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2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 Review (video)

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Justin Pritchard
The silky, silver bullet
A sophisticated go-kart
With large alloy wheels, low-profile tires and taut suspension, the SLK's ride is far from plush. On bumpy roads, it only soaks up a small degree of pavement imperfections, favoring a setup for extremes of handling, and not ride comfort.

With all the visual classiness the SLK exudes, nobody has to know how much of a riot it can be to drive.

SLK always turns in like it's got a grudge against the corner in question, and the heaviness through the wheel helps drivers feel locked into the roads's surface. It rips through corners like a buzz-saw through soggy plywood.

Nimble and agile seem almost understatements. Crushing brakes act as an insurance policy all the while, though they exhibit a dead-spot in the pedal during initial application than most won't appreciate. Things slow down with crushing force when they're called upon from speed, but the brakes feel too numb in slow traffic.

$73,575
Despite the sometimes harsh ride, Mercedes has created a roomy, fast, easygoing and posh roadster experience that's right on par with the badge it wears. And, with all the visual classiness the SLK exudes, nobody has to know how much of a riot it can be to drive.

A go-kart's never looked so sophisticated.
photo:Justin Pritchard
2009 Mercedes SLK-Class SLK350
mercedes slk-class 2009
2009 Mercedes SLK-Class SLK350
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Justin Pritchard
Justin Pritchard
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