2010 Mercedes-Benz SLK Reviews, Pricing & Specs

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class two-seat convertible roadster rolls into 2010 with no major changes. However, Mercedes does offer a new...

The Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class two-seat convertible roadster rolls into 2010 with no major changes. However, Mercedes does offer a new limited-edition Diamond White package for the SLK300 trim for 2010. The package includes such features as Diamond White metallic exterior paint, 18-inch AMG wheels, a sport suspension, a two-tone interior with contrasting stitching on the leather upholstery, and a premium-leather-wrapped steering wheel with shift paddles.

In addition to the SLK300 trim, the 2010 SLK-Class consists of the midrange SLK350 and the performance-tuned SLK55 AMG. All trims feature a power-retractable hardtop roof, which lowers at the touch of a button in just 22 seconds for open-air driving. When up and in place, the hardtop enhances the SLK-Class's sporty exterior design, highlighted by the arrow-shaped, F1-inspired front end with color-keyed grille crossfins, the up-sweeping side lines, and the sharply tapered rear end with trapezoidal exhaust pipes.

Standard exterior features for the SLK-Class include driver-selectable light-sensing headlights, front foglights, a single rear red foglight, dual heated power side mirrors with integrated turn signals, and LED taillights. In addition, the trunk lid opens at the front to stow the retractable hardtop and at the rear for cargo access.

A 3.0-liter, DOHC V6 engine, producing 228 hp and 221 lb-ft of torque, powers the SLK300. The engine links to either a six-speed manual transmission, which comes standard, or an optional seven-speed automatic transmission with driver adaptive programming and the Touch Shift manual-shift feature. The SLK350 comes equipped with a 3.5-liter, DOHC V6 powerplant generating 300 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. It links to the seven-speed automatic transmission, which comes as standard equipment and is the only transmission available on this trim. At the top of the SLK-Class heap, the SLK55 AMG retains its powerful AMG-built, naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 engine, which produces 355 hp and 376 lb-ft of torque. The V8 mates to an AMG SpeedShift 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission, and propels the roadster from 0 to 60 in 5.1 seconds.

All SLK-Class trims feature a direct-steer system with vehicle speed sensing, which provides a quicker overall steering response, a lighter feel in parking lots, and improved handling and stability at higher speeds. In addition, all trims ride on an independent multilink suspension, with a three-link system in the front, a five-arm multilink configuration in the rear, and stabilizer bars in both the front and rear. In addition, Mercedes lowers the ride height in the rear, all of which result in agile, sport-oriented handling and a firm yet comfortable ride.

Inside, standard features for the SLK-Class include leather upholstery and trim, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, dual-zone climate control, a four-way tilt/telescoping steering column, stainless-steel rubber-studded pedals, and silver trim on the doors, dash, and panel. An AM/FM audio system with a 6-CD changer and an MP3 input jack also comes standard. Owners can add Burl Walnut interior wood trim, heated power-adjustable seats, digital climate control, a Harman Kardon surround-sound audio system, Sirius satellite radio, and a hard-drive navigation system with a 6.5-inch touchscreen as options.

The SLK55 AMG adds a number of features designed by AMG, Mercedes' in-house tuner, including Nappa leather upholstery, an AMG ergonomic sports steering wheel, bolstered sports seats, and an AMG instrument cluster, as well as an AMG-designed exhaust system, high-performance braking system, and a rear spoiler.

Standard safety equipment for the 2010 SLK-Class includes six airbags, integrated rollover protection, electronic stability control, and antilock brakes with brake assist. Mercedes also offers a number of services through its mbrace suite, including emergency services, roadside assistance, and automatic collision notification, all of which come standard. The SLK300 and SLK350 ride on 17-inch alloy wheels with staggered high-performance tires, which are wider in the rear to provide additional traction and stability. The SLK55 AMG rides on 18-inch AMG light-alloy wheels.