- 2009
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK
- Used Mercedes-Benz SLK
Exterior - What the Auto Press Says
Critics are impressed with the SLK's head-turning exterior design -- which resembles the Mercedes SLR McLaren when its retractable hard-top is raised. "The two cars' pointed noses are meant to reference the look of modern Formula One race cars," explains Edmunds. While Kelley Blue Book says its front end "turns heads at every encounter," U.S. News calls it "foxy and elegant" and the Washington Post describes it as "stunningly attractive."
This second-generation SLK is more masculine-looking than the previous model. Motor Trend says it "does come off as less of a chick car than its predecessor" and the Arizona Republic comments, "No one should complain about SLK's sharply aggressive new look." But a select few aren't as thrilled about the styling. AutoWeek says, "Most agree that in profile, the car looks sleek and sporty, and many like the visual similarities shared with the SLR halo car. But others are put off by the car's nose, calling it too busy and over-designed."
The SLK's signature feature is its electrohydraulic retractable steel hardtop, which allows it to be both a coupe and a convertible. Test drivers absolutely love the top's user-friendly operation; one button lowers or raises it along with all four side windows, in just 22 seconds. "Push a button, and the elliptical hardtop fractures into three pieces, somersaults, and stacks neatly in the trunk with the precision movement of robots making a ham sandwich," says Car and Driver. Kelley Blue Book says the top "operates with unwavering efficiency." The feature is so alluring that BusinessWeek suspects "a lot of people buy this car just to get the power retractable top." Plus, the top doesn't detract from the SLK's look. Kelley Blue Book says it "looks as good with its retractable hardtop in place as it does when that top is tucked away beneath the color-keyed hard cover."
The icing on the cake is the SLK's improved clear coat paint, which is one of Kelley Blue Book's "favorite features." The review notes that the paint is "forty-percent more durable, helping to resist small scratching that appears after repeated washing and waxing."
Exterior Trims
Exterior features differ slightly between the SLK280 and SLK350. The 280 gets 16-inch staggered-width five-spoke alloy wheels, while the 350 gets 17-inch staggered-width ten-spoke alloy wheels. For a racier look, buyers can opt for the AMG Sport Package, which adds 17-inch five-spoke AMG alloy wheels, side skirts, a front air dam with wire mesh inserts, a rear apron, and an AMG trunk lid spoiler.
