Acceleration

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	8	8.1

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. 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	4.6

Test manual-transmission SLK350 averaged 22.7 mpg. No opportunity to measure with automatic. Premium-grade fuel is required.

Ride Quality

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	3	4.5

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

Steering/Handling/Braking

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
8	9	8.6

Any SLK has 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, there's not enough gain to offset choppy ride quality. Braking powerful, undramatic.

Quietness

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
4	3	4.5

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

Controls

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
7	7	6.7

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. No opportunity to test with navigation system.

Details

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
8	8	7.6

Top-notch cabin materials, though the dressy aluminum trim is limited to the SLK55. Top operation is a one-button breeze, which takes 22 seconds.

Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
5	5	5.9

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	.6

(No rear seating.)

Cargo Room

SLK350, auto.	SLK350 w/Sport Pkg., man.	Class Average
2	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	5.4

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
56	56	58.7

Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars

Low Score		43
Average Score		58
High Score		63