2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review
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Used SLK-Class for sale
Appraise This CarMercedes-Benz SLK-Class model years
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class types
- Convertible
- SLK55 AMG
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Compelling engines, versatile retractable hardtop, sharp handling, Airscarf heater.
Cons
- Pricey, substantial blind spots and high beltline, steering lacks feel.
What’s new
The Mercedes-Benz SLK carries over mostly unchanged for 2010. A very-low-production Diamond White Edition SLK300 is now available.
Edmunds says
While convertibles bearing the Mercedes-Benz name have always offered luxury, solidity and brand cachet, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class does them one better -- it's a genuine driver's car.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK300 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$265/mo for SLK-Class SLK300
SLK-Class SLK300
vs
$183/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Since being introduced in the 1990s, the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class has been best known for one thing: its retractable hardtop convertible roof. A revolutionary piece of automotive engineering at the time, it has since spread to other convertibles. Yet the 2010 Mercedes SLK-Class remains an appealing luxury roadster, especially given how much emotion plays on this sort of vehicle purchase. The current (second-generation) SLK may be getting on in years, but it's still an attractive little convertible that looks fresh.
The SLK has an impressive dynamic résumé as well. Unlike past Mercedes convertibles and roadsters, this SLK is actually quite fun to drive, with adept handling that doesn't impose on ride comfort. While it will never match the handling thrills of the superb Porsche Boxster, the SLK stays true to what a roadster should be like to drive. Backing up the driving enjoyment are your choice of two V6 engines or a mighty V8 that adds a whole new level to the car's character.
However, we would be remiss if we didn't mention the fully redesigned BMW Z4, which now utilizes the same grand-touring formula. The new Z4 has not only a retractable hardtop that provides better top-up visibility than the SLK, but also a better-sorted ride, more interior space, a more modern electronics interface and -- in twin-turbocharged trim -- more muscle than the SLK300 and SLK350 can muster.
But the BMW has nothing to match the mighty SLK55's hand-built V8, and there's always the matter of what tugs at your emotional heartstrings. Overall, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class remains an excellent choice for those looking for a premium roadster with grand-touring leanings.
Performance & mpg
The rear-wheel-drive 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK300 is powered by a 3.0-liter V6 that produces 228 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard and a seven-speed automatic is optional. Mercedes estimates a 0-60-mph time of 6.1 seconds. EPA estimated fuel economy is 19 mpg city/26 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined with the automatic, and 18/26/20 with the manual.
The SLK350 gets a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 300 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. A seven-speed automatic is the only available transmission. Mercedes estimates a 5.4-second 0-60 time. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 18/25/20 mpg.
The SLK55 AMG features a 5.4-liter V8 that pumps out 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. An AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic is standard. In Edmunds testing, the SLK55 went from zero to 60 mph in 4.9 seconds. Fuel economy estimates are 14/22/17 mpg.
Safety
Safety equipment includes antilock brakes, stability and traction control, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the head and thorax. The "mbrace" emergency telematics system is also standard. In Edmunds brake testing, the SLK55 came to a stop from 60 mph in a short 115 feet.
Driving
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class's acceleration is strong even in the base V6 model, which is the only SLK to offer a manual transmission; the SLK350 is stronger still but automatic-only. The SLK's handling capabilities will put a smile on just about any driving enthusiast's face, while the ride quality remains comfortable and compliant enough to appeal to the average driver. Only in direct comparison with pure sports cars like the Boxster do the SLK's relatively uncommunicative steering and less tossable nature become apparent.
Even so, the SLK55 AMG will be hard for car lovers to pass up -- it's almost a modern-day Shelby Cobra, albeit with a thick layer of luxury slathered on top. The formula is virtually the same: Start with a capable compact roadster, stuff it to the gills with a giant V8, sharpen the suspension and proceed to stun people at traffic lights when you tear off down the road in a cloud of tire smoke. Handling is also improved thanks to its myriad AMG upgrades. The aging automatic transmission leaves much to be desired, however, as it is slow to respond and doesn't blip the throttle on manual downshifts. Indeed, this is an issue with lesser SLKs as well.
Interior
With its retractable hardtop in place, the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is virtually indistinguishable from a conventional two-seat coupe. Leg- and headroom are acceptable even for tall drivers, though the new Z4 is still roomier inside. The only notable drawback involves the SLK's inferior sight lines, as the intricately constructed roof creates significant blind spots. Press the button to lower the top, though, and all will be forgiven, as al fresco motoring is just 22 seconds away. When lowered, the folded top naturally eats up trunk space, but a modest 6.5 cubic feet is still available.
Interior construction isn't quite up to the level of Benz's latest models, but still, you're unlikely to feel cheated by the SLK. The seats don't look like much, but they somehow manage to provide exemplary support and adequate long distance comfort. We highly recommend opting for the Airscarf system, which breathes warm air on your neck -- it sounds weird but it works. Add to that heated seats, a smart heating system and perhaps a warm hat, and all-season top-down motoring is easily accomplished.
2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class models
The 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a two-seat retractable-hardtop roadster offered in three versions: SLK300, SLK350 and SLK55 AMG, each of which comes with a different engine.
Standard equipment on the SLK300 includes a fully automatic retractable hardtop, 17-inch wheels, front and rear foglamps, cruise control, dual-zone manual climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, eight-way manual front seats, leather upholstery, Bluetooth and a nine-speaker stereo with six-CD changer. The SLK350 adds a bigger V6, a standard automatic transmission and upgraded brakes.
The Premium I package adds remote roof operation, auto-dimming mirrors, automatic wipers, eight-way power front seats (including lumbar adjustment), driver memory functions, a power steering column and an iPod interface. The Sport package adds 18-inch wheels, a sport suspension and various body kit items. The Diamond White Edition SLK300 (about 100 units only) will include 18-inch AMG wheels, a sport suspension, steering wheel shift paddles, metallic white paint, a two-tone interior and baseball glove-style leather upholstery stitching.
The SLK55 AMG adds a beastly V8 and the usual array of AMG-tuned items (V8 engine, brakes, suspension, exhaust, transmission, styling) plus a sport steering wheel, upgraded leather upholstery, heated seats and the Premium I package. The AMG Performance package adds upgraded brakes, a track-calibrated suspension, light-alloy 18-inch wheels, a higher top speed, a performance steering wheel and carbon-fiber interior trim.
The Multimedia package available on all SLK models includes the COMAND electronics interface, a hard-drive-based navigation system with real-time traffic updates, digital music storage, satellite radio and HD radio. The Lighting package adds bi-xenon headlamps, corner-illuminating foglights and headlamp washers. The Heating package adds a cloth wind deflector, the Airscarf neck-level heating system and heated seats. Stand-alone options include dual-zone automatic climate control and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#9 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class from 2008-2022.$486/yr
vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.5x/yr
vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).8.8%
vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car
for Average Luxury Compact Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class.
5 star(87%)
4 star(3%)
3 star(5%)
2 star(5%)
1 star(0%)
53 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
What's not to like?
Anonymous, 12/06/2010
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
I purchased the car because I was tired of looking for "safe" parking for my Porsche Boxster. The hard-top convertible gives me peace-of-mind so I can park on-street. For the first few weeks, I really missed the Porsche. But now I wouldn't go back. After adjusting to the different ride characteristics, I feel it handles as well as the Boxster and is far superior for longer drives. The … AMG sport package is a must if you want a sports car experience. I've owned MG's, Triumphs, 240Z, 260Z, Porsche 911 Carrerra, Porsche 944 and Porsche Boxster (yes, I'm now an old guy.) This car is as much fun as any of my past cars, and as fast as anything I've driven.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Great around town
acslk, 02/15/2010
2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK350 2dr Convertible (3.5L 6cyl 7A)
This is a great car to drive! For around town driving, it has the right compromise between comfort and performance. It's soft enough so that it is comfortable on the bump and pot hole ridden streets around where I live. However, when on twisty roads in the country, it performs wonderfully at any speed you would drive on public roads. The 300 HP 3.5L V6 gives this car impressive … straight line performance. It's definitely not a Porsche, but it's not supposed to be... The retractable hard top is wonderful considering the amount of rain we get. Build quality is excellent - no squeaks or rattles to speak of and no other problems / issues after 1 year of ownership.
4.63 out of 5 stars
The Perfect Machine
WFTJR, 06/06/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
The lease was up on my 2006 E350 so I jumped into a 2008 SLK 280. The E350 is flawless but I needed more of a "wow" factor. The black exterior with the tan and black interior is stunning. This car is the perfect blend of performance and luxury. My SLK has Premium III (navigation) with the appearance package. The retractable hardtop is provides the "wow" factor. The fun of driving a … convertible without the downside of a ragtop. My only other convertable was a 2003 Z4. The SLK provides more convenience, safety and luxury than the Z4. Remember, it's not how fast you go, it's how well you go fast.
4.75 out of 5 stars
My wife's Dream Car
Frank, 06/11/2008
2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class SLK280 Edition 10 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl 6M)
We enjoy this special car because of its unique appearance and build quality. The car is very stable on the highway and absorbs road imperfections well. The black metallic paint is of superior quality and shines beautifully (if clean). The gear shifter feels industrial in strength but the sun visors are very small and cheap. Seats are firm but comfortable for long distance cruising. … Road noise can be heard from the rear when driven above 40 mph. The sound of the engine via the tail pipe is second only to the Porsche in the roadster class. Great safety is a given as is its long term durability. Learning the features of the car and the interior buttons may take time.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class, so we've included reviews for other years of the SLK-Class since its last redesign.
2010 SLK-Class Highlights
Convertible
SLK300
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $46,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $265/month |
Seating | 2 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.8 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the SLK-Class include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
Related Used 2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class info
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