Review
The original SLK wowed the crowds with its neat folding metal hardtop. More than a decade on, it feels like every supermini is now available as a "c-plus-c" cabrio that does much the same thing, helping to throw the other qualities of the second-generation SLK into sharper relief.
If you can afford its substantial pricetag, and live with its poor day-to-day practicality, it's still a brilliant little sportscar. The design is a clear evolution of the styling of the first generation, and although the "Formula One" effect front end is a bit gimmicky, there's no doubting the fundamental smartness of the compact shape. The cabin's great, too - high quality materials, well laid-out switchgear and a reasonably comfortable driving position. As always, the SLK only comes with two seats, and rear bootspace is pretty minimal, especially with the roof folded.
The roof works very well, with single button operation whirring it away in barely 20 seconds. With the roof up the SLK is snug and refined, and with the roof down the innovative (optional) "Airscarf" system helps to keep occupants warm, even in chilly weather.
This SLK drives far better than the slightly wooden original, too. The chassis is responsive and keen to deliver over more demanding roads and the accurate steering helps you to make the most of the high grip levels. It's not quite as dynamically sharp as the BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster/ Cayman - but it is a more composed long-distance cruiser than either of its key rivals.
Even the basic "200K" supercharged engine gives brisk performance, and can now be specified with a halfway decent manual gearbox, while the V6 280 and 350 variants are both rapid, and the full-on "55 AMG" is ludicrously fast - cracking 62 mph from rest in under five seconds.
All versions are expensive to buy, especially compared to the equivalent BMW Z4, and standard equipment levels are as stingy as on any Merc.