Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes SLK 55 AMG

We drive the mighty SLK 55 AMG which mixes pace with economy

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

The SLK 55 AMG brings something very special to the compact roadster class – a V8 engine, and a clever one, too. The cylinder deactivation technology works so smoothly that you barely notice it, and you’ll be thankful it’s there when you come to fill the tank. On the move, it sounds great and provides blistering pace, but the handling is a slight disappointment and not quite a match for the best in class.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It's one of those strange-but-true facts of life that as cars become faster, they get more fuel efficient, too. Mercedes’ new SLK 55 AMG is a prime example  – it has 60bhp more power than the model it replaces, and economy is up by 30 per cent. But does it drive as well as its predecessor?

Underneath the bonnet is a 5.5-litre V8 which produces 416bhp, but it comes with clever cylinder deactivation that shuts down half of the engine when you’re light on the throttle. That means it can not only accelerate from 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds, but it manages 33.6mpg.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Mercedes SLK

[[{"type":"media","view_mode":"content_narrow","fid":"68677","attributes":{"alt":"","class":"media-image"}}]]

The good news is that the fuel-saving tech works seamlessly up to 3,600rpm, and you still have 230Nm of the maximum 542Nm of torque available. There’s a slight change in the engine note, but a firm prod of the throttle soon returns the car to its full complement of cylinders and offers the familiar V8 burble we’ve come to expect.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Range Rover Evoque

2018 Land Rover

Range Rover Evoque

22,196 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £19,787
View Range Rover Evoque
Corsa

2022 Vauxhall

Corsa

11,970 milesAutomaticPetrol1.2L

Cash £14,700
View Corsa
Puma

2023 Ford

Puma

29,225 milesManualPetrol1.0L

Cash £13,900
View Puma
Golf

2024 Volkswagen

Golf

30,377 milesManualPetrol1.5L

Cash £16,000
View Golf

At full pelt, the AMG is devastatingly fast in a straight line. Floor the throttle, and the seven-speed gearbox shifts down a couple of gears before you’re rocketed forwards with unrelenting pace to a limited top speed of 155mph.

The AMG, unsurprisingly, has stiffer suspension and sharper steering than other SLKs, as well as a braking system that helps the car tuck into bends by gently applying pressure to the inside wheels when you’re cornering hard.

The result is the sharpest-handling SLK yet, but the slightly lifeless steering can’t compete with the driving thrills offered by a Porsche Boxster.

The SLK can also be fitted with a handling package that stiffens the suspension even further, as well as adding a rear differential lock and composite brakes. We found that whichever set-up you choose, the low-speed ride isn’t great, but it’s no worse than other performance cars in this class.

The SLK AMG is not quite as pure as a Porsche Boxster, but it’s fun to drive. It flows sweetly between corners and the engine is extremely flexible.

Naturally, the bodywork and interior have been changed to ensure you know it’s an AMG, but the style and elegance of the original SLK 55 have not been lost along the way.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

Renault Clio

Renault Clio

RRP £16,160Avg. savings £2,921 off RRP*Used from £8,952
Dacia Spring

Dacia Spring

RRP £14,995Avg. savings £3,135 off RRP*
Vauxhall Corsa

Vauxhall Corsa

RRP £19,690Avg. savings £4,685 off RRP*Used from £16,811
MG MG4

MG MG4

RRP £26,995Avg. savings £7,362 off RRP*Used from £11,990
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports
MST Ford Escort - front 3/4

Ford Escort Mexico gets new lease of life with MST Sports

While not officially Fords, the MST Mk1 and Mk2 Sports should drive as sharply as they look
News
7 Jul 2025
New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range
MG IM5 - Goodwood front

New MG IM5 has the Tesla Model 3 beaten on price and range

The all-electric IM5 brings new technology and design to the MG line-up
News
10 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Hot Volkswagen Golf GTI for a cool £287 a month

The Golf GTI has been a classic from day one – and it’s our Deal of the Day for 8 July.
News
8 Jul 2025