A new SLK-Class model with a stronger engine becomes the "entry-level" version of Mercedes-Benz’s smaller roadster series. Replacing the prior SLK250, the new SLK300 gets a 241-horsepower 2-liter four-cylinder engine. Like its stablemates, the SLK350 and SLK55 AMG, the new model conveys luxury and style like the celebrated SL-Class, but on a smaller scale. Not only does its relative moderate price make an SLK affordable to more buyers, but the prestige of the Mercedes-Benz brand stands above most other two-seat sports cars.
What's New for 2016
In addition to the larger, more powerful engine, a new nine-speed sequential-shift automatic transmission is standard. The prior SLK250 held a 1.8-liter turbo four, sending 201 horsepower to a seven-speed automatic or a six-speed manual gearbox.
Choosing Your Mercedes-Benz SLK300
Starting at $47,000, the SLK300 is amply equipped, as well as stylish and capable on the road. Mercedes-Benz’s turbocharged direct-injected 2-liter four-cylinder engine boasts 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque, driving a nine-speed automatic with paddle shifters. Fuel economy is estimated at 25 mpg city/32 mpg highway (28 mpg combined).
Leather seat upholstery and door trim are standard, along with six-way power driver and passenger seats, cruise control, power locks, remote keyless entry, a nine-speaker six-CD stereo, and steering-wheel radio controls. The SLK250 also comes with dual-zone manual air conditioning, a tilt/telescopic steering column, aluminum interior trim, 5.8-inch color screen, HD radio, Bluetooth interface and audio streaming, and heated power folding mirrors. Fitted with rollover protection, the retractable power hardtop has a glass rear window.
Two knee airbags are installed. Eight-way power seats with MB-Tex upholstery and Neck-Pro head restraints incorporate a memory. Staggered-width 17-inch alloy wheels are wider at the rear axle than up front.
Attention Assist monitors 70 parameters of driving behavior, alerting the driver if it detects signs of drowsiness. The start-stop system can shut the engine off at stoplights to save fuel. A direct-steering system provides quicker steering with lighter effort for parking, but peak directional stability and feedback at highway speeds. The sport suspension has firmer coil springs and shock absorbers, with a lowered ride height for sharper responses and a racier stance.
A simplified packaging strategy limits choices to the Base car, plus Premium 1, Premium 2, and Premium 3 option packages.
Premium 1 Package ($3,390) includes heated seats, Airscarf neck-warming, Keyless-Go, infrared remote hardtop operation, a Harman Kardon LOGIC7 surround-system audio system, and SiriusXM satellite radio.
Premium 2 Package ($4,490) includes bi-xenon headlights with active curve illumination, adaptive high-beam assist, blind-spot assist, dual-zone climate control, an analog clock, COMAND navigation, SiriusXM Traffic and Weather, voice control with learning, and a DVD/CD player.
Premium 3 Package ($3,790) includes Distronic Plus, lane-keeping assist, Parktronic with advanced parking guidance, and an adaptive suspension.
Sport Appearance Package ($2,500) includes AMG body styling, 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels, and direct ambient lighting.
Most buyers will be fully satisfied with this "entry-level" SLK-Class two-seater rather than moving up to an SLK350 or beyond, especially with the new, more powerful engine in the 2016 model. If you’re going to opt for an option group, we’d recommend the Premium 3 Package with its additional safety features.