Top down, driving pleasure way up
The Mercedes-Benz SLK, a compact luxury two-seater convertible, enters the 2016 model year with a new powertrain for the base model, as the luxury brand’s smallest roadster awaits a more extensive revision slated for next year.
Last year’s SLK 250 is no more, replaced by the SLK 300 this year. The change in numbers reflects the replacement of an aging 1.8litre engine with a larger turbocharged four-cylinder and a nine-speed automatic transmission.
The change makes sense, as the new engine is essentially the same unit found under the hood of the current C-Class. The new engine’s 241 horsepower and 273 lb.-ft. of torque easily eclipses the former engine’s 201 hp and 229 lb.ft. of torque.
The automatic transmission receives two extra gears, helping fuel economy. The SLK 300 is the only one in the line to get the new nine-speed transmission. Other models, the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG, continue into 2016 equipped with a seven-speed automatic.
The transition does mean that people who like to row their own gears have to go elsewhere, as the luxury car manufacturer drops the last manual transmission (at least in North America) from its lineup.
When stacked up against other luxury two-seater sports cars, such as the BMW Z4, Porsche Boxster or the Jaguar F-Type convertible, the SLK holds its own. While it may not be the fastest of the bunch, it has the best fuel economy, a lower list price and the most compact size.
I drove an SLK 300 with a few options. Base price for the vehicle is now $58,100.
Among premium brands, the Mercedes-Benz emblem always denoted a high degree of luxury. Even though the SLK may be the entry level of the line, this does not mean that it lacks the same level of luxury appointments as its moreexpensive and larger kin.
Buyers of luxury vehicles expect (and demand) superior fit and finish, and the SLK delivers. From the smell of the leather to the feel of the surfaces in the cabin, the car oozes quality.
Most items are where a driver would expect to find them — with a few exceptions. Mercedes still insists on placing the controls for the seats on the upper door panels. They are logical to operate but most vehicles sold in North America have them on the bottom sides of the seats. (In MercedesBenz’s defence, some Land Rover and Jaguar models also have the controls in the same place).
The other exception is a windshield wiper operated by twisting the left-hand stalk on the steering wheel, the same stalk that operates the turn signal. The majority of vehicles have the same controls on the right stalk, operated by pushing up or down. To each their own, I guess.
The SLK has a few features that I would like to see on other vehicles as well. When stopped, an extra push on the brake pedal activates a hold function, allowing the driver to take his or her foot off the brake temporarily. This is a handy feature when stuck waiting for a traffic light to change, for example.
Another brilliant innovation is the air scarf. With the top down on a chilly (but sunny) day, the cabin in a convertible can cool off rapidly. Mercedes’ solution was to put a vent approximately where the occupants’ necks are located. The heated air is like having a virtual scarf to keep warm when trying to catch the last rays of the season — and perhaps beyond.
The SLK was one of the first convertibles in the world to come with a retractable hardtop in 1997. All other convertibles up until then were made of fabric.
I still remember driving one of the first SLKs in 1997 and having to demonstrate the top going up and down (sitting waiting at the Tsawwassen ferry terminal) for a small crowd of curious people.
No crowds gathered when I performed the deed 18 years later, but the engineering behind the top is still just as impressive.
The top of the hardtop is clear, which is good because it brightens the interior. Unfortunately, there is no shade, so it can be too much of a good thing on a summer day. Although my tester wasn’t equipped with one, Mercedes has come up with an innovative solution.
Their so-called Magic Sky Control is a panoramic roof that blocks most of the sunlight — electronically. When switched on, an electric current passes through the glass structure, causing particles within the glass to align in a way that allows sunlight to freely pass through. When the electric current is turned off, the particles randomly arrange themselves, which reduces the amount of light entering the cabin.
The hard top does demand a compromise — in cargo capacity. The trunk holds up to 335 litres with the top up and 225 when down. SLK owners and their passengers should learn to pack light as there is little extra room behind the front seats.
The SLK is not really designed for those who relish a day on the track. It is more comfortable in its role as a vehicle that takes you to your destination in style — especially with the top down on a cool fall day and a frothy gourmet coffee in hand.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Compact luxury two-seater convertible, front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Engine: Turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine, 241 hp at 5,500 r.p.m., 273 lb.-ft. of torque at 1,300 to 4,000 r.p.m. Transmission: Nine-speed automatic Dimensions (mm): Length, 4,134; width, 2,006; height, 1,303; wheelbase, 2,430 Curb weight (kg): 1,500 Price (base/as tested): $58,100/ $70,785 (includes $2,295 freight and PDI and $100 AC tax) Options: Leather $1,990, premium package $5,600, sport package $1,800, Parktronic $900 Fuel type: Premium Warranty: Four years/80,000 km new car, four years/ unlimited km roadside assistance