2009 Mercedes Benz SLK
- 2008 Mercedes Benz SLK
- Used Mercedes Benz SLK
Based on analysis of 52 SLK reviews and test drives.
Mercedes Benz SLK - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK ranks 6 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 52 published reviews and test drives of the Mercedes Benz SLK, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The SLK hardtop roadster impresses reviewers with its sporty yet easy-to-live-with handling dynamics, as well as its sleek exterior design.
Available since 1996, the Mercedes Benz SLK has always been a classy sports roadster. While its 2005 redesign smoothed out a few kinks, its 2009 refresh makes it even better. "The second-generation Mercedes-Benz SLK has always been a quick, good-looking, and luxurious sports car," writes Motor Trend. "By freshening the SLK for the 2009 model year, with revisions to the body, interior, and engine, Mercedes is attempting to make its sporting convertible that much better."
On balance, reviewers report Mercedes succeeded. While its SLK350 holds reviewers' hearts for its powerful 300-horsepower engine, test drivers find that both models handle marvelously. What's more, its restyled exterior design calls to mind such sporty rides as Formula 1 racers and the exotic SLR McLaren. The SLK's interior suffers a bit in terms of comfort and fit and finish, but most find that the roadster's positives outweigh its negatives.
For a sexy sports roadster with even greater performance abilities, check out the Porsche Boxster. If, however, you value luxury over all else -- and have the means to pay nearly double what you would for the SLK -- it's hard to go wrong with the Mercedes SL. Still, those on a budget can find plenty of thrill in the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
The SLK is available in two trims, the SLK300 and SLK350. A performance-tuned SLK55 AMG is also available.
- "With its 2009 refresh, the SLK continues its march toward macho with styling and engineering changes that turn it into a far more sporting-and thus, likable-proposition." -- Car and Driver
- "If you're a performance enthusiast and a roadster fan, it's hard not to enjoy the zippy Mercedes-Benz SLK, especially the much-improved SLK350. For those familiar with sporty two-seater convertibles, the SLK's faults shouldn't come as any surprise: limited luggage space (especially when the top is down), a smallish cockpit, and the lingering question of whether or not you should have perhaps bought something a touch more practical." -- About.com
- "Now in its fourth year of production, the current-generation SLK continues to offer sports-carlike handling, broad-shouldered power and the all-weather convenience of a retractable hardtop. Blessed with numerous updates for 2009, this aging model remains one of the most capable and desirable cars in its class." -- Edmunds
- "For what it is, the SLK hits on all the important notes with a standout look, good drive dynamic and luxury amenities that you expect from a Mercedes." -- AutoWeek
- "Beyond the SLK's gorgeous exterior, stunning interior and enthusiast-inspired performance and handling capabilities, the car's most attractive feature is its price. With a sticker starting around $45,000, the SLK is well within reach of luxury car buyers seeking a fun second vehicle for weekend getaways or romantic moonlight drives." -- Kelley Blue Book
SLK Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
Test drivers agree that the SLK is a remarkable performer, but prefer the SLK350's powerful 300-horsepower engine over the SLK300's 228-horsepower powerplant. Both, however, handle outstandingly well. "In our brief drive in the south of France, the SLK350 proved to be an agile little roadster with excellent grip on the winding and tight turns near and around Monaco," writes Road and Track. Still, critics aren't entirely satisfied with the SLK350's powertrain either. Read More
SLK Exterior - 8.8 (Very Good)
The SLK receives high praise for its revamped exterior design. According to Cars.com, "Mercedes has given the car an appropriately luxurious look that takes key elements from other, more expensive Mercedes-Benz models, like the SLR and SL550, which gives the SLK350 quite a bit of cachet for its class." A favorite feature of reviewers is its retractable hardtop. Read More
SLK Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The SLK's interior receives a slight refresh for '09. However, Car and Driver notes, "You'll have to look a little harder to notice the changes inside, which mainly involve new graphics within the gauge pots and the installation of a family of freshly revised audio systems." Read More
SLK Safety - NA
Neither the federal government nor insurance industry has crash-tested the '09 SLK. It does, however, come with many assuring active and passive safety features. Read More
SLK Reliability - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2009 Mercedes Benz SLK reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Mercedes Benz provides a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. Read More
