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2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Full Review
Date Published: 11/23/08
Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Full Review
7.
8.
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
This is the smaller of two two-seat convertibles from Mercedes-Benz. Like the larger, costlier SL, the SLK has a power-folding hardtop. It comes in three versions. The SLK280 has a 228-hp 3.0-liter V6. The SLK350 has a 268-hp 3.5-liter V6, and the SLK55 has a 355-hp V8. SLK280 and 350 offer a 6-speed manual transmission or 7-speed automatic. SLK55 comes only with the automatic. All have ABS and traction/antiskid control. Also standard are knee airbags and side airbags designed to protect head and torso; they also include rollover deployment. A Sport Package option for SLK280 and 350 includes firmer suspension, specific wheels and tires, body trim, and steering wheel shift buttons for the automatic transmission. Optional on all is Mercedes' Airscarf feature that delivers heated air through neck-level vents in the seatbacks.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and 4-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
Our Best Buy is Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks include BMW Z4 and Mercedes-Benz CLK.
News
The main news among 2007 SLKs concerns revised Appearance and AMG Sport Packages. The '08 models are expected to get a freshening, likely cosmetic for the most part, though there could be a few surprise in the powertrain and/or features departments.
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration (SLK32 AMG) | Cargo room |
| Steering/handling | Entry/exit |
| Exterior finish | |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
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.
| 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
Test manual-transmission SLK350 averaged 22.7 mpg. No opportunity to measure with automatic transmission. All SLKs require premium-grade fuel.
| 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
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.
| 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
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.
| 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
Sport-tuned exhaust note prominent, but engine never annoys. Tires rumble on grainy surfaces. Wind noise modest.
| 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
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.
| 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)
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.
| 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)
(No rear seating.)
| SLK350, auto. | SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man. | Class Average |
| 0 | 0 | .7 |
(No rear seating.)
Cargo Room
Top lowers into trunk, leaving just enough space for a couple of soft suitcases. Raising roof frees sufficient trunk volume for a long weekend.
| 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
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.
| 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 |
2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/13/2006
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
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| SLK280 2-door convertible | $42,900 | $39,897 | $775 |
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| SLK350 2-door convertible | $46,950 | $43,664 | $775 |
|
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| SLK55 2-door convertible | $61,500 | $57,195 | $775 |
Price note: SLK55 adds $1300 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
SLK280
Powertrain
3.0-liter V6 engine, 6-speed manual transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, side airbags w/rollover deployment, knee airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, roll bars, daytime running lights, emergency inside trunklid release.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Tele Aid assistance system, air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, leather upholstery, bucket seats, height-adjustable driver seat, center console, cupholders, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/weatherband/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, heated intermittent wipers, map lights, rear defogger, wind deflector, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Power-retractable steel hardtop, windblocker, theft-deterrent system, front and rear fog lights, 205/55WR16 front tires, 225/50WR16 rear tires, alloy wheels.
SLK350 adds to SLK280:
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 engine.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
225/45ZR17 front tires, 245/40ZR17 rear tires.
SLK55 adds to SLK350:
Powertrain
5.4-liter V8 engine, 7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Safety
Uprated brakes.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power tilt/telescope steering wheel, heated 8-way power seats, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering wheel), aluminum interior trim, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, passenger-side mirror tilt-down back-up aid.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear spoiler, sport suspension, 225/40ZR18 front tires, 245/35ZR18 rear tires.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Comfort Pkg.
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$1,300
|
$1,209
|
|
8-way power seats, power tilt/telescope steering wheel, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, steering-wheel memory), automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors.
|
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|
Premium Pkg.
|
||
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$1,200
|
$1,116
|
|
Upgraded automatic climate controls, remote control roof, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rain-sensing wipers, additional interior lights.
|
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|
Entertainment Pkg.
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$1,700
|
$1,581
|
|
Harman/Kardon sound system, 6-disc CD changer, satellite radio (requires monthly fee after 6th month), iPod connection.
|
||
|
Entertainment Pkg. w/navigation system
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$2,900
|
$2,697
|
|
Sport Pkg.
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$4,040
|
$3,757
|
|
AMG aerodynamic enhancements, steering wheel shift buttons (automatic transmission), sport suspension, performance tires, special alloy wheels.
|
||
|
Heating Pkg.
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$960
|
$893
|
|
Heated seats, neck-level heating.
|
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Lighting Pkg.
|
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|
SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$990
|
$921
|
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Bi-xenon headlights, headlight washers.
|
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|
Interior trim Pkg.
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$710
|
$660
|
|
Wood interior trim, wood/leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.
|
||
|
designo Chablis/Espresso/Graphite Edition
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$8,030
|
$7,468
|
|
Unique interior and exterior trim, wood interior trim. SLK280, SLK350 require heated seats.
|
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|
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Powertrain |
||
|
7-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$1,410
|
$1,311
|
|
|
||
Comfort and Convenience Features |
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$690
|
$642
|
|
Upgraded leather upholstery
|
||
|
SLK280, SLK350
|
$400
|
$372
|
|
Neck-level heating
|
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SLK55
|
$360
|
$335
|
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6-disc CD changer
|
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$430
|
$400
|
|
Satellite radio
|
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$500
|
$465
|
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Requires monthly fee after 6th month.
|
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Hands-free cell phone
|
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$925
|
$860
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Special paint
|
||
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SLK280, SLK350, SLK55
|
$690
|
$642
|
|
Run-flat tires
|
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SLK280, SLK350
|
$260
|
$242
|
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Includes tire-pressure monitor. Requires Sport Pkg.
|
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2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 95.7 |
| Overall Length, in. | 160.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.4 |
| Overall Height, in. | 51.0 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3210 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 9.8 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 2 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.5 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | -- |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | -- |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| dohc V6 | dohc V6 | sohc V8 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 3.0 /183 | 3.5 /213 | 5.4 /332 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 228 @ 6000 | 268 @ 6000 | 355 @ 6000 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 221 @ 2700 | 258 @ 2400 | 376 @ 3500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
|||
| 6-speed manual | 19/27 | 18/25 | --/-- |
| 7-speed automatic | 20/27 | 19/25 | 16/22 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
 Antilock Brakes Traction Control Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags Curtain Side Airbags Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | None/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | --/-- | Unlimited |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Germany
Drivewheels:
rear-wheel drive
Also in the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Full Review
7.
8.
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