Acceleration

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	8	8.2

SLK350 only model made available for test so far. It has ample thrust from any speed; Mercedes quotes about 5.5 sec 0-60 mph with either transmission. Automatic transmission changes gears smoothly, downshifts promptly to provide passing power. But sure-shifting manual makes SLK feel more like a sports car. Mercedes' pegs SLK280 at 6.1 sec 0-60 with either transmission, SLK55 at 4.8.

Fuel Economy

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	4.2

Test manual-transmission SLK350 averaged 22.7 mpg. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All SLKs require premium-grade fuel.

Ride Quality

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	3	4.3

Sports-car-taut base suspension feels firm on expansion joints, patchy pavement, but never punishes; just a trace of float over severe dips, swells. Sport Package delivers sterling high-speed ride control but turns ride choppy on sharp ruts, ridges.

Steering/Handling/Braking

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
8	9	8.5

Impresses with precise steering, adroit overall balance, grippy cornering even in bumpy turns. Sport Package improves response in quick direction changes, but unless you drive mostly on unblemished surfaces, gain hardly enough to offset deterioration in ride quality. Braking powerful, undramatic.

Quietness

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	3	4.1

Sport-tuned exhaust note prominent, but engine never annoys. Tires rumble on grainy surfaces. Wind noise modest.

Controls

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	6.3

Classy analog gauges partially obstructed by steering-wheel rim. Controls close at hand, but not all are obviously marked, and steering-column stalk for cruise control invites confusion with turn-signal lever. Central screen displays audio, other settings; washes out in direct sunlight. Top operation a one-button breeze, takes 22 sec. No opportunity to test with navigation system. Top-notch cabin materials, though dressy aluminum trim limited to SLK55 for 2006; it had been standard on SLK350, too. Wood trim remains available.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	5.7

Good shoulder width, head clearance, but tall drivers may want more leg room. Driving position enhanced by standard tilt/telescope steering wheel. Seats very firm and lack lumbar adjustment--a comfort deficit to some occupants. Clever Airscarf softens bite of chilly-weather top-down driving. Low-slung design means some extra effort on entry/exit. Removable mesh wind blocker clouds rear visibility, but outward view good otherwise, even top-up.

Room/Comfort (rear)

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
0	0	.7

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
2	2	2

Top lowers into trunk, leaving just enough space for a couple of soft suitcases. Raising roof frees sufficient trunk volume for a long weekend.

Value within Class

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
6	6	4.5

It may not be the first nameplate mentioned when talk turns to sports cars, but the SLK has enough accessible everyday performance to hold its own in pretty fast company. Of broader appeal is its blend of open-air excitement, hardtop security, solid engineering, and Mercedes-Benz prestige.

Total Score

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
48	48	48.5

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		37
Average Score		48
High Score		58