Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SLK 350

Does coupe-cabrio impress with a V6?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Find your Mercedes SLK
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

It's not as focused as the likes of BMW’s Z4, but the SLK is rewarding to drive and good to look at – and has far more to offer than the costly SL. The V6 is responsive and smooth, and while the six-speed gearbox isn’t perfect, there are few more capable grand tourers in this class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

There is no doubting the appeal of Mercedes’ big SL. Having benefited from a facelift, it’s now more desirable than ever.

We were particularly impressed by the entry-level V6 SL350 when we drove it in Issue 1,022. So, what about the lesser SLK 350? With the same engine but a much lower price and more compact shape, does it serve up as many thrills?

The short answer is yes. The dramatic new design gives the car considerable road presence, while the 3.5-litre petrol unit under the bonnet provides performance that’s nearly as potent as its big brother’s.

Its metal folding roof is every bit as easy to use as the system on the SL, and while the interior isn’t quite as spacious, it’s just as well built. Practicality is a strong suit, too – even with the roof down, the SLK offers 208 litres of boot space.

However, the package is let down by the manual gearbox on our car, as it suffers from a notchy, awkward change.

Then there is the exhaust note – it’s just not as meaty as the SL’s, or for that matter rivals such as the Audi TT and Nissan 350Z. Where the latest SLK does score is on long, winding roads. The accurate yet undemanding chassis and comfortable cabin combine to make it a great tourer.

Add in the sense of security and isolation generated by the hard-top, and the Mercedes is still one of the best high-speed cruisers in this class.

While its £36,885 asking price seems steep, we can’t help but admire the way in which the roof folds away. It must have cost millions to develop, and the mechanism is no less dramatic to watch than that on the SL – which is nearly twice as much to buy. For that reason alone, Mercedes fans on a budget should give the SLK 350 serious consideration.
 

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Toyota Yaris Cross

Toyota Yaris Cross

RRP £26,495Avg. savings £1,672 off RRP*Used from £12,200
Nissan Qashqai

Nissan Qashqai

RRP £27,415Avg. savings £5,924 off RRP*Used from £11,948
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

RRP £24,625Avg. savings £2,271 off RRP*Used from £12,700
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £6,040 off RRP*Used from £12,700
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer
Volvo EM90 - front

New Volvo EM90 2025 review: the ultimate SUV killer

Volvo has made an ultra-luxurious van. Intrigued? You should be, but sadly it’s for China only
Road tests
16 Jun 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power
Peugeot E-208 GTi - reveal front

New Peugeot 208 GTi: electric hot hatch gets stunning looks and plenty of power

Hot Peugeot E-208 gets racier styling, 276bhp and does 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds
News
13 Jun 2025
Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival
Smart Roadster exclusive image

Smart Roadster could return as an electric Mazda MX-5 rival

The Smart Roadster could be set for a comeback and our exclusive image previews how it could look
News
16 Jun 2025