New engine enhances performance
Mechanically, the most significant upgrade for 2012 comes in the form of a new V6 engine. This is a completely new mill, not simply a reworking of the former. While both engines displace 3.5L, the new one develops 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm, which is up two horses from last year.
More notable is the spike in torque for 2012, which now stands at 273 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm rather than 265 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. Those ratings tell us that more twist is present in the new engine, but perhaps more importantly, it presents itself much earlier in the rev band.
The new powerplant is also more fuel efficient. The 2012 SLK 350 is rated at a thrifty 10.8L/100km and 6.9L/100km, city and highway driving respectively. That’s not bad for a vehicle claiming a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.6 seconds – this according to Mercedes-Benz literature.
After several highway run-ups and various acceleration tests, I have no reason to doubt the claim. The SLK 350 loves to run hard and fast. It supplies tremendous passing power and manages to pull itself out of the hole with notable ferocity, much credit going to the 7-speed autobox that shifts with lightning speed and precision.
While I find the full throttle exhaust howl exhilarating, as mentioned earlier, the day-to-day drone of the sporty sounding exhaust is beyond my capacity for eternal enjoyment, marring an otherwise outstanding driving experience.
Joy behind the wheel
Despite the outspoken exhaust, I enjoyed my time immensely behind the SLK’s contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel. Although the exhaust “growl and groan” is overdone, the balance between ride quality and handling prowess is perfect.
It’s not often that a highly-capable roadster delivers a ride as supple as that supplied by the new SLK. Its chassis is remarkably absorbent and at the same time rigid. And that’s the secret behind finding the sweet spot between comfort and handling.
With ride quality nailed, Mercedes went on to incorporate magnificently responsive steering into the SLK when equipped with their Direct-Steer technology. The magic in this system is its ability to progressively increase the steering ratio as the steering wheel turns.
The net effect is the ability to sweep through sharp turns without having to do much more than rotate from 3-and-9 to 12-and-6, all the while experiencing clear and consistent feedback. As mentioned at the start of this review, the SLK’s steering was a true highlight for me. Combined with powerful braking, it all comes together to create a most rewarding driving experience through town and on the open road.
Mechanically, the most significant upgrade for 2012 comes in the form of a new V6 engine. This is a completely new mill, not simply a reworking of the former. While both engines displace 3.5L, the new one develops 302 hp @ 6,500 rpm, which is up two horses from last year.
More notable is the spike in torque for 2012, which now stands at 273 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm rather than 265 lb-ft at 4,900 rpm. Those ratings tell us that more twist is present in the new engine, but perhaps more importantly, it presents itself much earlier in the rev band.
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| Mechanically, the most significant upgrade for 2012 comes in the form of a new V6 engine. (Photo: Rob Rothwell/Auto123.com) |
The new powerplant is also more fuel efficient. The 2012 SLK 350 is rated at a thrifty 10.8L/100km and 6.9L/100km, city and highway driving respectively. That’s not bad for a vehicle claiming a 0-100 km/h sprint time of just 5.6 seconds – this according to Mercedes-Benz literature.
After several highway run-ups and various acceleration tests, I have no reason to doubt the claim. The SLK 350 loves to run hard and fast. It supplies tremendous passing power and manages to pull itself out of the hole with notable ferocity, much credit going to the 7-speed autobox that shifts with lightning speed and precision.
While I find the full throttle exhaust howl exhilarating, as mentioned earlier, the day-to-day drone of the sporty sounding exhaust is beyond my capacity for eternal enjoyment, marring an otherwise outstanding driving experience.
Joy behind the wheel
Despite the outspoken exhaust, I enjoyed my time immensely behind the SLK’s contoured leather-wrapped steering wheel. Although the exhaust “growl and groan” is overdone, the balance between ride quality and handling prowess is perfect.
It’s not often that a highly-capable roadster delivers a ride as supple as that supplied by the new SLK. Its chassis is remarkably absorbent and at the same time rigid. And that’s the secret behind finding the sweet spot between comfort and handling.
With ride quality nailed, Mercedes went on to incorporate magnificently responsive steering into the SLK when equipped with their Direct-Steer technology. The magic in this system is its ability to progressively increase the steering ratio as the steering wheel turns.
The net effect is the ability to sweep through sharp turns without having to do much more than rotate from 3-and-9 to 12-and-6, all the while experiencing clear and consistent feedback. As mentioned at the start of this review, the SLK’s steering was a true highlight for me. Combined with powerful braking, it all comes together to create a most rewarding driving experience through town and on the open road.
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| The chassis of the SLK is remarkably absorbent and at the same time rigid. That’s the secret behind finding the sweet spot between comfort and handling. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz) |