FIRST DRIVE - 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK

Mercedes-Benz SLK 350, a knock off the old SLS block

Story and photos by Jim Robinson
Carguide Magazine

JASPER, ALTA – Remember the Mercedes-Benz 190 SL?

Probably not, but during the 1960s it was the little brother to the 300 SL Gullwing, the first modern supercar. Then something happened. The Gullwing was replaced by a myriad of SL models that were two-seaters but skewed to the bouffant set.
At the same time, the baby Benz roadster vanished until 1996 when the SLK was announced. Here was a light, fast and, in AMG kit, a very formidable two-seater that left competitors like Porsche and BMW scrambling.

Times have changed and the 300 SL Gullwing is back; both in spirit and reality in the form of the awesome SLS AMG that spits hubris just standing still.

And for 2012, the little brother is back in the SLK 350 looking every bit like the SLS from its upright grille with prominent three-pointed star to the outside mirrors.

There is no question the SLK is meant to be seen as kin to the SLS.

Initially, there will be only one model with a 3.5-litre V6 on sale now to be followed in November by an AMG version (SLK 55 AMG) and an entry-level model called the SLK 250.

The 3,498 cc V6 produces 302 hp and 273 lb/ft of torque. With the 7G-Tronic Plus seven-speed automatic transmission, it goes from 0-100 km/h in 5.6 seconds with a top speed of 250 km/h thanks to all the latest engine technology such as third-generation direct injection, piezo injectors and multi-spark ignition.

Standard suspension on the SLK is Mercedes’ Dynamic Handling package with continuous adjustable damping. Essentially it electronically controls the fully automatic damping system that allows the vehicle to drive smoothly even on poor road surfaces and quell jarring while still offering high driving dynamics.

Part of the package is the Direct-Steer system with Torque Vectoring Brakes developed by Mercedes-Benz.  The Direct-Steer system offers more handling and agility than the standard steering, while also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking.

The rear wheel on the inside of the turn on a curve brakes slightly in relation to speed that stabilizes the platform without overloading the suspension.

On two days of solid driving from Calgary out to Jasper and then back across to Edmonton, I had numerous chances to test the system and, frankly, it was seamless. I couldn’t tell when it was being actuated or not despite driving a tad more aggressive than usual.

When it comes to passenger safety, Mercedes-Benz arguably has been the leader and innovator in this area for decades. In the SLK, there are dozens of safety aids such as a drowsiness detection system called Attention Assist that alerts the driver if the car detects the driver nodding off.

And there is the optional anticipatory occupant protection system called PRE-Safe that can apply the brakes autonomously in the event of an impending front-impact collision.

I spent most of the two very enjoyable days in what’s called the Edition 1 special model with a special matte paint finish in glacier grey. The Edition 1 is wonderfully appointed with panoramic vario-roof, the Dynamic Handling package, AMG body styling, two-tone nappa leather with contrasting topstitching, Airscarf, ambient lighting and much more.

The hue of the matte grey is limited to a very small batch of the first production run. While you can get matte finishes on a few Mercedes models like the mighty SLS supercar, the colour on the Edition 1 will never be repeated. Even if you are prepared to pay extra in the future, it won’t happen.

But a word of warning: never wax the matte finish, as it will harm the appearance. When it comes to washing, do it by hand or in a touchless booth. If you do get a stone chip or a shopping mall hit, Mercedes can re-spray it.

There will be only 15 Edition 1 SLKs available in Canada.

The SLK 350 is a much more substantial roadster than the former model. Like the SLS, the hood is extended and it really helps the appearance.

The flanks have been cleaned up and there is now a noticeable, muscular hindquarter to the rear wheels. It was done partly to improve the looks but also to make it more aero-efficient.

The result is a Cd value of 0.30 compared to the predecessor model’s Cd value of 0.32.

One of the problems of roadsters, any roadster, is wind buffeting on the back of the head. There are screens available on other roadsters (usually as an option) that snap in place but they all have to be detached and stowed somewhere at some point.

Mercedes has a wonderfully simple alternative on the SLK they call Airguide. There are pivoting transparent plastic panels attached to the back of the twin roll bars. The driver or passenger just has to swing them into place to cut airflow.

And if that is not enough, the Airscarf system has a vent built into the both seats just below the headrest that channels warm air on the nape of the neck and shoulders.

The standard roof is painted to match the car while the second is a panoramic vario-roof with tinted glass.

The third, and not available on the pre-production cars I drove, is the panoramic glass roof with Magic Sky Control. The glass contains electrically charged “rods” that are activated by a button. When charged, they stand up and let light in which is welcome in cold weather. Press the button again and they darken the glass to keep out the sun’s rays.

Base price is $66,500 but, being a Mercedes-Benz, there are a number of options and accessories to personalize the SLK to personal taste.

Aggressively priced, the new SLK 350 appeals to a much broader demographic than previous models with more features than you’d expect with levels of performance and handling to satisfy just about everyone.

Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 2012 At A Glance
BODY STYLE: Premium roadster
DRIVE METHOD: front-engine, rear-wheel-drive
ENGINE: 3.5-litre DOHC V6 (302 hp, 273 lb/ft torque)
FUEL ECONOMY: 10.3/6.9/8.8L/100 km city/highway/combined
PRICE: Base price $66,500