SLK/SLC 2012 Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG Reviews/Drives Thread

[Monster]

Uh...Rich55, if you haven't noticed, car mags have said the same things about your SLK55 as well. Your Merc wasn't better than the competitors back then, just saying.

I think he is just disappointed that MB didn't improve the new SLK55 as much as he would like it to.

 

[Rich55]

I think he is just disappointed that MB didn't improve the new SLK55 as much as he would like it to.

Right on Monster!

 

[Monster]

The previous SLK 55 BS wasn't a success for Mercedes, so I doubt they are going to repeat it again. I wouldn't complain at all if I have the SLK55, it is a small car with a big engine and massive horsepower, plus it sounds absolutely fantastic.

 

[mini_cooper4]

I remember SLK always selling better than Z4. Besides new Z4 is getting same reviews - more comfort, less sport and agression

Z4 is not my cup of tea too - drive wise.
But the SLK is really a PIG... too heavy and it's really no fun to drive at all.
I'm not a biased BMW fan at all. I only like half of the BMW models - 3, 5, 6, X1, X5, Z4 and I can't stand the others... just saying... do not think that I hate the SLK just because it's not a Bimmer.

 

[Zafiro]

EVO verdict:

There’s no BMW Z4 M (yet) and the most powerful Porsche Boxster has just 316bhp, so the SLK AMG is more a rival to a folding hard-top equipped M3 than anything else. The BMW boasts similar power (414bhp) but is lacking in torque (295lb ft) and mpg (22.2). With four seats it’s less of a compromise, though, and better to drive than the SLK.

More: New Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG roadster review and pictures | evo

 

[GTA45E]

This car might look better in the metal than in photos. -but looking at it and actually owning (or driving it) it is two different experiences.
It`s got to be a blast with all the attention your going to get from this car while driving it.

 

[mini_cooper4]

So you buy a car to attract attention ? hmm

 

[Tarek]

Don't tell us that attention wasn't a reason when you were buying ur Gallardo..

 

[mini_cooper4]

Don't tell us that attention wasn't a reason when you were buying ur Gallardo..

It really isn't It attracts attention because there are only few LPs in here but I really only care about how people see me as a person nothing else.
I like my car more than anybody else that's the only thing that matters to me I drive my 97' Punto too and it has even more sentimental value to me than the Lambo and I love how nobody is looking at me thinking "******' rich boy..."

 

[Rich55]

I find it difficult to understand WHY on earth there are no new pics of this car?? The two silly promotional videos and the white car with these pics and that is all MB is using to promote this car sales...? what the heck...???
I challenge anybody to find a new video and new pics of the new SLK55 AMG online----nothing nothing at all. Something is wrong here.... is this how you promote sales? one set of pics of the same old black and white wheels SLK55 AMG with two videos: One where you hear the motor while the other video a guy runs to his SLK55 AMG and the other with a guy coming out of the office to drive his SLK55...
The reviewers thus far have not posted pics of the cars they tested...WHY?? weird....
Do a search for Porsches and Audis....now that is clever marketing and good used of the INTERNT. Take a hint MB

 

[Nicks]

Someone really need to relax a lil bit

 

[Rich55]

This is a forum. Its meant for people that wish to share ideas, opinions and point of views about a subject that they feel passionate about.
If you have an opinion about the subject share it.

 

[Nicks]

Well here it is - not many people actually care about SLK hence no point for mercedes to really promote it in any way. That simple

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Bless Mercedes-Benz. Bless that company a thousand times. The house that Gottlieb, Karl, and Wilhelm built may not be good at everything, but at the end of the day, it gets one important thing right: If you are going to build a high-performance car for public sale, then said car must sound bitchin'.

Meet the 2012 SLK55 AMG. It sounds excessively bitchin'. Actually, that descriptor might be too modest—this is a machine loud and raucous enough to wake the undersea dead. The naturally aspirated, 5.5-liter, 415-hp V-8 under the SLK's hood is the kind of powerplant that gives Detroit nightmares: torquey, smooth, and blessed with an exhaust note that makes the average V-8–powered American sled sound like a soprano eunuch. AMG calls this engine M152, a fact worth mentioning only because it helps distinguish this V-8 from another Mercedes V-8. The M152 is a variant of the M157, the twin-turbo, 5.5-liter eight recently rolled out as a replacement for AMG's aging, naturally aspirated 6.2-liter M156 V-8.


So Many Numbers, So Little Sense

Let's get this down for posterity: The M156 used to live in AMG 63 cars like the E63 and CL63. Most of those cars still wear "63" badging, a nod to the 1968–72 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3, despite the fact that they now are powered by the 5.5-liter M157. The M156 is still found in the C63 sedan, coupe, and new Black Series coupe; it also lives, albeit in slightly modified M159 form, in the SLS AMG. For the moment, the naturally aspirated, 5.5-liter M152 is found only in the SLK55.

Confused yet? All you really need to know is that Mercedes-Benz badging can't be trusted to accurately portray engine displacement—except in the case of the SLK55, one of the few cars whose number makes sense. Let's move on.

Like all AMG engines, the SLK55's powerplant specializes in torque. In addition to the aforementioned 415 hp, the 7200-rpm M152 cranks out a whopping 398 lb-ft of grunt, enough, we figure, to hurl the diminutive roadster to 60 mph in barely more than four seconds. The V-8 is oriented toward efficiency, at least as much as a 5.5-liter eight-pot can be; cylinder deactivation is standard, as are direct injection, variable valve timing, and a stop-start system. The cylinder-deactivation system, a first for AMG, can disable cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8 by cutting spark and fuel and parking those cylinders' valves. The transition is noticeable only in the form of a slight change in exhaust note—it shifts from a rumbling burble to a boomier, less-complex tune—and an indicator light on the dash. The cylinders go to sleep under light load and only from 800 to 3600 rpm. Mercedes says they need as little as 30 milliseconds to relight, and the active cylinders still produce up to 170 lb-ft of torque. The system only functions when the transmission is set to efficiency mode or when the folding hardtop is up, leaving the top-down experience unsullied by practical concerns.


Mighty (Hefty) Mite

The SLK should weigh a whopping 3550 pounds—hundreds more than a Porsche Boxster or BMW Z4, both of which offer slightly nimbler handling and, in the case of the Boxster, gobs more steering feedback. This is as it should be. Mercedes isn't known for building pared-down, die-hard sports cars, and the brand's droptops have always seemed more suited to grand touring than corner carving. The 55 gets the usual pantheon of handling goodies (stiffer springs and dampers, variable-assist hydraulic steering gear, 18-inch aluminum wheels, and a pseudo torque-vectoring function for the brakes that uses rear-caliper pressure to help the car turn in), and it's happy sucking up winding pavement, but it's happier still carrying big speed over long distances. The standard seven-speed automatic shifts smoothly and quickly, blipping the throttle on downshifts, but the engine is so flexible that you tend to forget the gearbox is there. Gripes are limited to a noticeable amount of nose weight—for better or worse, V-8-engined SLKs have always felt bigger than they are when pushed—and a rear-suspension tune that produces a lot of head toss and the occasional sideways hop over rough pavement.

The SLK55's sports-car clothing and soundtrack can be misleading, but ultimately, this is a remarkably balanced fast touring car. Pricing hasn't been released, but figure on a sticker close to $69,000 when the model goes on sale in 2012. That's anything but cheap, but the noise—that beautiful, lavish noise—is worth every penny

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG - First Drive Review - Car Reviews - Car and Driver

C&D says this car is amazing and worth every penny. This contradicts everything else we've read!

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

Yes, it's a tired trope. But if there's a pair of well-off empty-nesters, the husband drives a Mercedes-Benz SL and the wife has an SLK. Stereotypes become stereotypes for a reason: As often as not, they're true.

But to dismiss this latest SLK as yet another Executive Assistant-spec coupe/cabrio is to miss three important letters on the boot: A, M and G. Yet again, the crew from Affalterbach have butched up the smallest offering in the Benz lineup, taking the proverbial velvet hammer to the "Chick Car" cliche. The rear wheels of the 2012 SLK55 AMG are driven by V8 power and its brakes and suspension bits have been beefed up for the occasional back road bonanza or high-speed highway assault. And unlike the BMW Z4 that's simply begging for the M treatment, Mercedes actually has die Hoden to build a testosterone-infused droptop. And we can't thank them enough.


Like past AMG-fettled SLKs, it takes a keen eye to spot the differences from the standard model. The SLK55 gets a reworked front fascia, rear spoiler, chrome exhaust tips and AMG-specific 18-inch aluminum wheels wrapped in sport rubber. The seats benefit from some additional bolstering and carbon fiber trim lines the dash, doors and central tunnel. It's more refined than racy – typical of AMG's entry-level offerings – and if you still want to enjoy the overhead sights with the top up, you can add the trick Magic Sky Control roof panel available on the standard SLK.

For the first time in far too long, the badging on the back of this Mercedes actually correlates with engine displacement. In this case, the "55" refers to the 5.5-liter V8 – internally dubbed M152 – that differs from the twin-turbocharged M156 replacing the 6.2-liter V8 throughout the AMG line. Packed with variable valve timing and direct injection, this naturally aspirated engine churns out 412 horsepower at 6,800 rpm, while 398 pound-feet of torque effortlessly shoves you past its 4,500 peak. Coupled with the AMG Speedshift Plus seven-speed automatic, the 3,549-pound two-door hits 60 mph in 4.5 seconds before maxing out at its electronically limited top speed of 155 mph.



Even with all that luxury-laden weight, the SLK55 scoots around town and on the freeway with assuring authority, the seven-speed auto 'box running up and down the ratios with smoothness and precision whether leaving it in Drive or flipping the aluminum paddle shifters.

The counterpoint to that refined drivetrain is a positively raucous exhaust note that's sure to challenge owners to avoid putting the top up when the temperature demands a down jacket. With turbocharging becoming the favored power-boosting and fuel-conserving technology, a meticulously crafted set of pipes unencumbered by a set of snails is a rare treat. And with the heated Airscarf system in the seats and wind deflector behind the headrests, even a chilly Northern California morning did little to dampen the fun.



Just as compelling – if not as thrilling – is the V8's ability to cut spark and fuel to cylinders two, three, five and eight, and then closing the valves to turn the 5.5-liter into a 2.75-liter four-cylinder. The deactivation is as seamless as we've experienced, only going into effect under light loads between 800 and 3,600 rpm, yet still delivering 170 lb-ft of torque. The only noticeable change is "ECO4" replacing "ECO8" on the display between the tach and speedo and a subtle alteration of the exhaust note, which instantly changes back to full-on burble in a scant 30 milliseconds. Interestingly, AMG's engineers say that cylinder deactivation shouldn't happen when the top is down, but we experienced the system engaging on several occasions – something we chalked up to the pre-production units on hand. Engine start-stop is also part of the package, and while Mercedes hasn't announced official fuel economy numbers, during our testing, we managed an average of around 25 mpg in mixed driving – commendable when you've got over 400 horses at your command.

During a run through the hills just outside Laguna Seca (if you're a local, you know the road), the SLK55's upgraded brakes handily reined in the coupe time and time again. If there were any fade, we didn't feel it, even as the modified traction control system lightly gripped the outside rear wheel's caliper to aid turn-in. Steering feel was surprisingly quick, nicely weighted and equally communicative – something recent AMGs have begun to excel at – although on-center feel was still Mercedes-grade light. But considering its intended purpose, the steering suits the SLK55 just fine. The reworked suspension (multilink front and rear with retuned springs) combined with the grippier rubber refused to be unsettled over sections of pockmarked pavement, and when traversing some of Monterey County's mountain passes, the SLK stuck right up to the edge of our public road comfort zone.



Although Mercedes booked Laguna for the afternoon, the SLK wasn't bound for the Corkscrew. Track time was intended for another AMG creation. And as it should be. The $70,000 (estimated) SLK55 isn't a sharp-edged track tool – it's a spirited grand tourer with a performance punch. It's for those who enjoy brisk Sunday drives and a soundtrack to match, all while blowing cliches out their quartet of exhaust pipes.

2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG

 

[Merc1]

The front end just ruins this car. I hope the SL doesn't suffer with a pig snout like this.


M

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

The front end just ruins this car. I hope the SL doesn't suffer with a pig snout like this.


M

I actually think it's the opposite. The rear end is blah while the front end has some character.

 

[KEMA]

A couple of recent snap shots from an AMG event in Germany.

The little SLK came across as an incredible package in the flesh. Shame we didn't get to drive it.



Ken

 

[GTA45E]

SLK55 wallpapers...

-->> 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG: First Drive Photo Gallery - Autoblog

 

[-=Hot|Ice=-]

AMG made an odd claim at the San Francisco debut of its all-new pint-sized speedster, the SLK 55 AMG. "It may very well be the most efficient performance car in the world." Huh? I find the statement odd because if this car actually were the "most efficient performance car in the world," Mercedes-Benz would sure as the sun rises trumpet that fact until the cows believed it. But what if the SLK 55 AMG really is the most efficient sports car of them all? Well then, good job, AMG. Just a few short years ago, such a statement would have been laughable at an AMG press briefing. Remember the horsepower wars? The 6200-plus cubic-centimeter engines goosed to within an inch of thermal meltdown? These days, however, we're talking plausible. With a new corporate focus on reducing CO2 emissions 40 percent by 2015, it very well might even be true.


With that out of the way, meet the newest baby roadster to sport an AMG badge -- the most powerful ever (and I'll argue best-looking) SLK 55. While there are other bits and pieces that make it an AMG, at the end of all the hubbub (and the 44-page press release!), Mercedes-Benz's in-house tuning arm is really all about just one thing: big engines pumping out big, tire-shredding power numbers. The new SLK 55 is no exception, though it is a little different. Under the long hood sits a special version of AMG's 5.5-liter V-8 (internal code name: M157). Only thing is, the two turbochargers and intercoolers have been removed for "packaging reasons." In their place? Nada. But don't fret, as the new (and newly christened) M152 motor puts out a rather healthy 422 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque.


Think about those power figures for a moment. The outgoing, but still available in the C63 AMG (and range-topping SLS Gullwing) 6.2-liter M156 V-8 cranks out 451 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. The new engine loses seven-tenths of a liter in terms of displacement, but the all-important horsepower per-liter metric actually goes up (from about 73 hp per liter to 77). For those keeping track, the torque per liter figure also rises, from 71 lb-ft to 72. Anyhow, compared with the old 355 hp SLK 55, this new guy's a monster. Perhaps more important to roadster fans is that since the turbos have been yanked off, the SLK 55 sounds better than other AMGs outfitted with the M157 mill. You can actually hear the exhaust, and quite a bit of lovely back burble. Especially with the top dropped and stowed and the new sport exhaust burbling/shrieking away.


And should you choose to fold and lower the metal roof, you can breathe easier knowing that the new car puts out 30-percent less CO2 than the previous version. It's also much more efficient in terms of miles per gallon, and to achieve that feat, AMG had to hit the car with its full bag of fuel-sipping tricks. First and foremost is a slick cylinder deactivation system that is (almost) totally imperceptible. If you really go out of your way to feel and listen for it, you will detect a slight (and I mean slight) shudder when the other four cylinders fire up and the motor turns back into a proper V-8. But in reality, the reactivation just feels like a tiny bump in the road. The M152 also employees high-pressure direct injection (2900 psi), a lofty compression ration of 12.6:1, and start/stop technology. Now, you have to leave the AMG drive selector in C (or Eco) mode to take advantage of both the start/stop and the cylinder deactivation. And most of the time, most people probably will do just that. The end result will net you about 28 mpg combined. Better yet, the car feels mighty quick, especially with the top down.


Should you choose to twist the aforementioned knob to the right, good things happen as the fast-ish shifting seven-speed transmission slips into Sport mode. Shifts are not only now faster, but under aggressive braking the transmission fires off some lovely downshifts. Keep knob twisting and you get to full manual mode where you notice that the Mercedes gearbox is almost -- but not quite -- as good as a comparable dual-clutch. There's also a new torque-vectoring brake system that detects understeer and brakes the appropriate individual rear wheel to counter the bad behavior. Luckily for the driver, the SLK 55 doesn't understeer all that much to begin with, so you probably won't notice that last feature activating. I got it to show up a few times, and while it works, I still don't like the idea of using brakes to go faster. It's more of a philosophical issue than an actual one. The cars I drove were equipped with AMG's optional Handling package that features stiffer a stiffer suspension setup, a locking rear differential, and uprated brakes. The result of all this new technology in terms of handling is good.


Heading out onto a beautifully twisted road near Santa Cruz, I was overcome by the unmistakable big-bore growl of a full-blown SLS AMG. Behind me in a white SLS Roadster were some PR peeps from MB. And when I say behind me, I mean I could hear their stereo in braking zones (they were blasting Donna Summers, if you're interested). And for 30 miles, the two cars had at it. They had more power, but I learned to drive in twisted California canyons, so the two cars seemed well-matched. I had to drive hard, but I managed to stay in front of the much faster vehicle, especially as the road become more and more convoluted. The fast run proved to me that the new SLK 55 AMG handles very well, even with the top down. Cowl shake and other typical convertible bad habits have been minimized, admirably so. In fact, a much more talented journalist than myself proved to me that the new SLK 55 is a terrific drift machine, on the paddock of Laguna Seca. Much to our German friends' chagrin. At the end of it all, the SLK 55 AMG is just solidly fun to drive. A key attribute for people in the market for a tiny, fast, and eco-friendly roadster with almost no luggage space that will probably set them back at least $75,000 -- however many of them there are.

Read more: 2013 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55AMG First Drive - Motor Trend