Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster (04-11) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on 21 February 2008

Last Updated: 20 April 2009

The Mercedes-Benz SLK is a feel-good convertible. Every one of its engines is a pleasure to drive, it looks stunning and has a party-piece in its folding metal roof. Inside it’s well built, comfortable and well equipped. As a result it’s been a hit for Mercedes-Benz and used prices have stayed high. But while it's undoubtedly desirable, the more powerful models are expensive to run and the manual gearbox - standard on smaller engined versions - isn't pleasant to use. Plus in terms of driver involvement it can't match the likes of the Porsche Boxster. But for refinement and style - few convertibles come close.

4 out of 5

Other Mercedes-Benz reviews

4 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£28,765 - £42,500

Used price range:

£7,070 - £23,421

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Get a Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster (04-11) information pack

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Neat styling, good quality interior, refined with roof down

More powerful models are expensive to run, poor manual gearbox, no diesel option

For the review of the latest Mercedes-Benz SLK Roadster click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

4 out of 5
"The supercharged 200K 2.0-litre may be the entry-level engine, but it’s a cracker. Original cars..."
Handling

4 out of 5
"When it comes to driving, the SLK is very easy and smooth, whether in town or on country roads. It's..."

Comfort

Comfort

4 out of 5
"The SLK is a convertible that can be driven all year round with the roof down. The cockpit is..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"For a couple, the SLK offers reasonable practicality - especially for a roadster. There's a..."
Equipment

3.5 out of 5
"From 2008 the sat nav system is updated so that it's even more user-friendly. It also it gets a 4GB..."
Behind the wheel

4 out of 5
"The SLK features a clean-looking and user-friendly cockpit. The buttons and switches are well placed..."

Costs

Running costs

3 out of 5
"Although expensive to initially buy and costly to service and insure, the SLK isn't too bad on all..."
Green credentials

2 out of 5
"Pre-2008 cars have an average of 229 g/km CO2 across the line-up, which is a little high for a..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

4 out of 5
"Two-stage airbags for driver and passenger plus head and thorax side bags and seatbelt force..."
Reliability

5 out of 5
"So far very few problems reported at all. The roof is a complex mechanism, but very few problems..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

2.5 out of 5
"A couple of notable options are well worth considering. The first is 'Airscarf' - heating vents..."
Buying used

3 out of 5
"Buyers overwhelmingly opt for automatic transmission. If you must have a manual, you could be in for..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"Demand continues to be strong for this roadster - it's a great all-round package: stylish, easy to..."