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By EWAN KENNEDY
19 April 2010
Mercedes-Benz has added a new string to its SLK bow with the
launch of the SLK 300. The new variant has a 3.0-litre V6
producing 170 kW of power and 300 Nm of torque run through a
seven-speed automatic transmission.
This engine is down on power, and price, compared with the
existing SLK 350. The SLK 350 will set you back $118,000 before
on-roads, while the SLK 300 breaks the six figure barrier at
$98,600, at least before on-roads. Making it a real bargain in
this market segment.
The SLK 300 is the fourth variant of the SLK sold here and joins
the SLK 200 K, SKL 350 as well as the fire-breathing SLK 55 AMG
V8. The SLK comes well-equipped with satellite navigation, single
CD player, a new design of 18-inch alloys, seven-speed 7G-Tronic
transmission, an AMG sports pack with interior and exterior
enhancements, powered seats, steering wheel and memory, paddle
shifters on the steering wheel and metallic paint.
Mercedes-Benz SLK underwent a major facelift in 2008 and remains a
striking sports car with the ability to transform to an open
roadster in 22 seconds thanks to a folding hardtop. Top up or
down, it's a head turner and a car for all seasons, provided there
are no more than two passengers and not too much luggage.
The SLK is all about style, something that hasn't changed since
being introduced back in 1996. Pigeon hole it as a fashion item to
be seen on the streets of the Sydney’s North Shore, Melbourne's
South Yarra or the Gold Coast's Main Beach. However, there's a
contradiction between style and ride with the SLK presenting as a
fairly raw sports-car in handling, steering and comfort levels.
The SLK 300 is no exception.
Mercedes launched the new variant with a road test program from
Mount Macedon to Tullamarine Airport on a variety of country
roads, highway driving and cruising through quaint Victorian
towns.
We feel the engine lacks grunt at the lower and seems a little
breathless as the revs climb above 5000 rpm. Maximum torque is
available between 2500 and 5000 rpm.
The SLK 300 reaches 100 km/h in 6.2 seconds and returns economy of
9.1 litres/100 km, depending on driving style and road conditions.
The seven-speed transmission assists to get the best out of the
3.0-litre engine and the paddle shifters are certainly fun and
functional for those who like to keep their hands on the wheel.
Inside, the SLK's cabin is a delight and the powered seats and AMG
sports package add to the already rich ambiance.
The exterior also looks the part with AMG touches here and there
including a neat boot spoiler.
This is the last upgrade of the Mercedes-Benz SLK before an
all-new model arrives in late 2010 in Europe and early to mid 2011
in Australia. The small V6 gives SLK buyers a second choice
between the 1.8 litre supercharged four cylinder and the AMG V8.
Our first drive of the SLK 300 reveals a car that fails to excite
like the SLK 350 and SLK 55 AMG.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK range, with prices (excluding government and
dealer charges) is:
SLK 200 K 1.8-litre supercharged: $90,100 (manual)
SLK 300 3.0-litre V6: $98,600 (automatic)
SLK 350 3.5-litre V6: $118,000 (manual)
SLK 55 AMG 5.5-litre V8: $175,000 (automatic)
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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