Telepathic steering and handling
Accompanying the SLK's arousing mechanical performance is an ability to sear through corners that's sure to inspire the most apathetic of drivers. Handling dynamics are best described as instant, precise and predictable. That combination begs exploration, and rewards handsomely when undertaken.
Mercedes-Benz's Direct Steering technology is a treat to experience. It provides plenty of feedback and just the right amount of substantive resistance at every juncture. Add in the vehicle's outstanding balance and tenacious road-holding characteristics, and well, you've got a roadster that puts a smile where it belongs.
Firm ride shudder-free
The bane of the roofless automobile is inherent shake and shudder attributable to compromised structural rigidity, but not so with the SLK. With its roof stowed, my tester exhibited 'zero' evidence of cowl shake regardless of the road traveled upon. The vehicle's overall solidity also kept it free of rattles and thumps.
As pleasing as the SLK's 'carved from granite' solidity is, some may find this little roadster's ride quality on the firm side, but that's typical of the segment. In fact, I would argue that by comparison, the SLK has no apologies to make. Nope, none, nada. Especially when the 'Comfort' setting is selected over the 'Sport' mode.
SLK300: a roadster dignified and refined
Mercedes-Benz has managed to blend two juxtaposing worlds into the SLK300. World one is comprised of raw, wind-in-your-hair seat-of-your-pants performance. World two is composed of refinement. Mercedes-Benz excels in world two and has earned much of its haughty reputation there.
The initial pleasure delivered by the SLK300 is simply visual. It's an exotic-looking coupe with its hardtop roof in place; wait 22-seconds and it transforms itself into a sensuous wonder that draws onlookers in for closer inspection. Yes, it's an attention grabber.
But to appreciate the SLK300 on more than an ethereal level, one must slide into its beautifully finished cockpit and experience this $57,500 masterpiece on the road where its heady exhaust note accompanies its penchant to run strong redline to redline.
Despite its ability to arouse the senses, the SLK300 doesn't forget its family tradition of luxury. With its roof protecting from unpleasant elements, the SLK300 becomes a very livable, comfortable coupe. Drop the top irrespective of temperature, and the SLK300 continues to spoil with heated seats and Mercedes-Benz's AIRSCARF, a heating system that bathes one's neck and upper back in warm air.
SLK300 or SLK350?
Unless money grows on trees in backyards other than mine, I don't see the need to spend an extra $6,000 moving up to the SLK350. I've driven the mid-range SLK and while it does conjure up more velocity in a shorter timeframe, I'd be completely satisfied with the potency of the SLK300. And as for the extra 6-Gs, well that could be disposed of in many other uniquely satisfying ways.
photo:Rob Rothwell
Accompanying the SLK's arousing mechanical performance is an ability to sear through corners that's sure to inspire the most apathetic of drivers. Handling dynamics are best described as instant, precise and predictable. That combination begs exploration, and rewards handsomely when undertaken.
 |
| Handling dynamics are best described as instant, precise and predictable. |
Mercedes-Benz's Direct Steering technology is a treat to experience. It provides plenty of feedback and just the right amount of substantive resistance at every juncture. Add in the vehicle's outstanding balance and tenacious road-holding characteristics, and well, you've got a roadster that puts a smile where it belongs.
Firm ride shudder-free
The bane of the roofless automobile is inherent shake and shudder attributable to compromised structural rigidity, but not so with the SLK. With its roof stowed, my tester exhibited 'zero' evidence of cowl shake regardless of the road traveled upon. The vehicle's overall solidity also kept it free of rattles and thumps.
As pleasing as the SLK's 'carved from granite' solidity is, some may find this little roadster's ride quality on the firm side, but that's typical of the segment. In fact, I would argue that by comparison, the SLK has no apologies to make. Nope, none, nada. Especially when the 'Comfort' setting is selected over the 'Sport' mode.
SLK300: a roadster dignified and refined
Mercedes-Benz has managed to blend two juxtaposing worlds into the SLK300. World one is comprised of raw, wind-in-your-hair seat-of-your-pants performance. World two is composed of refinement. Mercedes-Benz excels in world two and has earned much of its haughty reputation there.
The initial pleasure delivered by the SLK300 is simply visual. It's an exotic-looking coupe with its hardtop roof in place; wait 22-seconds and it transforms itself into a sensuous wonder that draws onlookers in for closer inspection. Yes, it's an attention grabber.
But to appreciate the SLK300 on more than an ethereal level, one must slide into its beautifully finished cockpit and experience this $57,500 masterpiece on the road where its heady exhaust note accompanies its penchant to run strong redline to redline.
Despite its ability to arouse the senses, the SLK300 doesn't forget its family tradition of luxury. With its roof protecting from unpleasant elements, the SLK300 becomes a very livable, comfortable coupe. Drop the top irrespective of temperature, and the SLK300 continues to spoil with heated seats and Mercedes-Benz's AIRSCARF, a heating system that bathes one's neck and upper back in warm air.
SLK300 or SLK350?
Unless money grows on trees in backyards other than mine, I don't see the need to spend an extra $6,000 moving up to the SLK350. I've driven the mid-range SLK and while it does conjure up more velocity in a shorter timeframe, I'd be completely satisfied with the potency of the SLK300. And as for the extra 6-Gs, well that could be disposed of in many other uniquely satisfying ways.
photo:Rob Rothwell
Article Gallery