2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK: Up Close
More Coverage of the 2011 New York Auto Show
Though the new SLK is slightly larger than its predecessor — about an inch longer and an inch wider — it retains a similar profile, with stubby overhangs and a rising shoulder line.
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Although this technically marks the SLK’s third generation, I wouldn’t be surprised if some onlookers thought it was a mild refresh, in the vein of what Mercedes did with the SL-Class in 2009. The two roadsters bear similar styling themes: a massive grille, wide-bezel headlights and a broad lower intake.
Get inside, and the generational change becomes more apparent. The SLK’s interior is much improved, and it needed to be. We found the old SLK’s cabin materials rather plain for a $50,000-plus sports car. The well-optioned SLK350 had nice leather — a mishmash of cross-stitched bolsters and perforated inserts, all of appropriate quality — and the dash and steering wheel have tasteful sections of polished metal. Open or close the circular air vents, and they have a weighty ka-thunk at full-open or shut. The armrests and door inserts have liberal cushioning — especially important, given the cabin’s limited real estate.
Speaking of which, my hunch is Mercedes carved out a little more space than before. The old SLK had limited legroom; the 2012 model’s dimensions remain the same 42.5 inches, but at 5-foot-11, I had enough room for a full leg extension to the brake pedal, and then some, after motoring the driver’s seat all the way back. I can’t vouch for headroom (it’s up 0.1 inch, according to press specifications) because the roof was powered down.
Short of its AMG variant, the outgoing SLK was more a luxury droptop than a legit sports car. Its successor may not alter that mission — but thanks in particular to the overhauled cabin, it might succed at it better.
