The Mercedes SLK->ke1683 was announced in 1996, then put on sale in 1997. Up to this point, it has been through three different generation, and each generation the SLK borrowed styling elements from other Mercedes->ke187 models, leaving it without its own identity. The first generation, for example looked like the SL->ke950, the second generation borrowed the nose of the SLR McLaren->ke566, and the third one features SLS->ke2504-inspired headlights.

But even so, the SLK has proven itself to be a pretty cool roadster, and when the third generation launched on the market in 2011, Mercedes brought tons of innovative new features like panorama roof and Magic Sky Control.

The 2014 SLK is offered in two different versions: SLK250 and SLK350, with prices starting from $44,450. Sure, the SLK is a little pricey, but its standard features make it well worth the price.

Click past the jump to read more about the 2014 Mercedes SLK.

mercedes-benz-slk-class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: mercedes-benz-slk-class
Pros
Cons

2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
  • Engine/Motor: inline-4
  • Horsepower: 201 @ 5500
  • Torque: 229 @ 2000
  • Transmission: Six-speed manual
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Pros
Cons

Exterior

The 2014 SLK is easily recognized as a Mercedes-Benz, thanks to its upright radiator grille with the large center star, long hood and wide headlamps that feature LED technology. The model gets lots of chrome insertions, including on the grille surrounds, door handles and, of course, its various logos. On the rear, a muscular wing delivers increased aerodynamic features, and make the SLK look sporty and aggressive.

The 2014 SLK is offered with a standard panorama roof featuring a see-through panel made from lightweight tinted polycarbonate. This allows the driver and passenger to enjoy the view of the sky from the quiet comfort of a closed coupe. There is also an optional Magic Sky Control that allows the driver to darken the roof at the touch of a button.

The SLK's hardtop retracts in under 20 seconds and gets stored in the trunk without affecting to much the space for your luggage.

2014 Mercedes SLK250 Roadster - Standard Exterior Features:

-17-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

-Retractable hardtop

-Panorama roof

-LED Daytime Running Lamps

-Power Windows w/ Express Up & Down

2014 Mercedes SLK350 Roadster - Standard Exterior Features:

-18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels

-Retractable hardtop

-Panorama roof

-LED Daytime Running Lamps

-Power Windows w/ Express Up & Down

Dimensions:

Overall length

162.8 in

Overall height

51.2 in. (top up)

Overall width

79.0 in. (w/ mirrors) / 71.5 in. (w/o mirrors)

Wheelbase

95.7 in

Coefficient of drag

0.30

Curb weight

3,241 lbs (Manual) / 3,296 lbs (Automatic)


Interior

Just like with every other Mercedes, The German automaker designed the SLK's interior to deliver the an awesome behind-the-wheel experience, while also offering up plenty of comfort and luxury.

The SLK is equipped with a three-spoke sport steering wheel wrapped in Nappa leather, round aircraft-style air vents and a center console in crushed aluminum. Brushed aluminum also sees use on the pedals, inside door handles and dual roll bars.

2014 Mercedes SLK250 Roadster - Standard Interior Features:

-Aluminum interior trim

-MB-Tex upholstery

-Multifunction 3-spoke sport steering wheel

-Brushed aluminum pedals

-COMAND system with central controller

-TuneIn® world radio

-5.8" color screen

-3-Spoke Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel w/ Power Adjustment for Height & Reach

2014 Mercedes SLK350 Roadster - Standard Interior Features:

-Aluminum interior trim

-Multifunction 3-spoke sport steering wheel

-Brushed aluminum pedals

-Leather upholstery with contrasting stitching

-COMAND system with central controller

-harman/kardon LOGIC7 surround sound system

-3-Spoke Leather Multifunction Steering Wheel w/ Power Adjustment for Height & Reach

Dimensions:

Dimensions:

2

Passenger capacity

39.1 in

Headroom

42.5 in

Legroom

52.2 in

Shoulder room

10.1 Cubic Feet / 6.4 Cubic Feet


Drivetrain

Just like in the previous years, the 2014 SLK is offered in two versions -- SLK250 and SLK350 -- with each getting a different engine.

The base SLK250 is powered by a 1.8-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 201 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. This engine come with standard six-speed manual gearbox, with a paddle-shifted, seven-speed automatic available as an option. The SLK250 delivers 22 mpg city and 32 mpg on the highway with the base transmission, and both ratings go up 1 mpg with the seven-speed gearbox. The SLK250 sprints to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds.

The top version is the SLK350, and it makes use of a 3.5-liter, V-6 engine that generates 302 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. The only transmission offered for this model is the seven-speed automatic with three selectable modes, with a paddle-shifted Manual mode being drivers' favorite.

The SLK350 also comes equipped with a fuel-saving ECO Start/Stop system that shuts off the engine at stoplights and helps it achieve 21 mpg city and 29 mpg highway. The SLK350 sprints from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds and up to a top speed of 155 mph.

2014 Mercedes SLK250 Roadster - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

Net power

201 Horsepower @ 5,500 rpm

Net torque

229 Pound-Feet @ 2,000-4,300 rpm

Compression ratio

9.3:1

Construction

Diecast alloy block and alloy head

Fuel requirement

Premium unleaded gasoline

Fuel tank (capacity-reserve)

18.5 gal

Performance

0-60-mph acceleration

6.5 sec

Fuel economy

City fuel economy

23 MPG (Manual transmission 22 MPG)

Highway fuel economy

33 MPG (Manual transmission 32 MPG)

Emission certification

Bin5/ULEVII

Drivetrain

Automatic Transmission

6-speed manual or optional 7-speed automatic

Drive configuration

Rear-wheel drive

Final-Drive ratio

3.27 (manual) or 3.07 (automatic)


2014 Mercedes SLK350 Roadster - Drivetrain Specifications

Engine

Net power

302 Horsepower @ 6,500 rpm

Net torque

273 Pound-Feet @ 3,500-5,250 rpm

Compression Ratio

12.0:1

Construction

Diecast alloy block and alloy heads

Fuel requirement

Premium unleaded gasoline

Fuel tank (capacity-reserve)

18.5 gallons

Engine

City fuel economy

21 MPG

Highway estimate

29 MPG

Emission certification

Bin5/ULEVII

Drivetrain

Automatic Transmission

7-speed automatic

Drive configuration

Rear-wheel drive

Final-Drive ratio

3.07:1

Performance

Acceleration, 0-60 mph

5.4 seconds


Prices

Model

Price

Mercedes SLK250 Roadster

$44,450

Mercedes SLK350 Roadster

$57,150


2014 Mercedes SLK-Class - Optional Equipment

Accessory

Price

Sport Package

$2,500

Lighting Package

$1,390

Premium Package

$2,590

Multimedia Package

$2,220

Panorama roof with MAGIC SKY CONTROL

$2,500

Metallic Paint

$720

18-inch 5-twin-spoke wheels

$2,000

17-inch 10-spoke wheels

$1,800

Tire valve stem caps

$18

Rear spoiler

$300

Chrome hood fins

$220

Dashtop analog clock

$250

Illuminated door sills

$450

Air guide

$350

Becker MAP PILOT Pre-wiring

$200

Dual-zone climate control

$760

KEYLESS-GO

$650

Becker® MAP PILOT

$600

PARKTRONIC with Advanced Parking Guidance

$970

Paddle-shifted 7-speed automatic transmission

$1,510


Competitors

BMW Z4

When it comes lo luxury roadsters, the BMW Z4 is one of the top choices, especially in the past few years when it start offering a four-cylinder engine. For the American market, BMW offers a choice of three engines. The base engine is a 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine that delivers a total of 240 horsepower. Next is a 3.0-liter, in-line-six engine with an output of 300 horsepower. The top engine it a TwinPower Turbo 3.0-liter, in-line-six engine with an output of 335 horsepower.

The 2014 BMW Z4 is priced from $48,950.

Nissan 370Z

If you wants a really good looking roadster, then the Nissan 370Z is the best choice you have. It shocked the world when it arrived in 2009, thanks to its rather uncommon headlights, but it remains a successful roadster.

The base 370Z is powered by a 3.7-liter, V-6 engine that delivers a total of 332 horsepower and 270 pound-feet of torque. The launches the 370Z to 60 mph in a competitive 5.5 seconds, while netting it 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway with the manual transmission.

The 2014 370Z Roadster is priced from $41,470.

Conclusion

The SLK is an easy car to drive and that's because Mercedes equipped it will all kinds of gadgets and technology specially designed to make the experience behind the wheel more pleasant.

The seven-speed automatic transmission is also not the best choice for owners that like to control their cars, as it doesn't respond quickly to driver commands. This weighs badly on the SLK350, given this is the only available transmission.

So, as usual if you want to enjoy the SLK as its full capacities you will have to opt for the six-speed manual version and take your car to a winding road where you may be surprised of what the SLK can do.