2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class Review

For 2015 the Mercedes-Benz SLK sees a shuffling of standard and optional features. The latter includes the debut of a new, no-cost painted roof panel option for the retractable hardtop.

The compact 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is a standout luxury convertible that offers retractable-hardtop convenience and rewarding performance in a dignified package.

It may be the baby brother to the SL-Class, but the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class is anything but an "Oh, so you settled for that" alternative. Indeed, unlike earlier generations of this car, the current SLK looks more like a three-quarter-scale SL than a lesser entry point into Benz's roadster lineup. And under the skin, it offers many of the same luxuries and technology features as its bigger relative.

Settle into the cockpit and you'll find fine quality materials, superb fit and finish and rock-solid construction. The retractable hardtop is impressive in its precise and efficient engineering, and the SLK's all-around performance and unflappable composure at speed is likewise on point. Besides their size, these junior and senior Mercedes models differ the most under the hood. It may not have the SL's standard V8 or available V12 powerhouses, but the SLK's turbocharged four-cylinder and V6 engines provide energetic acceleration and commendable fuel economy. Then again, if sizzling acceleration is on your list of must-haves, the 415-horsepower SLK 55 AMG should suffice with its ability to sprint to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds, essentially matching the SL550.

Similarly priced rivals for the SLK are few but formidable -- and equally desirable. The 2015 BMW Z4 more or less matches the Benz's refinement and hardtop convenience, so in this case it's really just down to which model you prefer. If handling precision is a priority, head over to the Porsche dealership to check out the soft-top 2015 Porsche Boxster. Other options might include the 2015 Audi TT Roadster, for its all-wheel-drive layout, or the thundering 2015 Chevrolet Corvette convertible. But for those who'd like to have the style, refinement and even performance of a Benz SL roadster at a more accessible price point, the Mercedes SLK is the obvious choice.

All versions of the 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class are rear-wheel drive and despite the wide range of engine output the SLK-Class EPA-estimated fuel economy varies only a little. The 2015 SLK250 is powered by a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 201 hp and 229 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, while a seven-speed automatic is optional.

In Edmunds testing, the SLK250 with the automatic went from zero to 60 mph in 6.8 seconds, which is on the slow side for a base model luxury roadster. Fuel economy is solid, however, with an EPA-estimated 26 mpg combined for both transmissions, with the automatic getting 23 city/33 highway and the manual 22 city/32 highway.

The SLK350 upgrades to a 3.5-liter V6 engine that generates 302 hp and 273 lb-ft of torque. The seven-speed automatic transmission is standard, as is auto stop-start for reduced fuel consumption in the city and in traffic. In Edmunds testing, an SLK350 sprinted to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds, a few tenths slower than the rival BMW Z4 sDrive35i. Fuel economy checks in at 24 mpg combined (21 city/29 highway).

The SLK 55 AMG goes wild with a 5.5-liter V8 that pumps out 415 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is an AMG-tuned seven-speed automatic. Mercedes estimates a 0-60 time of 4.5 seconds, making it the quickest of the compact German luxury roadsters. Thanks to cylinder deactivation, fuel economy is remarkably good at 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway).

Every 2015 Mercedes-Benz SLK comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, active front head restraints, knee airbags and side airbags that cover the abdomen and head. Also standard are roll bars, Attention Assist (a driver drowsiness monitor) and Mercedes' mbrace telematics system, which includes automatic crash notification, on-demand roadside assistance, remote door unlocking and teen driver geo-fencing and speed monitoring.

The Driver Assistance package brings an adaptive cruise control system that includes a frontal collision warning system, impact or rollover preparation (prepares the cabin by adjusting the seats, tightening the seatbelts and rolling up the windows) and automatic braking for frontal collision mitigation. The package also includes blind spot monitoring and lane-keeping assist systems. Front and rear parking sensors are optional on all 2015 SLK convertibles, but a rearview camera is not available.

In Edmunds brake testing, both the SLK250 and SLK350 stopped from 60 mph in about 112 feet. This is short, but its competitors stop a few feet sooner.

The 2015 SLK-Class is reasonably athletic when going around turns, and most drivers will find it quite enjoyable. It also provides the smooth, composed ride that Mercedes drivers expect. It's a deft two-step that most other roadsters can't pull off, though it's very much in keeping with SL family values.

The SLK350 trails the BMW Z4 sDrive35i's acceleration numbers, but in the real world the midrange SLK has plenty of get-up when you give it the spurs, and the exhaust note verges on thrilling. The SLK250's turbocharged four-cylinder engine is less appealing: Acceleration is adequate, but the base Z4 and Boxster are noticeably quicker and return the same fuel economy. Meanwhile, the SLK 55 AMG and its 415 hp is a blast to drive, providing muscle-carlike power in a compact, German roadster.

The SLK interior bears a strong family resemblance to the layouts of both the SL luxury roadster and the more exotic SLS AMG GT. Although the SLK is by far the cheapest car of the three, you'll be hard-pressed to see where Mercedes cut costs. The buttons, switchgear and COMAND technology are virtually identical to what's offered throughout much of the Mercedes lineup, so SLK drivers will never feel like second-class Benz buyers.

Notably for 2015, you can now choose between the panoramic glass roof and a black painted roof as standard equipment. The former offers a great view out, but there's no retractable sunshade, and the only protection you get from a glaring sun is a light tint. For this reason, we strongly recommend either choosing the black roof or springing for the optional Magic Sky Control feature, which darkens the glass automatically at the press of a button. It seems silly to get a retractable-roof roadster if the roof isn't able to block the sun.

Retracting the roof into the trunk -- an entertaining sideshow in itself -- uncovers a cabin that remains pleasantly calm at speed, aided by the standard fixed-glass deflector and optional pivoting wind blocker panels. The AirScarf system blows warm air at neck level from clever seat-mounted vents, while the heated seats further chip in to keep you toasty year-round. In the summer, meanwhile, the available sun-reflective leather guards against scorched skin, and it also slows the leather's aging process.

The main issue inside the SLK is that it's quite snug, even by compact roadster standards. The Z4, for example, gives larger drivers more room. On the bright side, the trunk is surprisingly accommodating whether the roof is up (10.1 cubic feet) or down (a still useful 6.4 cubic feet).