Mercedes-Benz upended the two-seat roadster market in the 1990s with the first SLK-Class, the first modern convertible with a retractable hardtop roof. The second-generation model followed for 2005 with even more performance and luxury, and now, new for 2012, the ultimate SLK-Class has arrived.
Starting at an MSRP of $54,800, the SLK350 – the first 2012 SLK-Class in showrooms – brings sport and luxury together as no other roadster in this class can. In a few months, new SLK250 and ultra-performance SLK55 AMG models will join the SLK350.
The 2012 SLK350 rockets from zero-to-60 mph in just 5.4 seconds courtesy of its all-new 3.5-liter direct-injection V6 engine with 302 hp and highly revised seven-speed automatic transmission. The raw performance numbers tell only part of the car’s story. The new V6 loves to rev and sounds exciting doing it, and it delivers the right-now response essential to the sports car experience.
The new SLK250 runs with the direct-injection 201-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that debuted in the 2012 C-Class. Stick-shift enthusiasts will delight in this model’s standard six-speed manual transmission with the seven-speed automatic also available.
At the top of the line, the 2012 SLK55 AMG gets a new, naturally aspirated 5.5-liter AMG V8 with 415 hp and 398 lb/ft of torque. Significantly, this new super sports car reduces fuel consumption by 30 percent compared to the previous SLK AMG model. The car’s AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brake and three-stage Electronic Stability Program (ESP®) ensures that handling prowess matches road-melting ability.
Find a twisty back road, and the SLK-Class turns it into your playground. While this new roadster’s performance can transform even a mundane commute into a memorable drive, the roof can transform your entire day. At the touch of a button, the retractable hardtop on all 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class models lowers in just 20 seconds. Top up, the SLK-Class offers the security and comfort of a closed coupe. Top down, the SLK-Class brings forward six decades of Mercedes-Benz roadster heritage in the way it feels, and in the way it can make you feel. Use the new AIRGUIDE wind deflectors on each rollbar to reduce interior wind buffeting.
The optional Panorama sunroof with MAGIC SKY Control is one of two Panorama roof options, the first being a tinted glass roof. With optional MAGIC SKY Control, you can adjust the tint of the glass roof. Select the level of tint desired, and electric current changes the orientation of special particles embedded within the glass. Go from dark to light in seconds. Even in fully transparent mode, the glass panel still blocks ultraviolet rays to help keep the cockpit cool.
The 2012 SLK-Class offers more magic to extend top-down driving into cooler weather. With the available AIRSCARF, warm air flows through vents in the head restraints to bathe your neck. That warmth will make you feel all the more comfortable to enjoy the music from the available 500-watt, 11-speaker harman/kardon Logic7® surround-sound system, iPod®/MP3 Media Interface and SiriusXM Satellite Radio.
For the ultimate in music access and connectivity, the Multimedia Package installs a hard-drive navigation system with a seven-inch widescreen display while music access increases with a six-disc DVD/CD changer, a 10GB Music Register and an SD card reader. Connectivity goes up several notches with SiriusXM Traffic and SiriusXM Weather.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 oozes luxury from the moment you swing open the door. Hand-fitted leather comes standard, along with aluminum trim on the console and rollbars. For a softer feel, choose the cross-stitched Premium leather. You can also replace the aluminum with the optional Trim Package, which adds genuine burl walnut on the steering wheel, shiftknob, console and door handle trim.
For an even bolder look, Mercedes offers the optional Sport Package. The package adds a special deep front air dam with mesh air intakes and sculpted side sills. In the back, a new valance panel sets off polished chrome tailpipes. The package also sharpens the car’s handling with 18-inch AMG five-spoke wheels in a “staggered” array (wider wheels in rear).
Come in and see how the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class delivers the year’s most compelling blend of sports car style, performance and luxury.
