2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

As one might guess from their model names, the SLK300 has a 3.0L V6 under its long, sloped hood, while the SLK350 has a 3.5L V6. As one might also gues, that half liter in an otherwise identical car makes a big difference. The SLK300 with a 6-speed manual can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 6.1 seconds, while the SLK350 with a 7-speed automatic shaves that down to 5.4 seconds.

The SLK55 AMG is in a class all its own, with a hand-built 5.5-liter V8 that churns out 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. It's got an AMG SpeedShift 7-speed automatic, and a 0-60 mph time of 4.9 seconds. It also has 18-inch AMG wheels, rather than the 17-inch wheels of the SLK300 and SLK350.

All three SLKs have ABS, electronic brake assist, traction control, and the electronic stability program, which measures steering wheel angle and direction, yaw rate, wheel speed and lateral acceleration. The automatic transmission, standard on the SLK350 and optional on the SLK300, will adapt to the driver's style to deliver the most fitting performance level. Front and side airbags are standard (no second row to worry about in this two-seater), plus side guard door beams and integrated rollover protection.

Mercedes-Benz packed a lot of features into the small roadster package, not least of which is the self-stowing electronically operated hard top, which tucks into the trunk. Power everything is standard equipment, just like the leather steering wheel and seats, dual-zone climate controls, and a 9-speaker stereo system. They even managed to find room for two cup holders. The vehicle telematics system includes emergency notification in the event of an accident, roadside assistance, and remote door unlocking. This service is free for the first 12 months of SLK-Class ownership.

The SLK55 AMG adds an upgraded engine, larger wheels, and a sportier suspension. The AMG Performance Package adds a compound braking system, carbon fiber trim and a 174-mph top speed limiter which is 24 mph faster than the other SLK-Class models.

The SLK300 is available for 2010 in the Diamond White package, which features metallic white paint and two-tone interior. The estimated 100 special-edition models that are sold in the U.S. will also have sport suspension, steering-wheel shift paddles, and the 18-inch alloy wheels from AMG.
Not much is new for the 2010 SLK-Class, as it was just freshened for the 2009 model year. There is a new available 17-inch wheel design with five twin spokes, and the SLK300 comes in a special Diamond White limited edition with exclusive paint and sportier suspension. There are still three models for 2010, the SLK300, SLK350 and AMG-tuned SLK55.
Sexy roadster styling; sporty performance; lots of safety features in a convertible
The SLK-Class lacks in two things roadsters usually have in abundance: wind noise and poor rear visibility. This can be credited to the well-designed power-retractable hardtop works well, and is not fussy, and the head restraints have warm air vents that blow on the driver's and passenger's necks keeping them warm even when the roof is open. Handling is sporty and quick, and the interior is as comfy as the ride. The SLK300 and SLK350 get a respectable 26 mpg on the highway.