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
- Make: Array
- Model: mercedes-benz-slk-class
2014 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
- 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
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
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.
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.