2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Driving Impressions Review at Automotive.com

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2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review: Road Test

Below is a full, detailed 2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class review and road test from New Car Test Drive. A full evaluation of price, equipment, the driving experience, and specs are all here in a structured, easy-to-navigate format from journalists with limitless ... read more

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2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review

Macho looks, more power and a heater to keep your neck warm.

Driving Impressions

While an array of engines is offered on the SLK in Europe, the first U.S. model will be offered only with the new 3.5-liter dual-cam V6, marking the first use of this new engine. It replaces the previous 3.2-liter V6 and, thankfully, the supercharged four-cylinder Kompressor that appeared in the original SLK. The new engine marks a huge jump from the original SLK's 185 horsepower and even the 215 horsepower of the current V6. Yet, fuel economy is actually a tad better, at an estimated 22.2 miles per gallon, over the SLK320.

The new, more powerful engine appropriately matches the more aggressive, macho look of the roadster. The engine is rated at 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, putting it ahead of the BMW Z4 3.0i, the Porsche Boxster S, and V6-powered Audi TT. Mercedes engineers estimate the SLK350 is capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mile per hour in less than 5.5 seconds, which would put it ahead of the pack. Indeed, the SLK packs plenty of punch when taking off from a stoplight or accelerating onto the highway, as we found while driving the car at its European introduction.

Review Sections

• Introduction

• Lineup

• Walkaround

• Interior

• Driving Impressions

• Summary & Specifications

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Another major change for the SLK is the shift to rack-and-pinion steering which delivers far more precise, point-and-shoot steering, an extremely appreciated improvement around blind hairpin mountain turns. Likewise, the sturdier body structure, which led to a complete absence of body shake, has made the handling sportier, while the ride remains comfortable. Next Page

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2005 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

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