Tuesday, 11th October 2011
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Review
Text by Richie Setiawan
Pros:
- Comfort
- Safety
- Innovations
Cons:
- Too relaxed
- Not really suitable for those with a desire for hardcore sports performances
The SLK has been one of the most popular series of cars ever produced by Mercedes-Benz. Ever since the year 1997, there has been a lot of people that get fascinated by the look of the car alone, not to mention each and every one of the features this particular roadster can offer. Today, the latest 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK comes with even plenty more promising features compared to what its predecessors have offered for the past years.
The Variants of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster
The standard SLK comes in 2 variants, the SLK 200 and the SLK 350, both of which takes advantage of Mercedes’ so-called BlueEFFICIENCY technology. Powered by 184 hp produced by its 4-cylinder engine, the first variant will reach 60 mph from a complete standstill in fair 7 seconds. The model is less heavy than the other variant, differing about 89 pounds. It seems that the weight of the car is primarily reduced at its nose. As a result, buyers of the SLK 200 may as well expect better aerodynamics.
However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that the V6 SLK 350 roadster can’t compete with its sibling in terms of weight. In order to reduce the car weight as far as possible, the German automaker makes use of aluminum to make up the model’s hood and fender. With this model, accelerating from 0 to 60 mph simply needs 5.6 seconds, way faster than its sibling.
In terms of transmission, both models use the 7G-TRONIC PLUS 7-speed automatic transmission system.
What the SLK Features – Comfort
The latest 2012 SLK roadster, regardless of the variants, comes with a lot of new impressive features you may ever expect from such a car manufacturer as Mercedes-Benz. To start it off, there is the panoramic vario roof that gives both the driver and passenger a whole brand new experience while riding inside the car. Yet, to impress them even more, the German car manufacturer has also equipped the roof with a feature it calls MAGIC SKY CONTROL. With this feature, those inside the roadster will be able to choose whether to show or hide the sky above them. In addition to that, with the touch of a button, the roof will open in no time at all.
The next fascination lies within the AIRGUIDE, a transparent pivoting draught stop. The roadster comes with 2 of this device in order to protect both the driver and the passenger against draughts making them more comfortable.
What the SLK Features – Multimedia
COMAND Online is the next very interesting technology that Mercedes-Benz has integrated into their latest 2012 SLK roadster models. It may well represent how a multimedia system in the future should be. Among other features, COMAND Online offers web browsing capability, TMC – which stands for Traffic Message Channel – Pro, 3D map, LINGUATRONIC voice control system, and complete navigational, telephone, and audio functions.
What the SLK Features – Innovation
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For the SLK buyers who demand more from the roadster, they can take advantage of the optional memory package. With memory package, the roadster will have the ability to remember individual settings for most elements such as the steering wheel, the seats, and the exterior mirrors. The roadster will be able to remember individual settings made by 3 different people. And, to ensure convenience, all that the SLK users have to do is simply to touch a button and the roadster will retrieve the proper settings electrically for each individual.
What the SLK Features – Safety
The ATTENTION ASSIST feature will alert the driver both visually and audibly in case the roadster thinks that the driver is not focusing attention on the road ahead. In addition to that, the roadster also makes good use of ultrasonic sensors to guide the driver while he or she is trying to park. Ideally, the PARKTRONIC feature will ask for confirmation from the driver before it activates.
Thanks to the roadster’s DISTRONIC PLUS proximity control, it will stay within a specified distance from another car that exists ahead. This feature is usable at the speed ranging from 0 up to 200 km/h. Also, to prevent the roadster from rear-end collisions, Mercedes-Benz has also integrated the PRE-SAFE brake as well as the BAS PLUS Brake Assist into its latest SLK roadster models. In the event the sensors detect possible collisions and the driver can’t manage to brake in time, the roadster will apply the brakes automatically. ADAPTIVE BRAKING with ABS helps make sure nothing bad happens to the driver and the passenger alike and that they always feel comfortable when brakes are applied.
The Intelligent Light System (ILS) that features cornering light function in combination with LED daytime running lights seems to be pretty attractive, too. This feature makes sure that the driver has a clear vision of the road ahead no matter how diverse traffic may be or how bad the weather is. The ILS comes with 2 modes, the country mode and the motorway mode. With the country mode, the roadster will illuminate the edge of the road along with the road surface in front of the driver. The motorway mode, in comparison, illuminates the road width completely. The cornering and active light functions make sure they always follow the angle to which the driver is steering. Those, combined with the extended fog lamps, provide the driver with a better vision.
With all the features it can offer, the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK is a roadster that is comfortable and fast. It has supportive seats, tight roll control, plenty of grip, and strong brakes among others. With all the technologies featured by the roadster, the driver will have no problem taming even very unfamiliar roads on the mountain.
Conclusion – Should You Choose the SLK or Any of Its Rivals?
However, the SLK roadster seems to be quite a relaxed car. When it reaches highway speeds, both the driver and passenger are least likely to hear tire noise. The engine is also pretty silent. At this time, the roadster often feels as if it is a C-Class Mercedes. Well, considering that the roadster is based on the C-Class, this may not be too surprising after all.
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster competes closely with Porsche Boxster, BMW Z4, and Chevrolet Corvette. However, the SLK seems to have been more relaxed all the time compared to its rivals. Yet, if what you want is a true sports car with hardcore performances, the Boxster seems to be a better choice. Or, if you want a superhero style and brute force characteristic, then the Corvette is your thing. Lastly, compared to the Z4, the SLK has a lot more to recommend.
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