Mercedes-Benz SLK AMG (04-10) - Review

Review by Simon Harris on
Last Updated: 20 April 2009
Last time the Mercedes-Benz SLK received the AMG treatment, it was fitted with a supercharged 3.2-litre V6 engine. The second-generation gets a substantially larger V8. It may be badged 55 but it actually uses a normally aspirated 5.4-litre engine with 360bhp. However, thanks to the light weight of the roadster, it has superb acceleration and pace, making it great fun to drive. The extra AMG body kit and larger wheels suit the SLK shape well and it also has some exquisite detailing inside, while build quality is second to none. It's expensive to run, but as the ultimate SLK, it's a superb convertible.
4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

2 out of 5

Running costs

As you'd expect of any AMG model, the SLK is not a cheap car to buy, or run. Resale values will be quite strong, with people able to sell in three years for about half what they paid for it. However, it still means they stand to lose as much as £30,000. Fuel economy is poor too at just 24mpg while Mercedes-Benz dealer servicing is notorious for being some of the most expensive around.

Summary Running Costs

Servicing period

According to on board computer.

Warranty

Three years/unlimited miles.

Road tax (12 months)

£475.00 - £475.00

Vehicle excise duty (VED) varies according to the CO2 emissions and the fuel type of the vehicle. For cars registered after March 1st 2001 VED or road tax is based on the car's CO2 emissions. For cars registered before March 1st 2001 it is based on engine size.

Full running costs data

1 out of 5

Green credentials

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    288

CO2 emission figure (g/km)

Fuel economy rating

The arrows indicate the best and worst CO2 bands for this model.

Emissions summary

The SLK AMG is a polluting model, with emissions of 288g/km of CO2 while economy is poor with an average of just 24mpg. Unlike alternatives such as the Audi TT, there is no diesel engine available.

Find the exact engine and CO2