2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 - review

What is it?

This third generation of the Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster comes across as decidedly more masculine than its predecessors, both in looks and character. That's key, since the 2012 SLK350 competes with the BMW Z4 and the Porsche Boxster. The new model has a unique Magic Sky Control roof, which goes from clear glass to a dark tinted pane instantly with the touch of a button.


What is it like to drive?

We tested the Mercedes SLK350 in Tennessee and North Carolina on the famous Tail of the Dragon road that winds through the Smoky Mountains. The roadster ate up the curves with gusto and never complained, even when a ham-fisted journalist entered a corner too hot and had to overcorrect.

The SLK350 is equipped with a variable-ratio steering rack that sharpens at speed, and it felt well-connected through the hundreds of on- and off-camber curves on the route. The leather-trimmed wheel feels a bit sportier in the hand, while the available wood-trimmed tiller transmits luxury.

The SLK gets its mojo from a 3.5-liter V6 that makes 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque, the latter of which is available from 3,500 rpm. That's 34 more horses than last year's SLK350, but it keeps the same 0-to-60-mph time of 5.4 seconds.

The transmission has seven speeds but spent most of the day in second and third--the sweet spot for driving the Tail. The standard wheel-mounted paddle shifters earned their keep, but don't expect dual-clutch quickness. However, drivers are rewarded for downshifts as the transmission rev-matches before blasting a metallic note from the integrated dual exhausts.

The SLK doesn't give up much in the way of stiffness, either. It only flexes over extremely rough roads or when it gets in sync with wavy pavement.

Mercedes claims the new car is safe too, and efficient. Granted, we did suck down about a half tank of fuel in a few hours, but under normal conditions the 2012 Mercedes SLK is rated at 20 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. It has eight well-hidden airbags, and for 2012, it comes standard with Attention Assist that alerts a driver when he or she is getting tired.

The car reportedly went through 100 crash tests and more than 24,000 simulations before launch. To check the roll-bar strength, the SLK was hitched upside down to a crane and dropped to the pavement.


Do I want one?

Maybe. Next February, the SLK250 will debut, with a 201-hp turbocharged four-cylinder. It gets a few more miles per gallon and should be a bit lighter than the V6 model. It also gets as standard equipment a six-speed manual, which isn't available on the SLK350.

The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 hits showroom floors with a base sticker price of $55,675, including an $875 destination charge. By comparison, the mid-grade BMW Z4 costs about $53,000 and the Porsche Boxster S stickers at $58,600. Both competitors offer manual transmissions. But if you've fancied an SLK and held up on buying for one reason or another, now might be the time.