EDMUNDS.COM 2004 MERCEDES-BENZ SLK-CLASS
Find, Buy, Review, Make offers on, and View more vehicles like the 2004 MERCEDESBENZ SLKCLASS new at UsedNewCars.com!
Click Here For More Reviews On Edmunds.com
| Editors'' Review |
 |
 Summary
What Edmunds.com Says
A fun-to-drive roadster that combines the safety and security of a hardtop, the wind-in-your-hair fun of a convertible and the European-brand cachet of a Mercedes all in one attractively styled package.
Pros
Retractable hardtop, confident handling, quiet and composed freeway cruising.
Cons
Costs more than peers, steering lacks feedback, big blind spots when top is up, no standard CD player.
What''s New for 2004
To stoke interest in this aging drop top, Mercedes brings out a Special Edition that includes unique 17-inch wheels, napa leather trim for the sport seats and roll bar, chrome accents around the windows and a color-keyed front grille and rear spoiler.
Overview
Introduction:
Introduced in 1998 as an answer to the BMW Z3 and Porsche Boxster in the premium small roadster segment, the SLK''s most unique feature was its retractable hardtop roof, which offered more security as well as a quieter ride than its rag-top-roofed competitors. In less than 30 seconds, with the touch of a button, one could convert the SLK from a closed coupe to a cool convertible without leaving the driver seat.Initially, the SLK was available only with one drivetrain, a supercharged 2.3-liter inline four sending its 185 horsepower through a five-speed automatic transmission. But the lack of a manual gearbox, along with an anemic exhaust note, made for little excitement among serious driving enthusiasts. The SLK''s second year brought a manual tranny as standard, moving the automatic to the options list. Ever conscious of its buyers'' fashion leanings, Mercedes introduced Designo editions in 2000 that featured special colors (such as Copper and Electric Green) along with unique interior trim. Those who liked the SLK but wanted a more refined power plant had their wish granted for 2001, when the SLK320 bowed complete with a 215-horse, 3.2-liter V6. Other good news that year included the replacement of the five-speed manual with a six-cog unit and more power for the 230''s force-fed four, with output now rated at 192 ponies. Still offered in SLK230 and SLK320 versions, Mercedes'' little roadster remains a desirable drop top for anyone looking for the fun of a convertible combined with the safety and all-weather security of a hardtop. Those who need more performance can check out the ultrafast AMG version, the SLK32.
 |
For Pricing information, see Edmunds'' Pricing page. |
Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options:
The SLK comes in one body style: a two-seat roadster with a power-retractable hardtop. Two trim levels are offered: the SLK230 with the supercharged four and the V6-powered SLK320. Standard equipment on the 230 includes 16-inch wheels, leather upholstery, dual-zone climate control, a cassette stereo with Bose speakers and auto-dimming rearview and driver-side mirrors. The 320 adds eight-way power front seats, wood trim and a telescoping steering wheel. Should this not be enough, there are a number of options to consider, such as heated seats, HID headlamps, a trunk-mounted CD changer and a Sport package that includes an AMG-style body kit and five-spoke 17-inch AMG wheels fitted with high-performance tires. This year brings a Special Edition package for both models that includes unique 17-inch wheels, napa leather trim for the sport seats and roll bar, chrome accents around the windows and a color-keyed front grille and rear spoiler.
Powertrains and Performance:
The SLK230''s supercharged 2.3-liter, four-cylinder engine makes 192 horsepower and 200 pound-feet of torque. Those who prefer the smooth torquey feel of a V6 can go with the SLK320, which offers a 3.2-liter V6 good for 215 hp and 229 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual is standard on both models; a five-speed automatic (with TouchShift automanual capability) is optional. Acceleration is respectable with either SLK -- the 230 can sprint to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and the 320 beats that time by about a second.
Safety:
Seat-mounted side airbags are standard equipment, as are four-wheel antilock disc brakes, stability and traction control (called ESP) 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 SLK 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-side front airbag when installed.
|
For more Safety information, see Edmunds'' Safety page. |
Interior Design and Special Features:
SLK230s count leather seating and machined aluminum accents among their standard features. SLK320 versions add generous amounts of real wood trim. Besides being a safety benefit, TeleAid offers a concierge function that allows one to make airline or dinner reservations. Occupants will find the seats roomy and comfortable for long-distance cruising, though limited lateral bolstering makes them less suitable for fast runs on twisty roads. Trunk capacity is 9.5 cubic feet, generous for a roadster.
|
For more Interior Features information, see Edmunds'' Specifications page. |
Driving Impressions:
In spite of its age, we genuinely like the SLK. Those looking for a truly sporting driving experience will do better with roadsters like the BMW Z4, Honda S2000 and Porsche Boxster, but this Benz is a great compromise between a comfortable touring convertible and a spirited performance machine. Better still, it can serve as either a coupe or convertible without the driver even leaving his seat.
|
For more Driving Impressions, Recent Articles and Car Awards from Edmunds'' editors, see Edmunds'' Road Tests page. |
[ UsedNewCars.com ] [ Information Index ] [ Site Map ]
[ MERCEDESBENZ Information Index ] [ CONVERTIBLE Information Index ]
|
