The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a roadster, just like its chief rivals like the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4, yet it has a different set of priorities—on everyday drivability and a series of comfort-enhancing technologies over all-out lap times.
Although it's kept essentially the same silhouette over a couple of decades, the SLK has evolved to become a more graceful sports car. It looks the part, too—although between the taller front end, which transitions oddly to the soft, conservative rear two-thirds of the car, and the boxier, more upright interior, the SLK is now definitely showing its age. Although there's still a lot to appreciate in the SLK when seeing it in profile; this third-generation SLK hits a nice sweet spot, as a nice balance between the blocky first-gen SLK and the overstyled second-generation car.
The top is, quite simply, what the coupe-convertible SLK is all about. You lose some trunk space compared to soft-top rivals, but what you get instead is a tight, refined interior that's long-distance quiet and comfortable, and essentially acts as a coupe when the top's up.
The downsides in packaging mostly relate back to the SLK's concept, as a take on a long-hood, rear-wheel-drive roadster, built on the overall dimensions of a subcompact. As such, the interior's snug for tall drivers and for luggage. Outward visibility can also be difficult with the top raised, and there's no rearview camera system on offer.
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is headed for a name change next year, to SLC, but the automaker couldn't wait until then to give this roadster one important change: a new base powertrain. This year the SLK gives up its former 1.8-liter turbo four and instead gets a version of the new 2.0-liter that's used elsewhere in the lineup. Here it makes 241 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque—in a model that's now badged the SLK300—and can blast up to 60 mph in under six seconds. Fuel-efficiency has also improved with this new engine, to EPA ratings of 25 mpg city, 32 highway.
The two other powertrains in the lineup haven't changed for 2016—there's a 302-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 in the SLK 350, and the 415-hp, V-8-powered SLK 55 AMG for those who want scorching performance in a pert package. While it's been some time since we covered many miles in an SLK, we find these models to be sharper than the previous-generation model yet a little more comfort-focused than some rival roadsters. The SLK 350 gets a seven-speed automatic, while the SLK 55 has a special, far-sharper-shifting AMG Speedshift transmission.
The SLK's tight, brilliantly conceived retractable hardtop arrangement is still a high point of the design. With the top up, the cabin is tight and never drafty; yet with the top down, it can get a little turbulent—made a bit better with the mesh divider deployed between the seats. Special windstops even close off the opening in the roll hoops behind each seat to help prevent drafts.
Airscarf is another truly innovative feature in the SLK. With it, warm air is blown gently around your neck, letting you drive top-down in colder weather than you otherwise might. While it's been offered now for many years, there are few alternatives in rival models that do quite the same thing. And to get you the most enjoyment, year-round, the SLK can be fitted with a photochromic glass roof that tints itself on bright sunny days.
The SLK models include all the features expected in a luxury vehicle, like HD radio, Bluetooth, navigation, and real-time traffic—including a version of the automaker's COMAND infotainment interface.
Read the entire review here -->> http://www.thecarconnection.com/overview/mercedes-benz_slk-class_2016#src=10065
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