Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG 2012 Review
Barking and snarling through twisting country back roads Merc's latest hot rod drop-top quickly proved it has all the mumbo needed for a very satisfying drive...Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
Yarra Valley, Victoria
What we liked
>> Talkative chassis and steering
>> Linear power delivery
>> Crisp exhaust note
Not so much
>> Odd resonance when cruising
>> Very slight rack rattle
>> Some road noise
This is the third AMG-enhanced SLK since the supercharged R170 series (SLK 32 AMG) was launched in 2001. It not only brings the horsepower and driving dynamics associated with the AMG badge, but a surprising array of environmentally-focussed technologies. These combine to strip an astounding 30 per cent from the previous model’s fuel consumption figure.
Equipment additions fitting of the car’s high profile status are found throughout. Despite the long list of inclusions however, the model is actually $24,360 cheaper than the one it replaces.
The latest addition to the AMG family boasts not only the performance credentials to set it apart from its ‘lesser’ siblings, but a host of refinements fitting of its top-shelf status. Larger air intakes, an aggressive AMG-specific fascia and athletic aero package outside complement a sporty interior bristling with high-end equipment within.
In addition to those features found on SLK 350, these include a Nappa Alcantara combination sports steering wheel with shift paddles, Nappa solar-reflecting leather upholstery, SUNA-equipped satellite navigation with Google Maps interaction, THERMOTRONIC dual-zone climate control and a 40GB HDD Harmon Kardon Logic 7 surround sound audio package with Bluetooth audio streaming and telephony.
The SLK 55 AMG is optionally available with Merc’s AMG Handling Package for $8825. This includes composite front brakes, AMG Performance suspension (30 per cent increase in stiffness) and AMG rear-axle differential lock.
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is priced from $155,000 (MRLP incl. GST & LCT).
MECHANICAL
Dynamics are bolstered by lowered suspension, Merc’s point and shoot Direct-Steer system, clever Torque Vectoring Brakes and three-mode stability control system. Dressed with five-spoke 18-inch light alloy wheels and quad pipe exhausts, the SLK 55 AMG also offers a menacing bark when driven with gusto. Using integrated “exhaust flaps”, the car offers a distinctive and menacing note under acceleration, complemented by a hearty crackle off-throttle. The double decoupling transmission allows a cheeky burble and pop on downshifts when driven in Sport or Manual modes.
As mentioned earlier, Merc’s 5.5-litre normally-aspirated direct injection V8 (M152) ensures effortless acceleration. It can propel the 1610kg roadster to 100km/h in just 4.6 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250km/h. Closely related to the bi-turbo engine of the same capacity found elsewhere in the Mercedes-Benz line-up, SLK’s V8 includes a number of distinguishing features. These include the cylinder shut-down system (which effectively turns the car into a four-cylinder when cruising), new intake ducting, new cylinder heads, modified valve gear and oil delivery systems, and an “optimised” all-aluminium crankcase.
Braking duties are managed by cast ventilated and perforated discs measuring 360 x 36mm up front and 330 x 22mm at the rear. They are grabbed by four- and single-pot callipers respectively.
Well-bolstered Nappa leather seats are treated to reflect heat from the sun. Merc says this technology can reduce the surface temperature of the seat by up to 13 degrees Celsius when compared to its traditional leather upholstery.
Much like Mercedes-Benz SL and SLS models, the SLK is styled and proportioned to recall the lines of heritage models, such as the classic 300 SL of the 1950s.
SAFETY
Merc’s Active Bonnet system reduces impact severity to pedestrians while LED brake lights pulse under heavy braking to warn drivers behind. Both three-point seatbelts are fitted with pyrotechnic pretensioners and load limiters. A tyre pressure monitoring system is also standard.
Euro NCAP has not yet tested the current generation SLK and therefore a star rating is not available.
COMPETITORS
A back-to-back comparison would be the fairest way to determine which offers the ultimate bang for your buck, though that may need to wait until the new Boxster arrives later this year.
ON THE ROAD
The SLK 55 AMG is a serious piece of kit, one read through the spec sheet will confirm that. But get it on a good stretch of road and the true value of these numbers is quickly defined. The engine is willing and beautifully linear, piling on pace with relentless piquancy. It’s readily apparent the engine and chassis is an ideal match.
Well-weighted steering offers precise feedback, the direct action of the rack ensuring millimetre-perfect placement on even the most challenging of roads. Pushed hard over tersely corrugated turns there is a hint of rack rattle through the column. But it’s quickly muted, and didn’t upset proceedings in the slightest.
Intriguingly here the compliance of the suspension impresses. The car is not unsettled from its intended course, nor is the comfort of its occupants disturbed. Considering how much grip the chassis offers, this compromise is nothing short of astonishing. In fact the only thing likely to upset the carriage of driver or passenger is the seatbelt’s pull on the collarbone as SLK rapidly decelerates -- the stopping power is enormous.
For the most part, SLK’s cabin is free of buffeting and, considering its performance tilt, relatively quiet. The only disturbances noted were an expected bass thrum from the low-profile rubber and a peculiar off-beat and brassy resonance when cruising off-throttle in ‘C’ (Comfort) mode.
To purloin a line from Merc’s own advertising this little rocket can best be described by the Gen-Y catchphrase: O-M-G. It’s blisteringly quick, loads of fun to drive and completely liveable. At this price, and even as a “niche within a niche”, the SLK 55 AMG is bound to be a runaway success.
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