NEW 2012 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK NOW IN MZANSI

South Africa welcomes the all-new Mercedes-Benz SLK range, a car filled with innovative stuff, not just in a Mercedes-Benz sense but also industry wise. Only two models will initially be available from launch, with the super performance SLK 55 AMG making its debut later.

The SLK comes with either a 1.8-litre turbo engine or a 3.5-litre V6 naturally aspirated motor. The 1.8-litre is a 4-cylinder with either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed automatic gearbox. At its best it makes 135kW at 5250rpm, while torque of 270Nm is maximised at between 1800rpm and 4600rpm, quite a wide band which makes it very usable in overtaking and smooth cruising. Merc says it will consume an average of 6.5 litres per 100km from the 68 litre fuel tank, returning C02s of 151 g/km. At the same time it is capable of running from 0 – 100km/h in 7.3 seconds for the manual, and 7 seconds flat for the auto.

For the 3.5-litre V6 (SLK 350), owners can expect to tap 225kW at 6500rpm and 370Nm of torque at 3500rpm. That figure of course because less at Gauteng altitude, and can be as little as 190kW when all is said and done. Nevertheless that’s still a lot and performance should be brisk, with its maker claiming a 0 – 100km/h time of 5.6 seconds, matched by a 250km/h top speed. Fuel consumption is 7.1 litres per 100km, reflected by a 167 g/km C02 emissions rating. In terms of price it finds itself slap bang on target with its chief nemesis, the BMW Z4 sDrive35i, but could be left behind when it comes to performance at altitude.

With innovation a major Mercedes-Benz draw card, the new SLK is not short at all in this department. The major development has been something called Magic Sky Control, which essentially lightens or darkens the glass roof of the car at the push of a button. What that does it to give it cover when the sun is shining, and capture light when it’s not. It is the third option on the SLK, with a normal hard top and panoramic tinted glass being the other two.

Chassis setup is made up of a multi-link independent suspension system with coil springs and gas-pressure shock absorbers for the front end, while the rear axle works on a multi-link independent suspension as well, but with anti-squat and anti-lift systems. The front wheels are 7.5 Jx17s, rears are 8.5 Jx17s and they are wrapped around standard 225/45 R 17 front and 245/40 R 17 wheels at the back. One of eleven exterior paint colours can be ordered to suit the buyer’s tastes.

SLK as you can imagine, isn’t the biggest car out there. Meant to only accommodate two people, driver and front passenger, the little roadster is only 4.1 metres long, or the similar to a MINI Countryman. It is 1.8m wide, 1.3m high and has a wheelbase of 2.4m. The kerb weight is 1.4 tonnes for the SLK 200 and 1.5 tonnes for the SLK 350.

A host of standard features are included in the SLK range, which could give it the necessary edge against its rivals. These are, among others, adaptive brake lights, Attention Assist, Bluetooth connectivity for the smart phone, a 14.7cm display and LED taillights. But as per usual German premium luxury requirement, the options list is much longer than that. Highlights include Keyless Go, Park Distance Control and Comand with Internet access.

“Firmly embedded in the genes of the SLK is exhilarating driving pleasure in any weather conditions,” says Eckart Mayer, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Mercedes-Benz South Africa. “Open or closed, for recreation or day-to-day motoring. It combines its decidedly sporty character with outstanding comfort and high-grade appointments. The new SLK also sets new standards among the compact roadsters where fuel economy and environmental compatibility are concerned. A wealth of outstanding attributes and technical innovations will once again make it the benchmark in its class – and undoubtedly also a success for our brand. The SLK is definitely a roadster with a character.”

We may have to expect an SLK 250 with 150kW sometime in the near future, just like we can definitely expect an SLK 55 AMG soon. Said AMG will carry the 5.5-litre naturally aspirated engine with 310kW and 540Nm of torque. At those figures it will be the most powerful car in its class, fending off the BMW Z4 sDrive35is (250kW) and Audi TT RS (250kW).

The SLK set the standard for hard open top luxury motoring way back in 1996 and Mercedes-Benz seems confident it will do the same with this new one.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Pricing

SLK 200 (R555 700)

SLK 350 (R734 100)