Mercedes SLK
Ratings
4 stars
Summary
Highly recommended. The novelty of the SLK's folding metal hardtop has faded - but the rest of the ownership experience is still pretty special.
Review
The original SLK wowed the crowds with its neat folding metal hardtop. More than a decade on, it feels like every supermini is now available as a "c-plus-c" cabrio that does much the same thing, helping to throw the other qualities of the second-generation SLK into sharper relief.
If you can afford its substantial pricetag, and live with its poor day-to-day practicality, it's still a brilliant little sportscar. The design is a clear evolution of the styling of the first generation, and although the "Formula One" effect front end is a bit gimmicky, there's no doubting the fundamental smartness of the compact shape. The cabin's great, too - high quality materials, well laid-out switchgear and a reasonably comfortable driving position. As always, the SLK only comes with two seats, and rear bootspace is pretty minimal, especially with the roof folded.
The roof works very well, with single button operation whirring it away in barely 20 seconds. With the roof up the SLK is snug and refined, and with the roof down the innovative (optional) "Airscarf" system helps to keep occupants warm, even in chilly weather.
This SLK drives far better than the slightly wooden original, too. The chassis is responsive and keen to deliver over more demanding roads and the accurate steering helps you to make the most of the high grip levels. It's not quite as dynamically sharp as the BMW Z4 or Porsche Boxster/ Cayman - but it is a more composed long-distance cruiser than either of its key rivals.
Even the basic "200K" supercharged engine gives brisk performance, and can now be specified with a halfway decent manual gearbox, while the V6 280 and 350 variants are both rapid, and the full-on "55 AMG" is ludicrously fast - cracking 62 mph from rest in under five seconds.
All versions are expensive to buy, especially compared to the equivalent BMW Z4, and standard equipment levels are as stingy as on any Merc.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
3 star
Reworking of the original's styling lacks much in the way of originality, although everything except the slightly desperate
Handling
4 star
Great to drive thanks to a responsive chassis, plenty of grip and nicely weighted steering that keeps the driver informed about how much the front tyres are holding in reserve.
Comfort
3 star
The driving position can feel a bit cramped and under-supportive on longer journeys. Refinement levels are very good though, roof up or down.
Quality & Reliability
5 star
One of Mercedes' better efforts - a welcome return to the sort of build the brand used to be famous for. Solidly constructed inside and out, and with some nice, classy materials in the cabin.
Performance
4 star
The entry-level 200K will deliver enough performance for most, although there's no denying that the V6 280 and 350 versions sound and pull better. AMG is too much though - very fast, but wearing a ludicrous pricetag.
Roominess
2 star
Even minimalist singles will struggle to have an SLK as their only means of transport. Only seats two and the boot is very small, especially if you want to leave enough space to fold the roof.
Running Costs
2 star
Residual values are still good, but they're beginning to slide. Servicing and insurance are very expensive, too.
Value for money
3 star
Cheaper than the equivalent Porsche Boxster, but far more expensive than the BMW Z4. Stingy base spec levels mean that most punters will fork out thousands more on options.
