Mercedes-Benz has extended its extra value, ‘First Choice’ program with a new addition to the SLK roadster lineup, powered by a 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine.
Priced at $98,600, the SLK 300 slots above the 1.8-litre, supercharged four-cylinder SLK 200K and below the 3.5-litre V6 SLK 350 and 5.5-litre V8-powered SLK55 AMG.
With standard COMAND APS navigation, 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic transmission, new 18-inch alloy wheels and AMG sports package, the SLK300 is superbly equipped and certainly cements Mercedes’ extra-value philosophy.
What You Get
Sure the SLK is coming to the end of its current model life (the 2010 upgrades will be the last for the current R171 model) but remains a stunningly beautiful two-seat hardtop that still takes the challenge right up to the newer BMW Z4 and even the more expensive Porsche Boxster.
The new 3.0-litre derivative of Benz’s V6 engine is a delight and is superbly matched to the 7-speed auto. Chassis dynamics and the acclaimed direct-steer system deliver a brilliant drive and the extensive extra kit – highlighted by the standard AMG sports pack – makes the 300 a standout addition to the SLK family.
The Engine
Benz’ smaller-capacity 3.0-litre V6 packs a punch and in on-road performance is not significantly overshadowed by its 3.5-litre sibling.
Maximum power is 170kW at 6000rpm and peak torque of 300Nm is delivered between 2500rpm and 5000rpm. By comparison, the SLK 350 is good for 224kW/360Nm.
The 3.0-litre is ahead in the fuel consumption comparison, rated at 9.1l/100kms. Emissions are 211g/km.
Drive is to the rear wheels via Benz’ superb 7G-TRONIC seven-speed automatic with sequential manual mode and steering wheel paddle shifters. Both the SLK 200K and SLK 350 drive through six-speed manual transmissions while the range-topping SLK 55 AMG also scores the 7G-TRONIC auto.
The SLK 300 sprints from zero to 100km/h in just 6.2 seconds (5.4 seconds for the SLK350).
We found the SLK 300 – like the 350 – loves to rev with a real shove-in-the-back higher up the engine speed range, accompanied by the trademark growl of Benz’ sporty V6s.
The Interior
Clearly the SLK 300 is a winner on the value front with Mercedes’ ‘First Choice’ strategy delivering an enhanced interior as part of the AMG kit. This includes beautiful contrasting red double stitching for the leather seats, combining with red-edged velour floor mats and leather for the steering wheel and gear lever.
SLK 300 also gains the COMAND APS navigation system (which requires a single CD/DVD player – a six-disc in-dash system is optional) and carbon fibre-look trim elements.
The hardtop requires just 22 seconds to fold and remains an engineering masterpiece.
Adjusting the electronically adjustable seats and the reach-rake adjustable leather sports steering wheel delivers a superb, sporty driving position and view of the conventional gauges. You sit low in the SLK – just like all real sports cars – and you instantly feel ready for some performance driving.
Clever fitment of storage boxes throughout the interior provides handy convenience even for a two-seater.
Of course boot space is squeezy, with the roof occupying a lot of capacity.
Exterior & Styling
No doubt the SLK is one of the most beautifully styled two seaters – ever. The proportions are magnificent – the long bonnet with trademark ‘Benz grille, the short, muscular rear end and superbly sculptured lights all combine to provide on-road presence that is from the very top shelf.
The SLK 300 rides on new 18-inch five, twin-spoke alloy wheels (SLK 200K and 350K run 17-inch). For sure the bigger wheels fill the wheel arches better for an enhanced sporty look.
And of course that is exaggerated by the SLK 300’s standard AMG inclusions – front apron, side skirts and bootlid spoiler.
On The Road
You could have guessed – our own SLK and the glorious twisty roads around Victoria’s Mount Macedon awaiting…but accompanied a chilly blast of wintry weather, rain and fog. So we didn’t open the roof or test the neck-warming air-scarf – this time.
We’ve previously driven the SLK55 AMG with its 265kW/510Nm V8 and loved it. It must be said the SLK 300 also tugged at our heartstrings – a seriously good, high performance roadster.
The 3.0-litre V6 – as you expect from ‘Benz – is supremely responsive and delivers lusty performance, but just as impressive is its flexibility and refinement when crawling through suburban school-zone peak hours.
Over the swoops and curves around Mount Macedon, the SLK 300 again impressed with that wonderful direct-steer system (first developed in Australia by Bishop Steering) which mechanically provides variable ratios and a very precise, direct feel (only small inputs are required from the driver).
With a three-link McPherson strut front/multi-link rear suspension, the SLK 300 provides a firm, sporty ride and suburb feedback in all conditions. This is a sports car so its very tight but – typically ‘Benz – refinement levels remain high at all speeds with just a bit of wind noise noticeable around the A-pillars.
Challenges
A small price to pay for this superb roadster is awkward rear three-quarter visibility. Parking is still easy (the rear window sits just behind your scone!) but first-time drivers will notice the thick B-pillars/curved roof over their shoulders.
Verdict
Let’s be clear – this is one of the world’s very best two-seat roadsters. Addition of the 300 model to the SLK lineup is a value-packed newcomer to a superb range.
The Competition
BMW’s Z4 is a worthy adversary. The sDrive30i requires a bit more coin (in automatic form) and squeezes a few extra kWs and Nms over the SLK 300 but it’s really a toss of the coin – we’d happily take either.
Porsche’s Boxster (no tested by us as yet) ups the ante in dollars but is in the mix.
Likes:
New V6 is a pearler; same brilliant SLK looks and driving dynamics; great value
Dislikes:
We had to give our test car back to ‘Benz.
