SLK/SLC-Class (R172) Mercedes-Benz SLK R172 (spy shots and info)

[PHYBENZ]

 

[HighestOfHigh]

Looking better and better! Also long as it doesn't come out like a baby SLS, then I will be happy. Judging from those photos, it will look different. Interior on the other hand I don't know.

 

[PHYBENZ]

 

[Shining Star]

Meh. The chop is nothing special. The only thing that will be on the SLK is the SLS style grille...hopefully MB has a better design up its sleeves than the above chop.

 

[tennmb]

I think that chop fails to capture the grille. But I'd say it is on target. I wouldn't expect anything flashy. Clean, understated car. The original SLK was about as bland as you could find. The 2nd generation had the F1 nose gimmick.

I read where MB was going to go to smaller head and taillamps. But this car appears to have trimmer tail lamps but still has large eyes, which is unfortunate. The head lights on the current SLK didn't flow at all. The tail lights were one of my favorites, as was the trunk contours.

Where MB really needs help is on their interiors. I was in an Infiniti FX50, and the materials blow MB out of the water. Not even close if you compare it to a ML550.

 

[PHYBENZ]

^^^ historically the materials in US built MBs are definetly a step or two below in perceived quality. I'm not sure if it has to do with the fact that they are supplied by US suppliers, but hopefully the ML, GL, and R materials take another jump up in the next generation.

 

[picsoubmw]

 

[SCOTT27]

Today I had the pleasure of sitting behind the first generation SLK-Klasse an R230 and even today it still looks better than it's successor.

Why? The R230 is a lesson in simplicity it does not have that rising rear end and the surfaces on the car are taut and do not go for an overstyled look, it is unmistakeably Mercedes-Benz , classic , restrained and with a simple premium flavour.
It is no wonder why the first generation had a long waiting list.

It's successor threw that away for a Mini -SLR look which completely kicked the R230 where it hurt. I am hoping the next SLK (R172) Returns to a more restrained and classy approach as the R230.

 

[Merc1]

The R230 is the current generation SL. I get what you're saying about the styling though. Simple and clean and elegant. That is what Mercedes-Benz should always be, but oh well.

M

 

[Centurion]

Mercedes have a big task on their hands. I feel that the new Z4 has made the SLK obsolete. The BMW has a metal folding roof, sensual/feminine lines like the SLK and has a very luxurious interior. It simply blows the current Benz off the road.

 

[tennmb]

First gen SLK was a piece of crap. If all the paint didn't flake off the center console you were lucky. It wasn't unusual to have the interior door trim competely fall apart. It was cheap, cheap, cheap. It had waiting list because it was a Benz, the economy was booming, and it was the ONLY hard top convertible in the market. The engine was noisy, it rattled like crazy, and looked as inspiring as a Geo Metro.

 

[Merc1]

When I think about what Shremp did to Mercedes and all the cars that came under his watch I have the urge to have him beaten. Beautiful cars during his time, but built like nothing. He should be ashamed, yet I'm sure he is relaxing in money and couldn't care one bit that he and his team nearly ruined Mercedes-Benz forever.


M

 

[MBFanToDeath]

 

[Beemer B773ER]

In those latest spy shots, it's clear to see the shape of the headlights. Fairly conservative, but it should look sleek. The new 'hanging' grille should work well in creating a wide stance for the front-end.

Should be another nice SLK, but sometimes we need more than just nice.

 

[Merc1]

Amazingly I agree, they need to spice things up a bit. The segment is getting even more stylish with every new entry.


M

 

[SKY]

Let´s wait to see it unmasked and with the AMG pack, it won´t dissapoint.

 

[MBFanToDeath]

Let´s wait to see it unmasked and with the AMG pack, it won´t dissapoint.

 

[bum-man]

I think Mercedes is going back to the R170 roots without the quality problems. A little more basic less expensive relative to the R171, an all out sportier car perhaps? With the Z4 moving upmarket and with the unexplained roadster in the SL spyshots thread perhaps Mercedes already answered BMW's Z2 and Z4.

 

[Beemer B773ER]

Let´s wait to see it unmasked and with the AMG pack, it won´t dissapoint.

That may well be true..but if you have to rely on a sports package to transform the vehicle into something that is eye-catching (ala: Audi) then there's something wrong with the basic design.

Merc1 is right, every new entrant in this segment is putting added focus on design flare to try and communicate the essence and sportiness of a roadster. The Z4 captures it perfectly.

 

[HighestOfHigh]