This Summer the all new, completely redesigned Mercedes Benz SLK will arrive at dealerships… it’s hard to believe that it’s been almost 15 years since teh very first SLKs came on the scene with their (then) innovative retractable hard tops and engine choices that included a 4 cylinder super charged option.
This Summer the very “SLS looking” SLK will be available in North America.
There will be two engine choices this time around. The SLK350 will come with a 3.5 liter, direct injection 6 cylinder engine churning out 304 horsepower (up from 286 in last year’s 3.5 liter motor) with a standard automatic transmission. Word from Mercedes-Benz is that combined city / highway fuel mileage will be 23 MPG in the new SLK350.
Due to be released just after the new SLK350 is the new 4 cylinder variant, the SLK250. The SLK250 will use a 1.8 liter, turbo charged 4 cylinder engine with 201 horsepower on tap. You’ve got your choice of an automatic or 6 speed manual transmission. Combined fuel economy in the SLK250 is a healthy 27 mpg.
Some highlights of the new model (according to MBUSA):
- MAGIC SKY CONTROL panoramic glass roof panel with adjustable tint (optional)
- AIRSCARF neck-level heating system (optional)
- mbrace in-vehicle connectivity suite
- ATTENTION ASSIST driver-drowsiness detection
- PRE-SAFE® anticipatory occupant protection system (optional)
As you can see… the technology continues to trickle down… Per Safe Brake and Attenstion Assist will be available on the new SLK. Stay tuned for more updates, you can be sure I’ll perform complete test drives and review these new models as they arrive.