The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class will be the final year of this current-generation car, yet it's still an alluring choice in its niche.
Without sacrificing a comfortable ride, the SLK provides an enjoyable drive thanks to its agile handling and a choice of spirited engines. Among its competition, the Mercedes SLK remains the most likable car on a daily basis.
Body Styles, Trim Levels, and Options
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-passenger hardtop convertible offered in two versions: SLK300 and SLK350, each of which comes with a different engine.
Standard equipment for the SLK300 includes the 3.0-liter V6 engine, electronically actuated retractable hardtop, 17-inch wheels, sport body accents (front airdam, rocker-sill skirts and rear spoiler), front and rear foglamps, cruise control, manually adjusted dual-zone climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, manually adjusted eight-way front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker audio system with a six-disc CD changer. The SLK350 adds a 3.5-liter V6, 18-inch wheels and upgraded brakes.
The Sport package adds 18-inch wheels (for the SLK300), a sport suspension, and on automatic-transmission SLKs, paddle shifters.
The Heating package adds a cloth wind deflector, the Airscarf neck-level heating system and heated seats.
Powertrains and Performance
The rear-wheel-drive 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. Mercedes estimates the SLK300 will accelerate from a standstill to 60 mph in 6.1 seconds. Mercedes estimates the SLK350 will accelerate to 60 mph from a standstill in 5.4 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/25/20 mpg.
Safety
The Mercedes-Benz "mbrace" emergency telematics system is also standard.
Driving Impressions
The 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLK delivers respectable performance, as the SLK300's 3.0-liter V6 can be matched with a manual transmission and the SLK350's 3.5-liter V6 has a quick-shifting seven-speed automatic (unfortunately rev-matched downshifts aren't available, however).
2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class has been redesigned for the model year with upgraded bodywork and sport package including rear spoiler, front airdam and rocker sill skirts. The SLK Class is a hardtop convertible that offers comfortable seating capacity for two-passengers and is available in SLK350 and SLK300 versions.
The SLK350 consists of 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes and 3.5-liter V6 engine. The Sport Package of 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class consists of 18-inch wheels, automatic transmission with paddle shifters and sport tuned suspension, while the Multimedia package includes hard drive based navigation system with high definition radio, real-time traffic updates, satellite radio and digital music storage and COMAND electronics interface. The SLK300 of 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class is powered by 3.0 liter V6 engine which is good for cranking out 221 pound feet of torque and 228 horsepower. The engine is paired with six-speed manual transmission with rear wheel drive system that sends power to the rear wheels. The 2011 Mercedes Benz SLK Class comes with standard safety features which include antilock brakes, side airbags, traction and stability control and knee airbags.
The SLK55 AMG has been discontinued. The SLK350 rides on new 18-inch split five-spoke wheels, and both the SLK300 and SLK350 come standard with the sport body styling, which includes a revised front air dam, side skirts, a rear apron and a trunk spoiler. Previously, those features were part of the Sport Package.
