Mercedes-Benz SLK - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK ranks 7 out of 8 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 40 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes-Benz SLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
In addition to its surprisingly smooth ride and sports-car handling, the SLK's power-retractable hardtop gives it an advantage over soft-top sports car convertibles and makes for a unique coupe/roadster experience. Still, it falls a bit short on its interior space and controls. Overall, it ranks near the bottom of its class.
The 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a fun-to-drive convertible. Its power hardtop gives it all the practicality of a coupe along with the open-air exhilaration of a roadster. Redesigned in 2005, the second generation SLK is described by Car and Driver as the "sweetest-handling Benz ever" and "an everyday please-me machine."
While the SLK's strengths are its quick-folding steel hardtop and luxurious interior, its weakness include a small cabin and little cargo space -- but that's to be expected for this class. With a base price just under $45,000, the SLK may be inexpensive for a Mercedes -- but it still commands a premium. Less expensive hardtops include the Pontiac G6 and Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, when compared to such luxury (and pricey) rivals as the Porsche Boxter and Chevrolet Corvette, the SLK could be a good value.
Mercedes-Benz's smallest sports car comes in several trims. The base SLK280 features a 3.0-liter V6 engine and a six-speed manual transmission, while the SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 and a seven-speed automatic. Though it's not addressed in this review, a performance-minded SLK55 AMG is also available.
source: US News
U.S.News Scores
Overall: 8.4
Performance: 8.3
Exterior: 8.5
Interior: 7.3
Safety: NA
Reliability: 8.0
