Skip advert
Advertisement
In-depth reviews

Mercedes SLK (2011-2016) review

The Mercedes SLK was the first car to feature a folding-metal roof and the latest model has aggressive looks and a sharper drive

Overall Auto Express Rating

3.0 out of 5

  • Wide engine choice, SLS-inspired looks, quality cabin
  • Expensive, poor rear visibility, fidgety ride
Find your Mercedes SLK
Offers from our trusted partners on this car and its predecessors...
Hassle-free way to a brand new car
Or are you looking to sell your car?
9/10 sellers got the price they expected
Advertisement

The last installment of the famed Mercedes SLK luxury roadster broadened its appeal having long been the favoured choice of well-heeled female buyers. That means muscular styling borrowed from the SLS supercar, more focused driving dynamics and an improvement in quality. Offered with a range of four and six-cylinder engines, this generation also introduces a diesel model for the first time, with the promise of over 50mpg economy and over 500Nm of torque. Other highlights include a hi-tech sunroof and the obligatory AMG version – which gets a clever V8 engine and delivers an impressive 415bhp.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The SLK was renamed in 2016 as the Mercedes SLC.

Engines, performance and drive

There are four petrols and a single diesel to choose from. The petrol range kicks off with the four-cylinder 184bhp SLK 200 which comes with either a six-speed manual or smooth 7G Tronic automatic gearbox. It’s eager enough but doesn’t sound or feel especially sporty. The six-cylinder option is the charismatic and refined 350 that produces 306bhp and feels really quick, but those seeking even greater thrills can opt for the 5.5-litre 415bhp SLK 55 AMG. The SLK grips well and is better to drive than its predecessors, but numb steering and a crashy ride stop it challenging the class leading Porsche Boxster.

MPG, CO2 and Running Costs

Equipped with the new four-cylinder 250CDI diesel engine the SLK will return a remarkable 56.5mpg and emits just 132g/km of C02. However thanks to engine start/stop technology and long gearing even the 350 V6 will manage 39mpg when driven carefully. The optional automatics are cleaner than manual versions, but the difference is marginal. Insurance, parts and servicing are all as high as you would expect from a premium brand, but get carried away with the options list and the SLK can start to look expensive compared to its close rivals.

Interior, design and technology

The SLK’s dramatic styling is definitely the equal of rivals like the BMW Z4 and Porsche Boxster. Taking its cues from the gullwing SLS supercar, the gaping grille, swept back headlights and long bonnet give it a low, aggressive stance. LED lights on the bumper come standard on all models, as do alloys wheels and the folding metal roof, which stows neatly into the boot. AMG sport models add side skirts, bigger alloy wheels and tinted front a rear lights and leather sports seats.

Practicality, comfort and boot space

How much space there is for luggage depends on whether you choose to have the roof up or down, but the SLK is capable of carrying more baggage than most of its rivals. With the roof in place there’s 335-litres of space – more than a Ford Focus - but with the roof open this shrinks to 225-litres. Inside, there’s plenty of space and it’s easy to get comfortable quickly, and neat extras like the optional Airscarf heater vents in the seats and the lack of turbulence in the cabin make the SLK an excellent top-down cruiser.

Reliability and Safety

The SLK is one of the safest cars in its class thanks to a variety of active systems that first appeared on the flagship S-Class. Attention Assist monitors the drivers to ensure you don’t nod off at the wheel, while Pre-Safe senses if a collision is imminent and activates the pre-tension seatbelts. Optional kit also includes Lane Keep Assist and DISTRONIC plus, a cruise control that matches the SLK’s speed to the car in front, which makes for a relaxing drive on the motorway.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

More on SLK

Best cars for £5,000 or less
Best cars for £5000 - header
Best cars & vans
8 Mar 2024

Best cars for £5,000 or less

Got £5k burning a hole in your pocket? These are the best used cars for your budget
Best used convertibles 2024
Best used convertibles - header image
Best cars & vans
12 Jan 2024

Best used convertibles 2024

If it’s open-top thrills that you’re after, the best used convertibles offer incredible value for money
Used Mercedes SLK review
Used Mercedes SLK - front
Used car tests
8 Jan 2018

Used Mercedes SLK review

A full used buyer’s guide on the Mercedes SLK covering the SLK Mk2 (2004-2010)
Skip advert
Advertisement
New Mercedes SLK to get hybrid power
Next Mercedes SLK
News
8 Apr 2014

New Mercedes SLK to get hybrid power

Our exclusive image reveals the next Mercedes SLK, which will have a range of engines including a hybrid
5. Mercedes SLK
Mercedes SLK
Car group tests
21 Mar 2013

5. Mercedes SLK

The Mercedes SLK was one of the pioneers of the folding hard-top convertible, and the company has stuck with this design even as rivals have turned th…
Mercedes SLK 250 CDI vs Audi TT
Mercedes SLK 250 CDI vs Audi TT
Car group tests
8 Oct 2012

Mercedes SLK 250 CDI vs Audi TT

Can the entry-level diesel Mercedes SLK beat the Audi TT Roadster?
Mercedes SLK55 AMG
Mercedes SLK55 AMG front cornering
Road tests
24 May 2012

Mercedes SLK55 AMG

Does the new 5.5-litre V8 turbo make the range-topping Mercedes SLK the most thrilling drop-top of the summer?
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG
Mercedes SLK55 AMG front tracking
In-depth reviews
5 May 2012

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

Rapid Mercedes SLK 55 AMG packs a 5.5-litre V8 in a compact package and offers huge acceleration
Mercedes SLK 250 CDI
Mercedes SLK 250 CDI front tracking
Road tests
20 Feb 2012

Mercedes SLK 250 CDI

New Mercedes SLK roadster gets an eco engine, but it still packs an almighty punch
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG front tracking
Road tests
22 Nov 2011

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

We drive the mighty SLK 55 AMG which mixes pace with economy
Mercedes SLK 250
Mercedes SLK 250 front cornering
Road tests
23 Sep 2011

Mercedes SLK 250

We see if mid-range model is the best choice
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mercedes SLK 350
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG
Road tests
10 Aug 2011

Mercedes SLK 350

We've driven the new V6 drop-top – it's the fastest Mercedes roadster currently on sale
Mercedes SLK vs rivals
Mercedes SLK vs rivals
Car group tests
1 Jul 2011

Mercedes SLK vs rivals

Can the new Mercedes SLK return to top of class? We test it against quality drop-top rivals from BMW and Audi.
Mercedes SLK 200
Mercedes SLK 200 rear static
Road tests
10 Jun 2011

Mercedes SLK 200

Latest coupé-cabrio has more all-round appeal than ever
Mercedes SLK 350
Mercedes SLK 350 front
Road tests
18 Mar 2011

Mercedes SLK 350

The original folding hard-top is back - but does the all new Mercedes SLK have the dynamics to match the aggressive looks?
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mercedes SLK
Mercedes SLK 350 front
Road tests
4 Mar 2011

Mercedes SLK

The new SLK will arrive just in time for summer, but does Mercedes new roadster have what it takes to be called a mini SL?
Mercedes SLK 200
Mercedes SLK 200
Road tests
19 Apr 2010

Mercedes SLK 200

Run-out Grand Edition gives coupé-cabrio a last hurrah
Credit crunch busters
Credit crunch busters
Articles
20 Jan 2009

Credit crunch busters

Six cars that are safe places for your money
Mercedes SLK 350
SLK fr
Road tests
30 Jul 2008

Mercedes SLK 350

Does coupe-cabrio impress with a V6?
Mercedes SLK 200 K
Merc front
Road tests
20 Feb 2008

Mercedes SLK 200 K

A raft of improvements mean the sporty SLK is ready to challenge for class honours.
Mercedes SLK Mk2
Mercedes-Benz SLK
In-depth reviews
9 Mar 2007

Mercedes SLK Mk2

There's more to the SLK than its clever roof - it's fast, well designed and is a relaxed cruiser. However, it doesn't relish hard driving.
Skip advert
Advertisement
Mercedes SLK 55 AMG Black
Road tests
26 Jul 2006

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG Black

Mercedes stalks Porsche's 911 GT3 with new lightweight 400bhp SLK
Mercedes SLK 280
Road tests
7 Sep 2005

Mercedes SLK 280

As Mercedes rolls out new engines across its entire range, it was only a matter of time before the SLK was offered with a new and updated powerplant.