2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 Reviews

The rampaging Benz SLK 55 AMG roadster has no competition in the compact Euro' sports car class - it's the only V8 and out-powers the six and five cylinder competition - by a long shot.But the price is competitive at $155,000, so as far as we are concerned, it's a no-brainer. We'd go the V8 Benz every time, for a whole raft of reasons.EXHAUSTINGNot the least of these is how it sounds. There's a dual mode exhaust down the back with flaps that progressively open or close according to throttle position - with the obvious effect.When you drive a V8 you want to know about it, especially one like this that revs to 7200rpm and sounds like World War III at full noise.ENGINEThe direct injection, 5.5-litre, V8 engine is similar to the new twin-turbo V8 used in other AMG cars _ without the turbos and with a different cylinder head and other changes.It has auto stop/start and cylinder deactivation in `eco' mode and is good for a healthy 310kW/540Nm output. Fuel economy is the best of any petrol V8 currently available rated at 8.4-litres/100km _ yes, amazing. The change from four cylinder to eight cylinder running is almost imperceptible.Drive to the rear wheels is by a slick-shifting seven-speed auto with paddle shift and three change modes. It will blip the throttle on down changes and utters a neat exhaust pop at full throttle up changes.CREDENTIALS"Green" influences see low friction engine internals and demand-related alternator and oil pump along with other technologies to reduce enviro impact.THE DRIVEIt's a fabulous car to drive with incredible handling and brutal performance, or it can be a smooth groove depending on your mood. The ride/handling package is brilliant - not rock hard but totally controlled.Handling, is nothing short of sensational thanks in part to the torque vectoring brakes that selectively apply to keep the SLK tracking true. The large wheels/tyres and brakes also help a tad as does direct steering that changes gearing to provide optimum feel and response.THE LOOKIt looks like a scaled down Benz SL with SLS influences and is strictly a two seater. The cabin is luxurious and the hard roof deploys quickly. Our drive car had the Magic Sky roof with variable blue tint _ magic.SAFETYSafety is top notch with all manner of active and passive systems including attention assist and radar cruise control as well as active headlights with auto dip and see round corner function.VERDICTYes please.Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGPrice: from $155,000Warranty: 3 years/unlimited kmResale: 53 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval: 25,000km/24 monthsSafety: rating five NCAP starsSpare: mobility kitEngine: 5.4-litre 32-valve V8, 310kW/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic; RWDBody: 4.1m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.3m (h)Weight: 1610kgThirst: 8.51/100km, on test 16l/100km,  tank 70 litres; 197g/km CO2

AMG may as well stand for Ah Mein Gott, such is the the impact the acronym can have on those in the passenger seat, or trying to keep up.While there are svelte and subtle machines in the AMG arsenal, like the CL63, and snaky-tailed hooligans like the C63, the SLK 55 AMG sits somewhere in between. It's hardly a hairdresser's car, but anything with "scarf" (even an Airscarf) on its features list, you have to wonder....VALUEWhen there's six digits in the pricetag then value isn't the first adjective that springs to mind. The SLK 55 AMG has been cut by nearly $25,000 to start from $155,000, which buys you the most powerful SLK of all time and near the cheapest - the C63 slides in at $152,000.Performance aside, the features list has satnav, full iPod integration via cable (thankfully now in the centre console, not the glovebox), Bluetooth phone and audio link, adaptive bixenon headlights, cruise control, power windows, a subtle AMG bodykit, dual-zone climate control, seat heaters and the Airscarf neck-heaters, voice control for the iPod/USB/hard-drive equipped infotainment 10-speaker surround-sound system, power-adjustable sports seats, a suede/leather sports steering wheel with paddleshifts.The only option fitted to the test car was the AMG 18in alloy wheels for $1275.TECHNOLOGYAMG has whipped the turbos off the 5.5-litre direct-injection V8 and given it (by necessity) a new intake and cylinder heads. Compared to the out-going SLK AMG there's a hike of 45kW and 30Nm to put power at 310kW and deliver 540Nm, making it the most powerful SLK yet.Benz also says its the most fuel-efficient petrol V8 around, thanks to a cylinder drop out system and stop-start that drops by 30 per cent the claimed combined fuel consumption figure over its predecessor - 8.5l/100km. The SLK can run on four cylinders while cruising, shutting of cylinders 2, 3 and 5 when they are not needed.Also on the highlight reel for technology is variable power steering - "Direct Steer" in Merc-speak, which helps broaden the steering's ability, to make it useful when parking and pelting through a series of bends, but still doesn't endow the hefty droptop with the sharpest cornering manners.Torque Vectoring is a fancy way of explaining a braked inside rear wheel to help the car turn - it's effective when press-ahead driving is underway but seems to be a little bit of technology to counteract the pushy nose.It's not going to be an issue for most driving, but if you are interested in turning with purpose and poise at pace .... something else starting with P is a better bet.DESIGNThe new SLS-themed sportscar styling has been applied to the SLK and the AMG variant has plenty of aggression. The bull-nose is long and the rear end and cabin look somewhat abbreviated, with the rear end highlighted by a under-bumper diffuser and quad oval exhausts.The test car was coloured red within, a stark contrast to the grey exterior, but the two-seater's cabin is a picture German efficiency and ergonomic accuracy. The round, rolling retro vents, were a favourite, as was the grippy sports steering wheel with paddleshifts, which are worth using when the genuine manual change mode is engaged.Cabin storage is useful enough for phone and wallets, and if you don't want to drop the top there's 335 litres of bootspace, which shrinks to 225 litres if you want to up your Vitamin D.SAFETYThe watchword for the three-pointed star and its has plenty to back that claim - roll-bars, dual front, head and thorax airbags, seat belt tensioners with belt force limiters, active head restraints, three-stage stability control, tyre pressure warning system and the Presafe safety system which also has a drowsy driver detection system among its features.DRIVINGPrevious experience in the cooking SLK cars was not unpleasant but there was no suggestion of delivering scalpel-like sharpness in the bends. The AMG model gets closer to that point but it's still going to be other open-topped cars first on the shopping list for those inclined to cornering.But the gap is far closer than it used to be and while the flat-six has aural appeal, the Benz bent-eight has plenty of character too. Thankfully the SLK AMG has a nice V8 burble that's not squashed by a couple turbos - it's demure (fitting for the style-counsel model) at part-throttle, smooth and economical when in C and Eco Mode, slipping gently between gears for unfussed progress.The ride is less frenetic than some of its AMG siblings, although it still does a bit of crash and thump over some of our nastier roads. With the top dropped there were a few squeaks from behind the rollbars on nastier bumps, something not present when the lid was locked up.But dropping the roof, selecting Sport mode on the transmission and stability control and introducing the throttle pedal to the firewall and the serenade transformed into something more akin to a hair-metal title track.This is the personality that best befits the AMG SLK V8 - the cruisy economy mode is fine for getting good fuel economy figures, but if you want that there's an E-Class cabrio diesel that's $40,000 cheaper. The active exhaust system leaves little left unsaid at full throttle, when the flaps within the exhaust opening right up.There's a nice crackle on over-run as well, with a neat "whaffle" of a noise between cogs on the upshift, but the AMG 6.2-litre natmo engine still has it beat for a soundtrack. The numbers are impressive - 4.6 seconds to 0-100km/h, which means in a straight line it'll pip (just) the Boxster S (by 0.6) and the TT-S Roadster by 0.8, and it's one second quicker to 100km/h than $36,000 SLK 350.Where the other German coupes might make up ground on the AMG is in the bends - the SLK 55 does the job in fine style but the front end just doesn't quite bite like the Porsche Boxster (hence the torque vectoring thing to give it a hand) and the TT S has grip in bucketloads.All of which would make a point-to-point time trial between them very interesting - all I have to do now is find the time, the cars and two volunteer drivers. Any takers?Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGPrice from $155,000Warranty 3 years/unlimited kmResale 53 per cent (Source: Glass's Guide)Service interval 25,000km/24 monthsSafety rating five NCAP starsSpare mobility kitEngine 5.5-litre 32-valve V8, 310kW/540NmTransmission 7-speed automatic; RWDBody 4.1m (L); 1.8m (w); 1.3m (h)Weight 1610kgThirst 8.51/100km, on test 16l/100km,  tank 70 litres; 197g/km CO2 

You'd think more power would mean higher fuel consumption. But amazingly the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG uses 30 per cent less fuel than its predecessor.The clever engineers in the Benz go-fast department (the equivalent of Holden's HSV) have called on a bag of tricks to bring down the 5.5-litre V8's fuel consumption including start/stop which turns the engine off at traffic lights and cylinder shutdown that as its name suggests shuts down up to four of the eight cylinders to save fuel when they are not needed.THE V8The same 5.5-litre capacity as the previous model. Based on the force-fed V8 that powers the E63 and other models. It's been totally re-engineered, with a new cylinder heads and induction. Produces 310kW of power and 540Nm of torque, compared with 265kW and 510 before.HOW FAST?0-100km/h takes a rapid 4.6 seconds and the top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. The cheaper C63 with the performance pack fitted does it in 4.4 secs and the fabulous SLS Gullwing is good for a blistering 3.8 seconds.FUEL CONSUMPTIONA claimed 8.5 litres/100km, down almost 30 per cent. Benz claims it's the most economical V8 available anywhere int the world. We didn't see anything like this on the launch but we tend to go a bit harder than the average punter. Our lowest figure for the day was 11.2 litres/100km.HOW MUCH?$155,000 plus on-roads ($24K less than the previous model). But there are some options you may wish to consider including the aforementioned handling pack for $8825. The magic sky roof adds another $4500.THE ROOF The sectioned metal roof takes 20 seconds to raise or lower transforming the car from a coupe to a cabrio for that unequalled wind in your hair experience. The roof panel can in fact be replaced with a polycarbonate section that can be changed from opaque to transparent at the push of a button  just like magic.PRECIOUSThe catalytic convertor, one of them at least, is coated with palladium which is one of the most expensive precious metals in the world. Just another reason not to leave it parked anywhere.THE DRIVEIt's a sports car and as expected accelerates quickly and has very high levels of grip, but the short wheelbase means it tends to move around a lot on bumpy country roads. The smoother the road the better it is and the more relaxed the driving experience.With such a big engine in such a small car straight line performance is impressive and overtaking is always an option. Punch the throttle and it simply a matter of pulling it back before things becomes illegal. The seven-speed auto is slick, never caught short and even blips the throttle on downchanges, with three modes included controlled efficiency. The four-piston front brakes bite hard but can be upgraded to ceramic ones for additional sum.THE SOUNDLovely when you can hear it. Employs a variable baffle system that progressively raises the volume the harder you push. Too bad you can't turn it off because the best time to appreciate the blat of the V8 is when you're taking it easy cruising down the boulevarde with the top down.MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55 AMGPrice: from $155,000Engine: 5.5litre, V8Outputs: 310kw/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic

Only a few months after the release of the standard models in the SLK sports roadster range, Mercedes-Benz has launched the hot SLK 55 AMG variant.There are several reasons for the fast turnaround to get the ultra-quick SLK 55 Down Under. Firstly, ours is one of the biggest markets for the AMG models in the world as wealthy car enthusiasts just love them. Secondly, the Australian car market is powering along at a time when European sales are sagging.Finally, these days AMG is working more closely than ever with its parent company, Mercedes-Benz, so is able to incorporate necessary body and suspension mods into the car at the drawing board stage.PRICEWe used the words ‘wealthy car enthusiasts’ to describe Aussies buying AMG models. This isn’t necessarily so when it comes to the latest Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. The strength of the Australian dollar, combined with hard edged negotiations with the German head office means the price of the SLK 55 has been trimmed by a significant $27,000 compared to the outgoing model. So just $155,000 plus on roads will put the new Merc onto your driveway.OK, families struggling with a mortgage won’t be in the market for an SLK 55, but anyone on a reasonable salary who is prepared to do without a few other of life’s little luxuries can get into the driving seat.ENGINE AND MECHANICALAMG has worked hard for several years to produce an all-new 5.5-litre V8 engine. This unit is becoming increasingly familiar in the Mercedes-Benz and AMG ranges, but as installed in the SLK it differs from the other high-performance units in being naturally aspirated instead of turbocharged. It still manages to produce up to 310 kW of power and 540 Nm of torque.Though economy is obviously not a primary concern in a high-performance engine like this, Mercedes-Benz and AMG have put a considerable amount of effort into reducing fuel use and emissions, resulting in an engine that has higher power but achieves this by using as much as 30 per cent less fuel. Under light conditions the V8 engine actually becomes a V4 as it deactivates half of its cylinders.The engine sends all this grunt to the rear wheels (of course!) by way of a seven-speed automatic transmission that has several modes: C (for Controlled efficiency), Sport and Sport+. In the interests of smoothness at commuting speeds the transmission uses a conventional torque convertor, rather than the manual-type clutch as on the ultra-hot AMG models.DRIVINGWe have been able to spend several hours at the wheel of a couple of the new Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGs and like what we feel. As the new engine isn’t turbocharged its response is all-but instantaneous. There’s a great push in the back as the car leaps from rest to 100 km/h in just 4.6 seconds. This sort of acceleration also makes for very safe overtaking.The quality of sound from the big V8 is excellent, but we could have done with a bit more quantity - that is louder…  Even with the top down we kept wishing for more aural input as the engine went up and down through the rev range. In particular, the sounds of the blips on fast downchanges and the burble on overrun would have been greatly appreciated.The automatic can be controlled through steering wheel paddles and has very fast changes. Once the first manual shift is made the auto remains in the gear selected rather than reverting to Drive as happens in less sporting models. We like it like that.Handling is pin sharp, with virtually instantaneous turn in and response. The SLK 55 AMG is the lightest of the Mercedes high-performance range and feels neat and nimble for a car with a mass on the wrong side of 1600 kg.Comfort is generally good, though the ride is a little pitchy at times. This is probably to be expected in a full-house sportscar with a relatively short wheelbase. We got the suspension down to the bump stops a couple of times and the SLK 55 really crashed down on them.Aside from the sporting side of the new AMG; it has plenty of creature comforts in the way of a true grand tourer. Leather trim is standard as is the full suite of communication aids including Bluetooth streaming and up to 10 Gb of storage space. The interior is quiet with the roof raised, indeed it’s almost as though you are riding in a closed coupe. That’s impressive.MERCEDES-BENZ SLK55 AMGPrice: From $155,000Engine: 5.5litre, V8Outputs: 310kw/540NmTransmission: 7-speed automatic