2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 Program #2419

The first generation Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class roadster was a real hit. The perfect 2-seater for anyone who desired Mercedes’ open-air driving style, but without the size and budget of the big brother SL-Class. Now for 2005, Mercedes ups the ante with an all new SLK. Will this second effort be even more engaging than the first?

One look at this all-new 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class and you know it’s going to make quite an impression. Gone are the tame, conservative forms of the first generation car. In its stead are fast, contemporary lines grafted from the intoxicating SLR McLaren supercar. The new SLK-Class is nearly three inches longer and two and a half inches wider, and looks more aggressive than ever. Its extra-long power hood stretches back to its redesigned retractable hardtop that now folds away in only 22 seconds. Operation is much improved. Top up or down, the visual appeal remains as a small grand touring roadster rather than a hardcore sports car.

But what will remind you of its sports car intentions is its mechanical motivation. The new SLK-Class comes in two varieties. Right now as the V6 SLK 350, but soon also as the raucous V8 driven SLK 55 AMG. Our test SLK 350 moves along with a 24-valve twin-cam 3.5-liter V6. With variable valve timing and a two-stage intake, output is 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Squeezed into the SLK 55 AMG is the same hand built single-cam 5.4-liter V8 used in the C55 AMG, but with 355 horsepower and 376 pound feet of torque. V6 rear-wheel thrust runs through either the standard 6-speed manual or available 7-speed automatic with manual shift mode. The V8 is automatic only.

With its tuned-dual exhaust, our test SLK 350 sounds just as exciting as it goes. The short-throw manual helped produce some pretty strong track numbers. 0 to 60 in 5.9-seconds, with the quarter mile flying by at an equally impressive 14.1 seconds at 102 miles-per-hour. We came away feeling more than satisfied with the SLK 350’s greatly improved shift action, clutch and overall drivetrain package.

The stiffer SLK-Class chassis rides on a new three-link front coil and five-link rear coil spring suspension with standard ESP electronic stability control. Drivers noted the 350’s superior handling and connected feel through every exercise. And coupled with the SLK’s new lighter and more precise rack and pinion steering, the 350 is pure fun on wheels. Balance is also superb, with virtually no body roll, the SLK 350 stays very flat and stable on its feet. That sure sounds like a sports car doesn’t it? And the ESP system is extremely effective at high speeds, yet almost invisible in operation.

SLK 350 stopping power comes from oversized all-disc brakes with four-piston front calipers and twin-pistons in the rear. ABS is standard as is Brake Assist and traction control. They delivered stops from 60 in a fine average distance of 126 feet. While a soft pedal sends little information back to the driver, stops were always safe and secure.

In real world driving, the SLK 350 impresses us with a smooth but well controlled ride that matches the drivetrain for refinement. In this area, it still is softer than purist machines, but the tradeoffs are well worth it.

Not surprisingly, every SLK-Class is well equipped. The cabin is airier, benefiting from its expanded size. With plenty of seat travel, even our tallest staff members didn’t complain. The leather trimmed bucket seats are soft, like a grand tourer, yet supportive like a sports car. And to make spring and fall open air drives more comfortable, try Mercedes’ new Airscarf system. The Active Heated Headrest blows warm air around the occupant’s neck. They think of everything! Everything inside, including the instrument panel, is redesigned. Gone is the semi-retro look. It’s all very driver oriented now, with a cleaner gauge-cluster and impressive material quality. The standard dual-zone climate controls are easy to manipulate. Automatic climate and a DVD-based navigation system are optional. The fully equipped cabin also boasts a CD-stereo and TeleAid assistance.

The original SLK was deemed one of the safest roadsters in the world. This SLK follows suit. The new model adds knee bags, and head-thorax airbags for side impact protection. For rollover protection, there is a reinforced windshield header and a fixed roll bar behind each seat. Trunk space, while still small, has also grown. It nearly doubles to 6.5 cubic feet top down, while measuring 9.8 cubic feet with the top up.

As for topping off the tank, the SLK 350 is EPA rated at 18 city/25 highway. Look for 22 miles-per-gallon in mixed driving. Considering we drove mostly with the top and foot down, that’s also a delight.

As for pricing, the SLK 350 begins at $46,220. Our test car reached $53,425 with the DVD Nav, sport suspension and other goodies. But go for the more powerful SLK55 AMG, and the asking begins at $60,500 Ð quite a jump up the scales!

But the SLK-Class has come a long way since it first arrived in 1997. Indeed, we’re happy to celebrate its reincarnation. Gone is its press-deemed cutesy image. While maybe still not a pure sports car, Mercedes-Benz has flipped the tables with the truly engaging 2005 SLK-Class. And they’re ready for a new nickname, and we’re leaning toward Magnetic!