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Mercedes Benz SLK Reviews

By some estimates, the first U.S. baby boomer turned 50 in February 1996. Coincidentally (or maybe not), a trio of new roadsters was introduced, the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes-Benz SLK. The midlife crises of the oldest boomers breathed new life into the roadster, a segment that had long been dead.

The Mercedes SLK, was welcomed to the U.S. with open arms in January 1997 (after being introduced in Europe), and immediately captured awards from the automotive media, including the prestigious 1998 North American Car of the Year, presented by an independent jury of the top 50 automotive journalists in the U.S. and Canada. Sales, which Mercedes hoped would hit 6,000 a year, increased to a peak of nearly 13,000. Mercedes sold more than 66,115 SLK models in its first seven years of production, with more than 300,000 sold around the globe.




Interior

Inside, the added length and width have created passenger quarters that are a tad more roomy. The environs remain cozy but less cramped. Still, storage is almost non-existent but for the glovebox and door pockets. Purses, briefcases and jackets have to stow in the trunk when two passengers are aboard. Highly adjustable in a variety of directions, the seats are extremely comfortable and supportive even during long drives.

Driving Impressions

Whats most impressive about the new SLK interior is the giant leap in quality of materials. The material covering the dash is irresistible to touch, soft and almost silky. Switches, buttons and trim are silver against the dark background. Five color choices for the interior are offered, black, blue, beige, red and ash. The ambiance is high-tech but not in a steely cold way, but rather in an inviting manner. The only wood is that which is ordered with the optional Vavona wood trim package.

A large center console divides the cabin in half. The console is home to the optional navigation and communications systems. In front of the driver, the redesigned instrument cluster features two large dials surrounded in silver, one of the speedometer, clock and fuel gauge, the other for the tachometer. Both have white needles.

Automatic climate control with built-in sun and pollutant sensors is standard.

A number of new techie features are available on the SLK. Among the most intriguing is what Mercedes calls the Active Heated Headrest or, in other countries, the AirScarf, deemed too feminine a name for the U.S. A first in the industry, the heater installed in the upper backrests of both seats blows warm air about the head and neck. Mercedes says the heater will allow the SLK to go topless for more hours of the day and to extend its top-down season. Traveling with the top and windows down, one can barely feel a whisper of warm air from the heater. The trick is to power the windows up and then one feels the warming blast, which can be set at one of three levels. Another clever feature is an infrared remote control to raise and lower the metal roof, useful for letting hot air out as youre walking up to the car (and great for showing off).

Good Points

FUN FUN FUN !!! To the point. Want a convertable thatll take you to town and back without having to worry where you park it? This is your car. User friendly retractable hard top, what the heck else can you ask for? A/C works great even with top down at the height of summer... believe me I know. I live in the high desert (So. California) Mojave / Death Valley. So many good points.. so little time.

Bad Points

No built-in cigar humidor.

General Comments

The Mercedes Benz SLK 230 Kompressor sports car has more than enough passing power from 35mph to 100mph. Kicks rocks. If you should complain about the power, than youre asking too much from this four-banger. You shouldda got the 500.

This car is the greatest retractable hardtop sporty commutter made. The price is right, you can pass 99.8% of the vehicles you come to should you wish. If you happen upon someone you cant; you really shouldnt be driving faster than 100 mph on Route 66 anyway. Go ahead and let that R5 Turbo 2 or other exotic pass while you take in the sun, moon and stars.