2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

 

                2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK

 

The Mercedes SLK’s name is derived from the company’s vision to create a roadster that was at the same time is sporty, light and short (in German: Sportlich, Leicht und Kurz ). The 2011 SLK is the third generation of the German roadster with the first being manufactured in 1996. All generations of the SLK had a retractable hard top and the latest variant is no different. The front engine front wheel drive roadster competes again the likes of the Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, Nissan 370 Z and Audi TT Quatro all of which have received rave reviews from the motoring journalists.

Design

The SLK is an eye catcher and the new look is more dramatic with a robust shape that replaces the old fluid round lines of the previous model. It’s pretty obvious that Mercedes engineers decided to reinvent the SLK to take on the BMW Z4 and the Nissan 370 Z on the styling front. In doing so Mercedes has given a more robust and serious look to the roadster and at the front the car gets a SLS-style front radiator grille which is eye catching. The wide radiator grille bears the Mercedes-Benz logo at the centre and the front air intakes are wider and situated under the headlights. Unfortunately the new headlights of the car look just as boring as the old ones. The long bonnet makes the Mercedes roadster look similar in shape to the BMW Z4 and behind the long hood is a compact passenger compartment with a short rear overhang. The ventilation grilles on the front fenders have a chrome finish which gives the car a touch of classic style.

Interior

The new Mercedes SLK has the most compact dimensions in its class. The design of the dashboard looks better than the Audi TT and we liked the air con vents and the special big star design on the flat bottomed steering wheel. Materials use is top notch but if you look around carefully there are some cheap bits used. The leather seats offer good support and despite the SLK being smaller in size compared to the the cockpit of the Mercedes offers adequate space for the passengers. All the controls of the SLK come easily into hand and with a 225litre boot which can be extended to 335 litres, the SLK is a practical option for everyday use.

Engine and performance

The SLK uses the same 3.5-litre engine from the S350 but in a different state of tune. The engine produces 305PS @6500rpm and torque rating of 370Nm @3500rpm. The engine is sporty in character and even with the slightest of touch on the throttle you get a surge of power. On the Mercedes SLK power delivery feels more usable than t Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4.
100kmph is reached in 5.6 seconds which is faster than the Audi TT (5.7 seconds) but slower than the BMW Z4 (5.2 seconds) and the Porsche Boxster (5.3 seconds). The top speed is limited to 155 mph and is the competition. The engine revs smoothly until the redline delivering good power and performance. The SLK engine feels sportier than the Boxster and offers more linear performance. The roadster is at its best in the middle range and the exhaust note is to savour. The gearbox however is not as quick and intuitive as the Dual Clutch transmission on the BMW, Audi and Porsche.

Ride

The SLK uses the independent multi-link suspension from the C-class and the telemetry electronics from the E-class. The sports suspension with firmer springs and dampers translate into a more sporty driving experience but that compromises ride quality and you feel almost every bump of the road. The Direct-Steer system offers flawless handling and the SLK is now more agility but still lacks in offering as good road feel and the precision as a Porsche or Nissan.
During dynamic driving the Torque Vectoring Brakes produce a defined rotational movement of the vertical axis of the vehicle in fraction of a second through selective brake actuation at the rear inside wheel. This results in the SLK stabilizing without any compromises and it steers into a bend precisely and under full control. Unlike the Audi TT, Mercedes has managed to keep in check both the body roll and the under steer.

Competition

The dual clutch gearbox o the BMW Z4 is faster than the SLK’s and the Ingolstadt roadster has also a better throttle. The Porsche Boxster has the best build quality and handling in the segment and the Nissan 370 Z like the Audi TT is available only as a coupe in India. The 370Z offers more features and power at a lower price and the TT is equipped with a 4 wheel drive system. The cabin from the Audi TT is also better build.

Verdict

At Rs62,59,500 the SLK is really expensive. It has poorer finish than the Audi and is the least enjoyable car to drive. The engine of this roadster is fun to use and in its latest tune it sounds sweater, is also more economical and quicker.

Quotes

Top Gear: “Has the same excellent handling as before but the steering is new and that’s clever. Merc has altered the gearing on the rack bit of rack and pinion, which means you get more steering lock for less twirling on the wheel It’s a cleverly simple idea because it avoids any electronic trickery and will therefore be a cheap option but we’re not convinced. The steering is slightly sharper, but it’s still no Porsche Boxster in terms of feedback, and in all honesty we’re not sure many SLK owners will really know the difference.”
Autocar: “Underneath the body of the front-engined, rear-wheel-drive SLK, the suspension is multi-link all round. And this two-seater is quite stiffly sprung too, thanks to which the new SLK has plenty of grip in corners. Body roll is well contained, the car feels comfortable when cornered hard, and understeer doesn’t raise its ugly head either. Still, there’s something essential missing here. The car doesn’t encourage you to drive hard, the steering lacks precision, and the wheel is so well insulated from the road that there’s precious little feel. And this is disappointing, especially since this car seems to have every other essential ingredient by the bucketful.”