2009 Mercedes-Benz SLK350

It looks like a Mini-Me version of the SL coupe/roadster. A face-lifted front end leads things off, with a splitter reminiscent of the SLR’s nosecone. New wings flank the M-B tri-pointed star in the grille, along with angular cuts under the bumper for a look that reminds one of the front wings on Lewis Hamilton’s F1 car. These in turn, lead the eyes back along sculpted sides to the short overhang rear bustle of the SLK.

Along the way, new mirrors with revised directional indicators, and a pair of tinted taillights offer visual distinction to the body. And that’s just with the hardtop convertible roof stowed in the trunk. By the way, cargo space in the trunk is 10 cubic feet with the roof up, and 6.5 cubic feet with it stowed.

An amalgam of old world craftsmanship coupled with high tech touches resides in the cockpit of the SLK. Newly aluminum-adorned speedo- and tachometers reside in front of the driver. Beautiful burled walnut trim and butterscotch tan leather surrounds the doors and dash to create a perimeter that, at least visually, holds you in place. The accents continue with the same burled walnut highlighting the shift knob, brake handle and door grabs.

Space is at a premium throughout the SLK but that is the nature of the beast in the world of personal-sized sports cruisers. Open the dashboard to find a smallish-sized glove box, which also contains an optional connectivity kit that enables iPod control on the head unit of the NTG Generation 2.5 audio system. An optional harman/kardon Logic 7 audio system is also available. A second storage cubby rests at the rear of the cockpit above the center console.

The leather seats are extremely supportive. Equipped with M-B’s Air Scarf neck heaters, we had no need to try them in July in South Florida, but after extended drive time through the mountains in Palms Springs, California, we can attest to the fact that “topless” driving is fun even with temperatures hovering in the high 30-degree range.

Mercedes-BenzSLK 350 is the answer to a sporty need for a city car that gets decent highway mileage without having to pony up the cash for the big-brother (and big-ticketed) SL roadster.

© Source: leftlanenews

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