What It Is:
Back in 1998, Mercedes-Benz introduced Americans to the concept of the power retractable hardtop convertible when it introduced the new SLK roadster. Unusual at the time, this design was not the first of its kind, though it proved to set a lasting trend that has graduated from two-seat roadsters to four-place touring machines like the BMW 3 Series and Volvo C70.
Now, for 2012, Mercedes-Benz debuts a compelling new third-generation SLK, which retains its popular roof design – with new advances in design, of course – while elevating the car’s performance potential.
Follow us on Facebook. 
Follow us on Pinterest. 
What’s New for the 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK*:
- Compete Redesign: Though familiar in size and function to the car it replaces and faithful to the original 1998 SLK that introduced the concept of a power retractable hardtop to the luxury roadster class, the all-new 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK gets a complete redesign that includes a far more muscular appearance up front combined with a sensuous rear that looks a bit like the upscale CL-Class Coupe. Most noticeable are the angular front styling treatment, the massive Mercedes three-point star embedded in the grille, and new interior that Mercedes says is trimmed in premium materials, including sun-reflecting leather that doesn’t heat up as much on a warm summer day, saving the driver and the passenger scalded legs.
- SLK250 Model: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK250 has a turbocharged, direct-injected four-cylinder engine with a six-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. With its 201 horsepower, the SLK250 is expected to get 27 mpg in combined city and highway driving, can accelerate to 60 mph in 6.5 seconds, and tops out at 155 mph.
- SLK350 Model: The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK350 houses the automaker’s new direct-injected 3.5-liter V6, which develops 302 horsepower. It drives the rear wheels through a new 7G-Tronic transmission with manual shifting offered at the gate or via paddles mounted to the steering wheel. Acceleration to 60 mph takes just 5.4 seconds, and top speed matches the SLK250. Its just that the SLK350 gets to 155 mph faster than the SLK250.
- “Eco” Mode Boosts Fuel Economy: To improve fuel economy, the new SLK is equipped with an “Eco” mode with start/stop technology. When the SLK comes to a halt, the engine automatically shuts off to conserve fuel, and then automatically fires when the driver is ready to accelerate again.
- Direct-Steer and Torque Vectoring Brakes: The 2012 SLK’s Direct-Steer system “offers more handling and agility while also reducing the amount of physical effort required when parking,” according to Mercedes. The SLK also has Torque Vectoring Brakes, a system that can apply selective braking based on rotational movement around the SLK’s vertical axis, thus stabilizing the roadster in curves.
- Magic Sky Roof: The new SLK retains its trademark power retractable roof, a two-piece clamshell design that folds into the trunk. This time around, however, the SLK’s roof features what Mercedes calls a “world novelty,” an optional panoramic vario-roof design with “Magic Sky” darkening capability. The standard roof is painted the same color as the rest of the SLK, while the mid-grade roof is a dark tinted panoramic glass affair without Magic Sky technology.
- Air Scarf with Air Guide: Another slick SLK feature is its Air Scarf system, which directs heated air up through the seatbacks and onto the necks of the driver and passenger, making the SLK a three-season convertible. A new-for-2012 Air Guide feature – basically clear plastic roll-hoop caps that pivot in toward the center of the car – provides draft control for the SLK’s cabin without restricting rear visibility.
- COMAND Online Technology: Though unlikely to pass legal muster in America, you can surf the Internet from the SLK. Pre-release materials for the redesigned SLK show the driver, using the central COMAND controller, using Google to access local weather conditions. Presumably, the centrally mounted dash screen is connected to the available Harmon Kardon premium audio system.
- Distronic Plus with Pre-Safe Brakes: Distronic is Mercedes-Benz’s automatic cruise control system, which monitors traffic ahead, evaluates the Benz’s distance from that traffic, and adjusts speed accordingly. Distronic Plus also evaluates traffic conditions to identify unsafe close rates, warns the driver, and prepares the car for a possible impact by readying the braking system for full power as soon as the brake pedal is touched, tightening seatbelts to better secure occupants, and raising the windows in anticipation of a crash.
- Attention Assist System: When dropping the top to allow cool night air to swirl about the cabin isn’t enough to keep you awake after a late night, rest assured that the new SLK’s standard Attention Assist driver drowsiness monitor is standing at the ready to alert you when you eyes glaze over and the lids droop.
- Intelligent Light System: Seeing, and being seen, at night should be no problem with the new 2012 Mercedes SLK. Equipped with light-pipe forward running lights, LED front signaling lights, and adaptive front headlights that help the driver to see around curves, the SLK is lit up like a Christmas tree after dark. The SLK also has LED taillights, LED side mirror signal repeaters, and illuminated door scuff sills.
- Optional AMG Sports Package: Mercedes plans to offer an optional AMG Sports Package on the SLK 350, which includes subtle styling modifications to the front and rear bumper covers, five-spoke alloy wheels with more aggressive tires, and drilled front brake rotors. Combined with the 2012 SLK’s available Dynamic Handling Package, which allows the driver to choose between Sport or Comfort driving modes, the AMG Sports Package should help the little Benz roadster deliver legitimate sports car performance.
The Vehix View:
Finally, Mercedes builds an SLK that men can drive without explaining that it’s someone else’s car. This harder-looking, better-performing 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK should land closer to the Y-chromosome bull’s eye on the demographic chart when it goes on sale in time for summer. Add the cool new Magic Sky panoramic roof, Air Scarf and Air Guide, sun-reflective leather, in-car Internet surfing, and the potential of the SLK350’s 300-plus horsepower V6 engine, and we think Benz dealers had better make plans to deal with an influx of men who are actually buying an SLK for themselves, rather than a wife or girlfriend.
* Sources for this article include official releases from Mercedes-Benz and a leaked French promotional video:
