2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Convertible

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2013 MERCEDES BENZ SLK250 CONVERTIBLE RED ON BLACKBlack leather seatsSeat warmersTurbo ChargedHardtop ConvertibleWith many standard features to complement a car of such caliberFor most critics, the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class tries to balance sport and comfort. The SLK250 and 350 deliver competitive power and acceleration, but few test drivers are blown away by their performance. For a more exhilarating drive, they say the V8-powered SLK55 AMG is the best bet. The SLK250 earns an EPA fuel economy estimate of 23/33 mpg city/highway, which is average for the class. Driving ImpressionsMercedes-Benz has worked hard to build sports car credibility into the new SLK, the third generation of the car. Each edition of the SLK has upped the performance ante as Mercedes-Benz engineers try to put to rest the longstanding notion that the SLK is more a personal- luxury car than a sports car. Certainly the SLK has all the slick moves of a performance machine with good acceleration (the SLK350 noticeably more so than the SLK250), confident roadholding and taut, responsive steering. Thanks to a well-tuned suspension and substantial tires on 18-inch wheels, the SLK's cornering grip and stability are impressive. InteriorThe 2013 SLK might not be as pure a sports car as some of its competitors, but that's a benefit in terms of comfort and convenience. The luscious interior is Mercedes-Benz deluxe in every way. One highlight is the thick-section, 3-spoke steering wheel that is flat-bottomed to help clear your thighs. The main gauges are two big analog circles that flank a screen displaying a wide variety of driver-selectable information. A twist-and-push electronic controller on the console operates audio and navigation features – not immediately intuitive, but it works. ExteriorMercedes suggests the exterior design of the 2013 SLK is both futuristic and retro, and it actually is, in a way: It looks fresh and modern, yet there's no mistaking where it came from. The SLK borrows some cues, particularly its big-grille face, from the SLS AMG supercar. Though not a particularly large car, its stance and nose-down rake help establish a look of substance. And of course, the iconic retractable hardtop, unlike a soft canvas convertible top, means the body lines always look clean and finished, whether the top is up or down.Notable Standard EquipmentThe SLK seats aren't just extremely comfortable, they are also covered in sun-reflecting leather that reduces the rate at which the seats heat up when the car is parked with the top down. Also standard is an audio system with a USB port and Bluetooth, and Mercedes' mbrace2 telematics with many new Internet- and smartphone-accessible features. Standard safety equipment includes a vast complement of airbags (knee, head, thorax), a driver-drowsiness monitor and active head restraints.Notable Optional EquipmentThe optional COMAND system ups the audio ante with a 7-inch color display (standard is 5.8-inch), hard-drive-based GPS navigation, 10GB of music storage, and a 6-disc CD/DVD changer. The navigation system offers 3D maps and the ability to show alternate routes before you choose one. An optional SiriusXM feature provides real-time traffic information and weather forecasts. Also available are burl walnut trim, the Magic Sky Control adjustable-tint roof, bi-xenon headlights that look into curves, and a Dynamic Handling Package with continuously adjusting the suspension and driver-selectable modes.Under the HoodWhen you're going up against established players like the Porsche Boxster and BMW Z4, 201 horsepower seems a little underwhelming, but the base 2013 SLK250 makes the most of it with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed automatic transmission. Powering the SLK350 is a 60-degree 3.5-liter V6 featuring direct fuel injection and multi-spark ignition. It makes 302 horsepower and 273 lb-ft of torque and works with the 7G-TRONIC automatic transmission. That's enough to rocket the SLK from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds. The SLK55 AMG's V8 makes a lusty 415 horsepower. Both the V6 and V8 engines now incorporate ECO start/stop to save a little fuel sitting at stoplights.