Mercedes introduces SLK250 and SLK55 AMG
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 20th Jan 2012
They join the existing SLK200 and SLK350 variants that hit local showrooms in August last year.
At $91,900 plus on-road costs, the SLK250 is priced between the entry-level SLK200 ($82,900) and the SLK350 ($118,900) in the four-model family.
The performance-oriented AMG model will start at $155,000, a jump of $36,100 over the previously range-topping SLK350 but a whopping $24,360 less than its SLK55 AMG predecessor.
The SLK250 is powered by a tweaked version of the 1.8-litre turbocharged BlueEfficiency engine from the SLK200, producing 150kW of power and 310Nm of torque, matched to a standard 7G-Tronic seven-speed automatic transmission.
Benz claims a 0-100km/h sprint time of 6.6 seconds, fuel consumption of 7.0L/100km and carbon dioxide emissions of 163g/km.
Additional features over the entry-level SLK200 include steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters, memory function on the seats and steering wheel, COMAND online multimedia system, Intelligent Light System and different 17-inch alloy wheels.
The SLK55 is powered by AMG’s naturally aspirated 5.5-litre V8 engine that produces 310kW and 540Nm, matched to a seven-speed auto, propelling the 1690kg car from 0-100km/h in just 4.6 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h.
The new model is 30 per cent more fuel-efficient than its predecessor thanks to cylinder shut-off and AMG cylinder management, with official fuel consumption listed as a super-low 8.5L/100km and CO2 emissions at 197g/km.
Mercedes-Benz claims this makes it the lowest emissions V8 Roadster on sale in Australia, regardless of price.
Despite the launch of the new model in August, with only two variants, the SLK recorded the highest sales growth rate in its segment in 2011, with an increase of 17.8 per cent year-on-year.
Benz released its flagship SLS Roadster supercar in Australia this week (see our first drive story, linked below), while an all-new SL-class is due to hit our shores in the third quarter this year.
| Mercedes-Benz SLKpricing (before on-roads): | |
| SLK200 BlueEfficiency (a) | $82,900 |
| SLK250BlueEfficiency (a) | $91,900 |
| SLK350  BlueEfficiency(a) | $118,900 |
| SLK55AMG (a) | $155,000 |
