Built from the ground up with one goal in mind, the SLK-Class leaves its driver breathless and wanting more. Each of the three trim levels are one more magnificent than the next; the SLK280 with a 3.0L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK350 with a 3.5L 24-valve V-6 engine; the SLK55 AMG with a 5.5L SOHC 24-valve V-8 engine.

The 280SLK offers sleek styling and impeccable road manners, with desirable features including a 9 speaker AM/FM stereo with CD. The speed-sensitive volume control adds drama to the starts and stops of the daily commute. Safety features complete the package with anti-lock disc brakes and seat-mounted side-impact airbags with head protection.

No significant changes have been made to the Mercedes Benz SLK350 or SLK 280 cabrioles or coupes as of the 2007 model year-and few complaints have been heard. The SLK Class convertibles are subject to blind spots when the top is up, something that many wish will be addressed in the future. However, compliments regarding the invigorating and responsive handling, the retractable hard top accompanied by world class Mercedes quality far outweigh any negative chatter.

The Mercedes Benz retractable hard top SLK350 returned with enhanced handling, a more user friendly and elaborately detailed interior and the power of a 3.5 liter V6. 2006 saw the addition of the SLK280 in addition to the SLK350 Roadster. The SLK280 was offered as a less costly option with a 3.0 V6 engine, retaining the majority of the features and options available for the SLK350. The SLK55 AMG was released in 2007 and was built in limited quantities and for high performance drivers. The SLK55 AMG comes equipped with a 5.4 liter V8 engine, 18 inch chrome wheels, sports car designed suspension with brakes and tires to match.

SLK class was comprised of four models that spanned those years. The SLK230 Kompressor distinguished itself from any others with its folding hard top and familiarly impressive supercharged Mercedes engineering and design capabilities. The subsequent SLK 320 attracted convertible admirers with its more endearing 6 speed manual transmission and 3.2 liter V6 engine. The SLK32 AMG with a 3.2 liter V6 engine putting out 354 horsepower was available in limited quantities in the United States and went from 0-60 in 4.5 seconds. The SLK200 was not available for sale or purchase in the United States, but those overseas-and those who utilized the gray market in the U.S.-were served a more economically fuel efficient and slightly toned down 2.0 136 horsepower engine in the SLK200.

Objective measures looking at passenger vehicles such as J.D. Power surveys demonstrated a downturn in reputation in this area in the late 1990s and early 2000s. By mid-2005, Mercedes temporarily returned to the industry average for initial quality, a measure of problems after the first 90 days of ownership, according to J.D. Power.

The Mercedes automobile was first marketed in 1901 by Daimler Motoren Gesellschaft. The first Mercedes-Benz brand name vehicles were produced in 1926, following the merger of Karl Benz’s and Gottlieb Daimler’s companies into the Daimler-Benz company.[1] Mercedes-Benz has introduced many technological and safety innovations that have become common in other vehicles several years later.