Mercedes SLK revealed in online video

Meet the new SLK! Thanks to a leak from a French site, the newcomer has been revealed, along with many of the car’s new features, ahead of the launch at the Detroit Motor Show in January.

The newcomer is clearly inspired by the SLS AMG supercar, and features a prominent grille, swept back headlights and angular exhausts.

The new headlights feature Mercedes’ intelligent light system, which uses a number of LEDs which illuminate depending on ambient light and whether the car is turning a corner.

The car in the video, which has now been removed from YouTube, is fitted with the AMG Sports Package, which includes a deeper front bumper, rear spoiler and larger alloys. Mercedes has also worked hard to make the SLK a sharper drive, adding the Dynamic Handling Package, which includes adaptive dampers.

The two-piece folding metal hardtop is once again present and correct, and now features an electrochromatic MAGIC SKY CONTROL sunroof which goes opaque or clears at the touch of a button. 

When the top’s down, Mercedes has added the AIRGUIDE draft stop, which is a piece of plastic which flips out from behind each headrest, stopping drafts getting into the cabin. This works in conjunction with the AIRSCARF neck warmer.

On the inside, the cabin has taken a big step forward in quality, with improved materials, like sun-reflective leather used on the seats, and new tech, including COMAND online sat-nav, which has internet access.

The entry level SLK200 will get the 201bhp 1.8-litre CGI petrol, while the convertible gets diesel power for the first time, courtesy of the 201bhp 2.4-litre CDI unit from the E-Class.

The 300 V6 model is discontinued, but the SLK350 gains the revised 302bhp direct injection V-Series 3.5-litre V6. A performance version is likely to be offered, which may be powered by AMG's hotly anticipated twin-turbo 3.5-litre V6 which produces around 465bhp. 

All units feature direct injection, start-stop and are connected to the firm’s slick 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic gearbox.

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