Mercedes SLK 350: Emotions under control

Mercedes SLK 350

"A car for daddy's girl"! That's how my ex-neighbor saw the SLK! A poor tribute to this high quality roadster has reintroduced the concept of rocking hard top, you say ... But the life and soul train was right: the female line and the side of the SLK sanitized it earned (sometimes wrongly) mockery of macho men who were moving towards the machines considered more manly ... Today, Mercedes redirects for a fire engine more dynamic but also more "green" ... And yes, it is in the times ... 

Meanwhile the heavy cavalry 

The SLK 350 is the top of a cart that counts for now, three engines. The 200 and 250 stick to a 4-cylinder compressor, displaying powers respectively 184 and 204 horses. Not enough cylinders, or not enough horses? The 350 meets these expectations, with a 3.5L V6 and 306 horsepower! If this still seems too tight, the AMG version is announced with a V8 5.5 l, which is close to 450 horses! As for the big rollers, Mercedes has also thought of them, with a diesel variant ...! Horror purists will cry! Fat oil under the hood of a roadster! However, with over 200 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, it should not drag either.

Online attractive.

For some stylistic Mercedes largely follows the muzzle of his sport SLS, as with all recent creations, it is true. However, with the long hood Freudian, the muscular and the rear wing truncated, he is undoubtedly a sporty! So the sport, but also luxury, evidenced by the numerous chrome accents ... 

Gorgeous! 

Mercedes SLK 350

But the real show is inside! What atmosphere! Especially at night: the indirect lighting red (optional ...) provide a club atmosphere, trendy BCBG ... As for materials, no cigarette butts on Mercedes quality: brushed aluminum, chrome accents, leather and plastic upholstery. It is beautiful and very tasteful. What is not so common a remark for a vehicle Teutonic ... and to brighten it all, you can always refer you to the roof "Magic Sky" which, on a push of a button, varies the intensity of glass roof, from the lightest to darkest. But attention to the note! 

Symphony under the hood! 

To complete the mood, you can always check the option "Harman Kardon stereo," which transforms the interior into a concert hall ... But honestly, the véritablepassionné be satisfied with the major symphony for 6-cylinder, operated under the hood. The 3.5 l V6 growls, roars, belches and eventually make a complaint to the orchestral approach to the red zone! But unlike the previous version, it avoids the small burps and other explosions in the exhaust passage of the reports. 

The sound is there, but 

Soft and smooth at low speeds, the V6 climb with enthusiasm and music in the towers! The 7-speed automatic transmission pace all with sweetness and intelligence. A perfect profile then? It has all the air on paper, but still ... We regret a hint of character: it is a sport after all! So, it is hoped that the V6 wakes up suddenly to a plan to fly into the towers but fiercely ... 

No, the engine is a high linearity. I quibble, I know, but a Porsche flat-six, or even a BMW 6 in line have a more impressive. However, the results for the engine to the star is extremely positive, especially since it is incredibly frugal: our average has not exceeded 9.5 l/100 km! For a naturally aspirated engine of this power, it's a record! Conducted dynamically, the little 4 cylinder of 200 Kompressor approach this value! 

Balance! 

The roadholding is safe and secure at all times. Under no circumstances tricky, the SLK drift if you accept him formula, but will never make you trembling and sweating! In any case, the ESP ensures effective grain. Too much perhaps to the point that most athletes probably regret the absence of total disconnection. But their reserve Mercedes AMG version for this ... Balanced, the SLK 350 is significantly less than her little sisters 4-cylinder, but still manages to save the balance thanks to his leadership sufficiently direct, giving the impression of a front edge. 

Almost the comfort of a sedan! 

But the big highlight of this roadster is definitely comfort of walking! Generally, a roadster, it shakes! Mercedes proves the opposite with a suspension to filter remarkably compelling absorption qualities! Well, of course, not dreaming of the comforts of a Class S or even a class C, but compared to its competitors, the SLK gets away with the honors, as I say, the jury's congratulations! The interior space is large and the storage spaces are not ridiculous. However, the boot space does not really go on holiday with complete wardrobe, especially if you get the idea crazy convertibles! 

Not given. 

At € 55,055, the SLK 350 is frankly not given. As for the finish "Edition 1", it adds a ... € 9,000 to the bill. Good, and € 55,055, it was what? Well, not much! It will deliver by hand the portfolio to benefit from the automatic climate control, leather upholstery of, heated seats, heated the neck (very nice), rain sensor, shift paddles on steering wheel, VV2 the alarm, GPS system, radio evolved from the roof Magic Sky (the novelty of the model, but charged about € 2500 ...) in short all the equipment that would have liked to see the series, but that increase note ... well over € 10,000! For a small roadster, it's getting rich! 

Conclusion 

In the category of daily use roadsters, the SLK has always been among the best in the genre. And the newcomer does not change the situation: surprisingly comfortable, superbly finished and almost practice, it plays the card "comfort" in the segment. As for the line clearly more spicy, it portends the raging below. While the V6 pushes hard, just sing and ride is balanced, but it does not pay to much in a delirious impulsive! The SLK is an elegant and distinguished lady, but, alas, pay its many charms at a high price! 

See the technical specifications of the car