The pleasure of open-top motoring continues to remain a privilege that few in this country can afford, but as that number continues to grow luxury car manufacturers the likes of Mercedes-Benz aren’t exactly going to sit around and watch them being unattended.
Say hello to the new SLK 350, the latest representation of the German car makers modernistic approach to building roadsters that are agile, sporty, good looking and most importantly ecological. Shortly after introducing the SL 350 in India, Mercedes’s move to bring in its new and refreshing SLK 350 coupe is more than welcome.
It’s a car that makes it older second generation model look almost primitive. With a host of exciting and utterly practical safety features like Attention Assist and Adaptive Brake as standard, this new 2011 SLK 350 is a car for those desiring to drive with nothing on their mind but the road ahead.
For additional safety and comfort, the new SLK model will come with some high-tech features like an Intelligent Light System (5 different modes), a speed limit assist system, optional Parktronic (Parking Guidance System) and the anticipatory occupant protection system, known as Pre-Safe. For optimum driving pleasure, Mercedes-Benz has also included the Dynamic Handling package and a Direct-Steer system along with Torque Vectoring Brakes.
The V6 engine in the SLK 350 BlueEFFICIENCY draws 306 hp from its 3498 cubic-centimetre displacement, using this power to accelerate in 5.6 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (top speed 250 km/h). Its consumption is 7.1 litres over 100 kilometers emitting just 167 g of CO2 per kilometer.
As is expected with any Mercedes-Benz, the interiors of this car will be top notch and even in the base version the centre console and other trim parts gleam in brushed aluminium. But, the most innovative and one of a kind feature on this new SLK has to be its panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky Control. In just a matter of a few seconds this feature transforms the roadster into a coupĂ© with a ‘fixed’ roof. The overhead glass roof switches to light or dark as you wish at the press of a button. When light it is virtually transparent, offering an open-air experience even in cold weather.
For a car with such high-end comfort features, top of the line safety apparatus and looks that could turn a million eye balls on any road, the new SLK 350 from Mercedes-Benz demands a price that many can only hope to earn in a lifetime. Priced at 61.9 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) it will be available for purchase at all major Mercedes-Benz showrooms across India.