Mercedes SLS

Created Date: 10/02/2011

The SLK was always one of those revolutionary automobiles that helped make a lot of the cars what they are today. It was the first car to adopt the metal folding hardtop for example, so you could drive a fully functioning convertible without the disadvantage of a fiddly, canvas roof. Rather than being a technological showpiece this third generation offering bodes far more to blending classic Mercedes design and fierce contemporary styling, with its modern angular bodywork and homage to the 1950’s and 1960’s classic SL series, it is sure to impress the Mercedes fanboys.

Drawing obvious inspiration from the Mercedes SLS supercar, the grill and lights are almost identical and carry across that supercar appeal. The bodywork takes on more of a slanted, angular view than that of the SLS, but still maintains its very sporty similarities. Not to be taken lightly on technology, Mercedes has really gone to town on giving plenty to look forward to inside the SLK. The theme of this car is one of a fierce powerhouse and one look at the interior will again justify that statement. Inspired once again by the SLS, four large air vents on the dashboard rule the interior and are complemented by expensive looking brushed metals and plastics. Aggressive red mood lighting illuminates the centre console and door panels, with everything spelling out a big, classy, monster of a car. New this year is something truly revolutionary, a fully functioning sunroof built into the convertible folding roof. Mercedes call it a “Magic Sky Control sunroof” and while it’s an optional extra it will no doubt be well worth having. It works by giving the driver control over whether the glass on the roof is opaque or transparent. At the touch of a button the roof can go clear, or if it’s a dull, rainy day vice versa. However all these innovations can’t hide the fact that they designed this car to look fast... which given the engine choices is no surprise, as the SLK is going to be one quick number for sure.

Mercedes are shipping the SLK with two petrol engine choices when it goes on sale this summer, with the most powerful being a 304bhp V6 monster that gets you from 0-60 just shy of the five second mark and onto a top speed of 155mph. Impressively for an engine of its size it still manages a very respectable fuel economy of 39mpg, which will please those hoping to use this as their main mode of transport. The mid range offering is the SLK 250, which houses a 201bhp powerplant and can hit 60 in 6.6 seconds, while the SLK 200 finishes off the line with 181bhp and 0-60 rating of just under 7 seconds. Impressive figures all round then, backed up all the more by the fact that even the 181bhp SLK 200 will reach 150mph should you desire.

Later on in its lifespan Mercedes plan to release more versions to accompany the above. The first of which will be a 201bhp CDI diesel version, which should show some pleasing fuel economy figures. The second and more exciting for those of us into power and speed will of course be the AMG model, which with its twin-turbo V6 will be sure to impress when it goes on sale. More is set to be released on this car in the upcoming Geneva Motor show in March, so keep your eyes peeled on this one and don’t forget that Car Leasing Made Simple gives you the best deal in Mercedes Car Leasing.

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