If you’re looking for a compact roadster with a V8 thumping under the hood, your list begins and ends with the Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG. While the rest of SLK line performs like a proper German roadster should, the AMG’s extra power and grip make it a standout in this class.
What's New for 2014
Newly standard for 2014 is a glass roof panel with adjustable tint.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG
Newly standard for 2014 is a glass roof panel wThe SLK55 AMG gets its sporting character from a 5.5-liter V8 that puts out 415 horsepower and 398 pound-feet of torque. Power flows through a specially tuned seven-speed automatic transmission. Zero to 60 mph comes in just 4.5 seconds, yet the V8 somehow manages to return 22 mpg in combined driving. The AMG also get a tauter suspension and larger brakes than lesser models. ith adjustable tint.
Although it’s the dedicated performance version of the SLK, the AMG tries hard to satisfy your luxury tooth. You get a power-operated hardtop with an integrated panoramic sunroof, sun-reflective Nappa leather sport seats, an 11-speaker Harman Kardon sound system with satellite radio, Bluetooth phone and audio, and the AirScarf neck-warming system.
Aluminum interior trim is standard, and you can upgrade to wood or carbon fiber. The AMG-spec 18-inch wheels are available in three different designs.
Even at this level of equipment, there are some worthy option packages to consider:
- AMG Handling: Includes an upgraded suspension, a limited-slip differential, specific wheels in matte black or silver, a sports steering wheel and a higher top-speed limiter.
- Multimedia: Adds navigation with voice controls and real-time traffic and weather data, a six-DVD/CD changer, 10GB of audio storage and an SD card reader.
- Lighting: Adds adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with active curve illumination and automatic high beams.
Choose your Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG >>
You're already splurging, so go ahead and add the AMG Handling Package. It brings the SLK to its full performance potential, and proves a welcome complement to the thrilling V8.