2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class: Road Test
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2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class ▼
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- MSRP: $39,600 -$55,450
- Invoice: $36,828 -$51,569
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Our road test for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class includes a full evaluation of the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class help you decide if a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 6 | 8 | 7.7 |
Test manual-transmission SLK320 did 7.4 sec 0-60 mph. SLK230 takes about 8.4 sec and suffers irritating low-rpm throttle lag. It goes well once supercharger starts delivering. Manual transmission's balky shift action frustrates smooth driving. SLK32 very strong; Mercedes says 5.2 sec 0-60.
FUEL ECONOMY
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 4.8 |
Test automatic-transmission SLK230 averaged 24.2 mpg. Test SLK320s averaged 23.9 with manual, 21.9 with automatic. Test SLK32 averaged 24.5. All require premium fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.1 |
Thumpy over expansion joints and patchy pavement, but base suspension smothers big ruts and bumps nicely. Lower-profile tires in optional Sport Package irritate with bump-thump. SLK32 has firmest suspension, so is harsher still. Moderate top-down body shake even on apparently smooth surfaces.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 9 | 8.6 |
Entertains with precise steering, grippy cornering, adroit overall balance. Sport Package and SLK32 provide small handling gain most owners will seldom exploit. Braking powerful, undramatic, consistent.
QUIETNESS
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 3 | 4 |
Wind noise modest with top and windows up, but road rumble prominent except on glassy asphalt. Base V6 noticeably smoother and quieter than supercharged 4 cyl, which sounds and feels coarse at full throttle. SLK32's supercharged V6 most always growly.
CONTROLS
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Retro-stylish gauges very readable. Most controls convenient. Door windows stick up an annoying half-inch when fully lowered. Top operation a one-button breeze, takes 25 sec. Cabin materials solid, classy.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.4 |
Snug but comfortable. Low-slung design hampers entry/exit and, for shorter drivers, visibility even top-down.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
CARGO ROOM
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 2 | 2 | 2.2 |
Top down, only enough trunk space for a couple of briefcases. Raising roof frees sufficient soft-baggage space for a long weekend, though compartment oddly shaped.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 7 | 5 | 4.6 |
Within the lineup, the SLK320 is the best value for refined performance. But any SLK provides open-air fun and hardtop security in a well-built runabout with Mercedes prestige and blue-chip resale values. The AMG model is mainly for hard-core enthusiasts.
Total Score
| SLK230, auto. | SLK320, man. | SLK32 AMG | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 46 | 49 | 47 | 48.1 |
Total Score: 47
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
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