Mercedes-Benz SLK 350 2004 Review

7-day Test

It takes only a corner or two to get the message that this latest SLK is serious. Far from the soft-sell Double Bay or Toorak convertible it replaced, the new SLK is aimed four-square at the likes of BMW's Z4 and Porsche's all-conquering Boxster. That means, in addition to F1-inspired looks and a shedload of safety and driver focussed goodies, the new SLK350 comes complete with real oomph and serious driving dynamics.

Released initially in two engine guises, the new SLK telegraphs its sporting intentions via the availability of manual gearboxed versions. Indeed, both the entry level $83,800 SLK 200 Kompressor and $109,400 SLK350 are available with a third pedal and six-speeds. Auto versions cost extra ($86,900 and $112,900 respectively) and in the case of the 350 gets another gear - for a total of seven! For the record, the so-called 7G-TRONIC self-shifter will also be standard equipment on the 265kW V8-engined and go-fast-badged flagship SLK 55 AMG when it arrives Down Under in early 2005.

For the time being, the 7G-equipped 350 is the hottest SLK. And with its all-new 3498cc DOHC V6 producing a claimed 200kW, it hardly wants for performance. Indeed, according to Mercedes, the 350 dispatches the 0-100km/h sprint in a supercar-like 5.5sec. Leave the 7G-TRONIC box to its own devices and combined with the V6's broad spread of torque (350Nm from 2400-5000rpm), the pocket-sized coupe dispatches the 60-120km/h overtaking bracket in a stunning 5.1sec.

Yet the strong standing start and in-gear performance of the new SLK350 is only part of the story. This is arguably the best balanced and most communicative road car to wear the MB three-pointed star for some time.

The new car's structure is significantly stiffer and stronger than the first generation, says Mercedes. Couple this with new rack and pinion steering and front and rear suspension designs aimed at the performance end of the spectrum and the result is a much more wieldy and, indeed, involving car. Turn-in is much sharper than the outgoing car, steering feel is tactile but not boisterous and body control is substantially improved. But fear not, at the same time there's little if any degradation in ride quality. And though quick witted, the SLK never feels nervous or fidgety - something that can't be said of the Z4.

A two-seater only, the latest SLK boasts a substantially upgraded cabin - gone is some (but not all) of the gloss finished silver plastic that seemed to dominate the cabin of the last model. Dash and door top textured finishes are classier, the leather smells real and multi-adjustable electrically adjustable and heated contoured sports seats make it possible for supermodel and Quasimodo alike to get comfortable.

Standard equipment levels are high - in terms of standard safety features (including all the normal antilock and traction control devices plus roll-over protection), driver aids and comfort items. Our tester had just four options (Airscarf $1350; Steering Wheel Mounted Gear Shift $890; Heated Seats $1050; Infrared Remote control for roof operation $320)and wanted for little - except maybe just a touch more incidental storage. For the record too, the Airscarf is anything but a gimmick. Piping warm air out of the seat at neck level, the option makes open-air motoring a joy even on chilly Melbourne spring mornings. Take it from us, if the choice is heated seats or Airscarf, take the latter.

It goes without saying the SLR's trademark folding steel roof is fuss-free. A one-button operation, it works quickly enough to comfortably complete the change to top down fun at the lights. Just make sure you pack cannily - with the SLK's hinged luggage divider in situ (without it the roof is disabled) there's enough for a couple of soft bags but not much else.

Mind you, stating the obvious, if you're looking for a luggage hauler you're looking in the wrong place. The flavour of the SLK is trumpeted clearly by its F1-style nose - it screams sportscar, looks enough like the $1m-plus McLaren Mercedes SLR to make all but the most jaded car watcher look thrice and even has an exhaust note with a serious dash of attitude.

There's no doubt the SLK punches well above its weight. We'd give it the nod over the Z4, but deciding on whether it can match the all-round brilliance of Porsche's Boxster needs more than an isolated seat of the pants impression. Sounds like the perfect excuse for a drive in the country...