Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster Line Adds More Powerful Base Model, the SLK300, for 2016
The 2016 Mercedes-Benz SLK is the third generation of a sports car that nearly two decades ago rocked the automotive world with its fully automatic retractable hardtop. The innovative top helped spark a worldwide trend but, more critically, put an exciting Mercedes-Benz two-seat sports car within grasp of a wider market. Car enthusiasts drew parallels to the 1950s and early 1960s, when Mercedes offered both the 190SL and 300SL.
The SLK, while sharing some familial cues with other Mercedes sports cars – modern and classic -- displays its own style in a compact, agile package. It's a sleek coupe with the top up, and an open-air roadster with the automatic hardtop lowered, which takes just 20 seconds.
Performance has of course always been a calling card of the SLK, and the 2016 model offers more of it. The new SLK300 replaces the SLK250 and offers a substantial boost in acceleration from a direct-injection 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged engine with 241 hp and 273 lb.-ft. of torque (vs. 201 hp/229 lb.-ft. from the SLK250's 1.8-liter turbo engine). A new 9G-Tronic 9-speed automatic transmission replaces the SLK250's 7-speed automatic, ensuring outstanding efficiency, as well.
Also for 2016, Mercedes has simplified the SLK ordering process by offering Premium 1, Premium 2 and Premium 3 packages. Blind Spot Assist is now available as a standalone option outside the Driver Assistance Package.
The SLK line also includes the SLK350 with a 302 horsepower 3.5-liter V6 and 7-speed automatic, and the formidable AMG SLK55 with a hand-built AMG 5.5-liter V8. This naturally aspirated powerplant produces 415 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque and is teamed exclusively to the AMG SPEEDSHIFT® 7-speed automatic transmission and equipped with Torque Vectoring Brake. New for 2016, the AMG SLK55 offers the AMG Carbon Styling Package.
The SLK350 and AMG SLK55 are equipped with a smoothly operating ECO stop-start system that conserves fuel by turning off the engine whenever the car is stopped and the brake pedal remains depressed. As soon as the driver's foot touches the accelerator pedal, the system re-starts the engine almost instantly.
The SLK is an agile handler and offers available 18-inch wheels as an option. It's also equipped as standard with Direct-Steer, a system that automatically varies the steering ratio based on how far the steering wheel is turned. Direct-Steer provides quicker steering and lighter effort while parking and maintains excellent directional stability and crisp feedback at higher speeds.
Control the Sky
As others have adopted convertible hardtop roofs, Mercedes-Benz has kept the SLK ahead of the pack with unique features. The standard top is a Panorama Roof with a see-through panel, so even with the top up, the sun and stars can come through.
Optional MAGIC SKY CONTROL allows the SLK driver or passenger to vary the tinting of the light that comes through the roof. Sandwiched between two layers of glass, a chemical film called a matrix polymer holds oblong nano-particles that line up uniformly when electrical current is applied, allowing light to pass through. When the electrical current is turned off (via a button beside the mirror), the nano-particles disperse randomly, reducing light and tinting the roof panel. Only 40-50 watts of current is used, so the roof can be left in the darkened mode when parked in hot weather, helping to keep the interior cool.
A standard fabric air deflector mounts to the SLK roll bars, helping to reduce air buffeting. The AIRSCARF system, included in the Premium 1 level and above, can extend the open-air driving season into the cooler months. Built into the seatbacks of the SLK, the neck-level heating system blows warm air from the driver and passenger-seat head restraints, allowing occupants to cruise comfortably with the retractable hardtop lowered in cooler weather. AIRSCARF even compensates automatically for changes in vehicle speed.
Advanced Infotainment
The SLK comes standard with a 5.8-inch central display screen that shows audio system information at a glance and adjusts automatically to ambient light for clear reading with the top down or at night. Standard Bluetooth audio streaming connects an iPod® or other MP3 player wirelessly to the SLK's audio system for convenient, cable-free playback.
The Premium levels and above step up the infotainment capability considerably by including the COMAND® Navigation system with voice control. The system's 7-inch high-resolution color screen also displays gas stations, ATMs and Mercedes-Benz dealerships.
Also included in the Premium levels, the harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system fills the cabin with 500 watts of beautifully balanced audio. The system's 11 strategically placed speakers deliver an immersive listening experience. Digital Dynamic Volume Control impeccably and imperceptibly maintains the sound spectrum for consistent listening pleasure in varying driving conditions.
Mercedes Safety
The sight of standard rollover bars, which also lend the SLK a sporty touch, is one clue to the level of safety imbued in this sports car. A suite of standard air bags offers advanced protection. Driver and passenger knee air bags supplement the dual-stage front air bags. Dual torso-level side-impact air bags are complemented by head-level air bags designed to offer protection even with the hardtop and side windows lowered.
In the case of a rear impact exceeding a preset threshold, NECK-PRO head restraints move forward and slightly upward, reducing the distance between the head restraints and the occupants' heads. This action helps to reduce the possibility or severity of whiplash-type neck injuries.
The SLK comes standard with the innovative ATTENTION ASSIST system, which couples a steering movement sensor with intelligent software that can identify the erratic steering corrections drivers make as they begin to get drowsy. The system works above 50 mph and is sophisticated enough to recognize and disregard sporty driving. When the system senses drowsiness, a warning message appears in the instrument cluster, and the driver is also alerted by a “Time for a rest!” message displayed in the instrument panel.
Blind Spot Assist and Lane Departure Warning
The SLK offers Blind Spot Assist as part of the Driver Assistance Package and also as a standalone option for 2016. The full package also includes PRE-SAFE®, DISTRONIC PLUS® with PRE-SAFE® Brake, and Lane Keeping Assist. Blind Spot Assist uses dedicated radar sensors to monitor both blind spots behind the vehicle. Whenever a turn signal is activated with a vehicle in the blind spot, the driver receives visual and audible warnings.
Lane Keeping Assist uses a multi-purpose camera and a computer to recognize and analyze lane markings. If the car drifts from its lane without a turn signal activated, the system alerts the driver by simulating rumble strip vibrations in the steering wheel.
Adaptive Highbeam Assist
Adaptive Highbeam Assist uses a windshield-mounted camera to control the vertical tilt of both the low- and high-beam headlights. The system is engaged by turning the headlight switch to “Auto” and turning on the high beam setting. Whenever there are no other vehicles in front, the high beams come on automatically, with the lights increasing gradually rather than suddenly.
mbrace2 Connectivity Standard
Mercedes-Benz was the first manufacturer to make emergency calling a standard feature, leading an industry trend. For 2016, it has upgraded its mbrace2 Connected Car Services, making the new mbrace2 Connect package standard for all models, along with five years of complimentary service.
The mbrace2 Connect package includes the Mobile App, Web Services, Roadside Connection, MB Apps (non-streaming), Vehicle Homepage (for electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids), Diagnostics Data and Remote Update for five years. In addition, customers can choose from three mbrace2 subscription upgrade packages: “Secure,” “Concierge” and “Entertain.”
