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The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
March 15, 2004
The new Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class
Contents
Page
Short version
The new Mercedes-Benz sports Roadster
The SLK-Class: More power, more safety, more driving pleasure
2
Long version
Model range and equipment
The allure of the roadster summed up in three letters
8
Design
Love at first sight
14
Bodywork and vario-roof
Expertise and skill
20
Safety
Safety takes a front seat
33
Interior
An experience for two
41
Engines and transmissions
Geared up for power
54
Chassis
Leading the pack
68
SLK 55 AMG
Top of the class
76
Technical data
80
The descriptions and specifications in this press kit refer to the Mercedes-Benz brand's German model range.
Specifications can vary from country to country. 2
The new Mercedes-Benz sports Roadster
The SLK-Class:
More power, more safety, more driving pleasure:
The second generation of one of the most exciting and successful sports cars on
the market is ready to hit the streets: Mercedes-Benz presents the new SLK-Class.
Even more alluring, more powerful and sportier than ever, the beguiling two-
seater is due to celebrate its European market premiere in March 2004. Three dif-
ferent engine variants are available for the new car, developing from 120 kW/
163 hp to 265 kW/360 hp. The range includes for the first time in this vehi-
cle class an eight-cylinder power unit from Mercedes-AMG. The V6 engine in
the SLK 350, meanwhile, develops 200 kW/272 hp and delivers impressively
dynamic driving pleasure.
The second generation of the Mercedes compact two-seater also boasts an
exquisite overall design, several details of which take their cue from For-
mula 1. The SLK thus remains true to its reputation as a trendsetter and tech-
nological leader in this category of sports cars. The further developed vario-
roof, which transforms the roadster into a coupé in just 22 seconds, is joined
on the list of standard equipment by head/thorax sidebags, adaptive front air-
bags and two-stage belt force limiters. The cars chassis, steering and manual
transmission have been given an even sportier edge.
Plus, Mercedes-Benz is presenting a world first, in the shape of the innovative
AIRSCARF neck-level heating system. At the touch of a button AIRSCARF gen-
erates warm air, which flows out from the head restraints. This allows the SLK
passengers to keep the roof down even when the outside temperatures drop and
to enjoy the open-top roadster experience the whole year round. Automatic cli-
mate control, bi-xenon headlamps with cornering light function, COMAND APS
and the unique seven-speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC are among the 3
other technical innovations offered as options for the first time in the SLK-
Class. Ex-factory prices for the SLK-Class range from 33,524 to 63,974 euros.
The new Mercedes Roadster replaces a successful first-generation model enjoyed by
over 308,000 delighted owners since autumn 1996. The global number one in its
market segment, it serves as a symbol for the new, dynamic brand image of
Mercedes-Benz.
The second generation of the SLK-Class has an even sportier edge in terms of both
its design and engineering and, with its powerful engines, newly developed chassis,
direct steering and precise six-speed manual transmission, delivers an even more
agile driving experience. The body is 72 millimetres longer and 65 millimetres wider
than the outgoing model, providing the SLK's passengers with more space and even
greater comfort.
Design: sporty dynamism, with styling elements inspired by motorsport
The design of the car reflects the sporty and powerful character of the new SLK-Class
. A long bonnet, flat windscreen, wide doors and a short rear represent typical road-
ster characteristics given extra emphasis by the new SLK. This extra forcefulness is
underpinned by a 30-millimetre longer wheelbase, clear tapering of the front and rear
ends and a wedge-shape silhouette.
A range of captivating details inspired by racing cars such as the arrow-shaped
nose, wing profiles in the radiator grille and the twin-tailpipe system underline the
origins of the SLK in a company which can point to an illustrious sports-car tradition.
The interior has also been completely redesigned and upgraded through the use of
carefully selected materials. The design concept is distinguished by switches, buttons
and trim elements with silver-coloured surfaces, which form a striking contrast to the
dark tones of the dashboard. Plus, customers can choose from a range of six shades
for the leather trim, or any one of twelve designo appointment colours. 4
The beautifully sculptured bodywork is also an achievement in terms of its technical
prowess. The C
d
value (0.32) is a good example, as are the rigidity of the body and
the fuel tank capacity (70 litres). The Sindelfingen engineers have further optimised
and perfected the technology behind the innovative vario-roof, which marked the SLK
out as a trendsetter on its arrival in 1996. The roof now opens and closes even more
quickly and takes up even less space in the boot thanks to the pivoting rear win-
dow. With the vario-roof open, boot capacity stands at 208 litres according to the
VDA method -- 63 litres more than in the outgoing model. A further new feature now
makes it possible to operate the vario- by a remote control function in the car key
(optional).
Safety: newly developed protection system with adaptive airbags
State-of-the-art construction processes, the increasingly large proportion of high-
strength steel alloys (40 percent) and a host of other measures besides allow the
new SLK-Class to leave the outgoing model in its slipstream. The occupant protection
systems adjust their reactions according to the situation in hand. For example, adap-
tive airbags which inflate in two stages in response to the severity of the accident
are making their debut in this model series.
The standard-fitted belt force limiters also work through two stages and adapt to the
severity of the accident. In the event of a side impact, newly developed head/thorax
airbags inflate to protect the head and upper body of the passengers. A special sen-
sor also triggers the side airbags and both belt tensioners if the car rolls over. Robust
steel tubes in the A-pillars and solid roll-over bars behind the seats offer additional
protection in this type of accident. 5
Engines: up to 25 percent more power coupled with reduced fuel consumption
The range of engines available for the SLK-Class is also quite unique in this market
segment. Here, Mercedes-Benz is the first manufacturer to respond to the desires of
drivers with more sporting ambitions by adding an eight-cylinder powerplant to the
mix. The V8 unit gives the SLK 55 AMG class-leading output (265 kW/360 hp),
torque (510 Newton metres) and acceleration (0-100 km/h: 4.9 seconds) figures.
The top-of-the-line engine is linked up as standard with the newly developed seven-
speed automatic transmission 7G-TRONIC, which the driver can choose to operate
using steering-wheel gearshift buttons.
For the SLK 350, meanwhile, Mercedes-Benz has developed a new six-cylinder engine
with around 25 percent more power (200 kW/272 hp) and 13 percent extra torque
(350 Newton metres ). The four-valve unit is one of the most powerful V6 engines in its
displacement class and reinforces its sporting credentials with a pleasing, full-
throated sound.
Peak torque is available as low down as 2400 rpm and remains constant up to 5000 rpm.
This provides the key to powerful acceleration and impressive mid-range sprints. The
SLK 350 reaches 100 km/h from a standstill in just 5.6 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC:
5.5 seconds) and accelerates from 60 to 120 km/h in 8.7 seconds (with 7G-TRONIC:
5.1 seconds).
For the first time, Mercedes-Benz is using variable intake and exhaust camshaft ad-
justment in the V6 engine. This boosts output and torque, whilst also helping to save
fuel. A second intake manifold, tumble flaps in the intake ducts and intelligent heat
management are further technical highlights of the new six-cylinder unit. When fitted
with the seven-speed automatic transmission, the new SLK 350 burns 10.1 litres of
premium unleaded petrol per 100 km (NEDC combined), making it some three per-
cent more economical than the outgoing SLK six-cylinder variant with five-speed
automatic transmission, despite its significantly deeper power reserves. 6
The 120-kW/163-hp engine under the bonnet of the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR is also
celebrating its premiere in this Mercedes model family. The new arrival is a member
of the unique TWINPULSE generation of four-cylinder engines from Mercedes-Benz,
which offer further advances in terms of output, torque, smoothness and fuel con-
sumption. The TWINPULSE system brings together various technologies, such as a
supercharger, balancer shafts, an intercooler, variably adjustable camshafts and four-
valve technology. This high-tech package allows the SLK 200 KOMPRESSOR to burn
eight percent less fuel than the outgoing engine with the same output. NEDC com-
bined consumption stands at 8.7 litres per 100 kilometres.
The SLK 200