EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK32 AMG
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 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A ridiculously fast roadster that blows away the notion that the SLK is just a boulevard cruiser.
Pros
Retractable hardtop, confident handling, blistering performance, quiet and composed freeway cruiser.
Cons
Steering lacks feedback, big blind spots when top is up, no manual gearbox available, no standard CD player.
What''s New for 2004
The SLK32 rolls into 2004 with no changes.
Overview
Introduction:
AMG. Those three letters are as revered by auto enthusiasts as ERA or RBI is by baseball fanatics. But what do they stand for and what are they doing affixed to various Mercedes-Benz vehicles?The first two letters stand for the names of the founders: Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and the last letter signifies where the company was born: Grossaspach, Germany, back in 1967. What Mr. A and Mr. M did was modify Mercedes-Benz automobiles for better performance, be it for road use or racing, in which they were heavily involved. As the years went on, AMG became known as a premier tuner of Mercedes-Benz automobiles, and eventually offered interior and exterior modifications, such as custom instruments, steering wheels and seats as well as ground effects, spoilers and wheels. They did such a great job that Mercedes-Benz brought them in-house in 1990 and as a result they now have their own high-performance skunk works, similar to rival BMW''s "M" division. There is now an AMG version of nearly every Benz model, from the C-Class'' C32 to the CL-Class'' CL55, and they all feature powerful engines, agile suspensions and subtle accents inside and out to set them apart from their more common brethren. Perhaps in an effort to quash the SLK''s reputation as a "boutique" roadster, Mercedes brought out the muscle-bound, AMG-tuned SLK32 for 2002. The SLK32 AMG brought 349 horsepower to the party by way of a supercharged 3.2-liter V6, its considerable might shipped to the rear tires via a tweaked "SpeedShift" five-speed automatic gearbox. Along with the power infusion, handsome double-spoke 17-inch wheels were fitted (wearing 225/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear high-performance tires), along with a massaged suspension, full ground effects and a discrete rear spoiler. The ultra-fast SLK32 is certainly enticing, but die-hard enthusiasts may be turned off by the SLK32''s lack of a manual gearbox. Then again, the Speedshift does such a superb job of changing gears that a manual tranny might not be missed at all. The handling is exceptional, allowing you to push the car to its limits and its straight-line speed is intoxicating. It may not be quite as viscerally rewarding as Porsche''s drop-top Boxster, but it does offer an enticing combination of speed and style all its own.
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For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The SLK32 comes in one body style, a two-seat roadster with a power-retractable hardtop. Standard equipment includes 17-inch wheels and high-performance tires, leather upholstery, power-adjustable sport seats, dual-zone climate control, wood interior trim, a cassette stereo with Bose speakers and auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors. The short options list includes a trunk-mounted CD changer, xenon headlights and an integrated cell phone. Those with a need for more style can choose one of the two designo editions, Silver or Terra Cotta.
Powertrains and Performance:
As one would expect, the performance of the SLK32 is thrilling. With its 3.2-liter supercharged V6 making a stupendous 349 horsepower, the AMG-tweaked roadster can leap to 60 mph in just 4.8 ticks of the stopwatch. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. Fully equal to the task of keeping all this kinetic energy under control are the massive ventilated disc brakes, which haul the Benz down from 60 mph in just 117 feet.
Safety:
Front and side airbags are standard equipment, as are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control and the TeleAid system (which alerts emergency personnel if an airbag goes off and can also put you in touch with a live operator to summon medical or police assistance). The SLK32 also has reinforced A-pillars, integrated roll bars behind each seat and emergency tensioning seatbelt retractors for enhanced rollover protection. BrakeAssist automatically applies full braking force when a panic stop is initiated. A "BabySmart" system allows owners to use a special car seat sold by Benz dealers that deactivates the passenger airbag when installed.
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For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
The SLK32 counts leather seating, machined aluminum accents, dual-zone climate control and heated/power sport seats among its standard features. Costly designo editions add special paint and more dramatic leather trim combinations for a more customized look. The seats are roomy and comfortable, and with 9.5 cubic feet of trunk capacity, the SLK32 can carry more luggage than most roadsters.
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For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
In spite of its ability to surge forward from virtually any speed, the muscle-bound engine is docile around town and will plod through rush-hour traffic without complaint, and the ride is supple enough so that broken pavement is absorbed without discomfort. The well-sorted suspension never loses its composure on twisty back roads, and the sticky Michelins provide grip to match. The SLK32 is a great combination of near-touring car comfort and road warrior performance. Better still, it can serve as either a coupe or convertible without ever forcing the driver to leave his seat.
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For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
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