A bite to match its barkNot many roadsters drive as aggressively as they look, but the SLK particularly the SLK350 has a bite that is definitely as strong as its bark. Since 97% of its torque is delivered at only 2,000 rpm, it's got more get up and go than you might expect—enough to shoot you to 60 mph in only 5.3 seconds. Floor the throttle and the SLK350 makes some sweet sounds; especially when driving topdown through tunnels, the V6 screams a throaty growl that should satisfy all but the most jaded enthusiasts. Sure, the SLK55 is the bad boy of the bunch, but the SLK350's ability to squirt ahead in traffic is more than enough to put a smile on your face. Fuel economy and emissions are improved over the 2008 model, so you zip along with (slightly) less guilt than before. Its 7GTRONIC transmission (yes, you read correctly—it has SEVEN gears!) makes it even harder for the SLK350 to feel out of breath. If anything, seven speeds are a bit of overkill for the SLK350; mated to its flexible engine, shift points come so quickly that they seem redundant. It's not a dealbreaker, but it seems Mercedes decided to choose more gears over speedier shifts, and quicker shifts in a car as nimble as the SLK would make more sense. Ride quality is firm but not too punishing. Handling, while not quite as intuitive as the BMW M Roadster or the Porsche Boxster, is tight, controlled, and tenacious, and the new directsteer system makes the SLK350 feel a bit more responsive and "alive" than its previous, speedsensitive system.Journey's End: A polished premium roadster2009 MercedesBenz SLKPhoto © Basem WasefIf you're a performance enthusiast and a roadster fan, it's hard not to enjoy the zippy MercedesBenz SLK, especially the muchimproved SLK350. For those familiar with sporty twoseater convertibles, the SLK's faults shouldn't come as any surprise: limited luggage space (especially when the top is down), a smallish cockpit, and the lingering question of whether or not you should have perhaps bought something a touch more practical. The MercedesBenz SLK is a roadster for those who want topdown driving without feeling like they're skimping on luxury, and its bold design, expensive feeling solidity, and smooth driving characteristics back up everything we've come to associate with MercedesBenz. Airflow rarely intrudes on incar conversations (especially with the windscreen in place), and options like 4way adjustable lumbar support enhances longdistance comfort in spite of the somewhat firm suspension. Is the SLK for everybody? Most certainly not. But within this very focused segment of the market, Mercedes' pintsized convertible accomplishes its goals quite effectively, offering a polished, premium roadster that performs as sharply as it looks. Basem Wasef Next page: Likes and dislikes, who should buy it, details and specs