SLK 280 Review

 

Mercedes Benz SLK 280

Whoever came up with the model name of the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 was something of a genius. The "SLK" is reminiscent - in English, at least - of "silk", "sleek" and "slick", all of which are appropriate to this classic European sports coupe-cabriolet. Stunning-looking with an F1-inspired nose, the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 invites the viewer to come inside and enjoy the ride. Top up or top down, it looks very good.

Despite what you'd expect from the numbers in its model name, the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 has a 3.0 litre V6 engine, which the gearbox, in either six speed manual or seven speed automatic, manages to make the most of. Taking another look under the stunning looking bonnet of the Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 reveals two-stage variable intake manifolds, double overhead cams, four valves per cylinder, and variable camshaft timing on inlet and exhaust. These add up to a strong engine with plenty of torque. The Mercedes Benz SLK 280 manages to average 9.5 litres per 100 k, and the automatic version is cleverly designed so that it will hunt through the gears for the most economical drive when using cruise control. However, on a hill drive, that intelligent gearbox will do its best to keep the revs between the engine's favourite rate of 4000rmp and the redline of 6400rpm.

Sitting in one of the Mercedes Benz SLK 280's leather upholstered seats is a delight. The dual climate control ensures that you and your one lucky passenger will be comfortable, and the dual front and side airbags ensure that you will be safe. The Mercedes Benz SLK 280 claims to do 0-100 in 6.2 seconds, and with the top down, this is an exhilarating experience that is guaranteed to mess your hairstyle (unless you have the optional wind net). With the top up, the Mercedes-Benz SLK 280 is quiet and offers plenty of visibility. Other options available to add to driver and passenger comfort include the Airscarf neck warmer, and heated and powered seats. The handling is confident and responsive to what you ask of it via the leather-covered multi function steering wheel, making the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 a joy to drive.

Downsides of the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 are that the storage space both in the cabin and in the boot is rather limited, especially with the roof down (but what do you expect in a sporty coupe-cabriolet, which is the motoring equivalent of sexy, figure-hugging lycra as opposed to cargo pants?) and that the ride is rather bumpy and noisy over rough surfaces. Some reviewers have mentioned the lack of a multi-stacker CD player as a downside, but in this writer's opinion, the standard single CD player is quite enough to add to the pleasure of driving the Mercedes Benz SLK 280.

In summary, the Mercedes Benz SLK 280 is a sporty, sexy and stylish little coupe-cabriolet that promises to be a joy to drive around town or on the open road.