2006 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review: Road Test

The Mercedes-Benz SLK offers the best of both worlds. Open motoring is the touch of a button away. Yet when the SLK's retractable metal roof is up and closed, this two-seater is bit quieter than its soft-top counterparts and a bit snugger against the elements. The SLK's solid roof also reduces the windshield flex and shimmy present in even the best-built convertibles. This is the tightest, most rattle-free SLK yet.

The new SLK280 generates an impressive 228 horsepower, more than the upgrade engine in the previous generation. Our test car, an SLK350, delivers 268 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque, more than any of its primary competitors.

Combined with the six-speed manual transmission, the SLK350's engine moves this car from pretty around-town cruiser to true sports car. Indeed, with 0-60 mph times in the mid five-second range, the SLK350 is one of the quickest cars in its class. It packs plenty of punch when taking off from a stoplight or accelerating onto the highway. Better still, the new V6s deliver plenty of acceleration-producing torque at any engine speed: down low near idle, cruising at highway speed, or up near the redline. The SLK350 engine is impressively flexible. A jab at the gas pedal enables quick, safe passing maneuvers.