Mercedes SLK250
Car review by Sam Hardy
What is it?
The Mercedes SLK 250 is the mid-point in the two-seater SLK range. It has a 201bhp 1.8-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, while the SLK 200 has a 183bhp version and the SLK 350 gets a 302bhp 3.5-litre V6. All SLKs come with a compact electric folding metal roof, while underneath the skin, the car sits on a new rear-wheel drive platform. Other models include a diesel and a V8 AMG version. The SLK 250 costs from £35,300.
What’s hot?
- The SLK certainly looks good, borrowing details from the SLS AMG
- The roof folds quickly into the boot at the flick of a switch
- Cabin materials are of a good standard and the design is smart
- As well as being able to do 0-60mph in 6.6 seconds and 151mph…
- …the efficient engine does 42.8mpg and emits 153g/km
- It feels much more punchy than the entry-level engine too
- Road holding is good and the SLK corners quickly
- The optional Magic Sky Control allows the driver to turn the glass roof opaque with one button press
What’s not?
- The steering is quick to turn the car into corners but there is no feel
- Seven-speed auto doesn’t respond very quickly to steering wheel paddles
- The ride can be very firm, with bumps sending crashes through the cabin
- The engine isn’t very refined and can sound harsh at high revs
- The Magic Sky Control roof is a hefty £1,600 option
- There’s not much room in the boot with the roof stowed.
- A BMW Z4 is more comfortable and more fun to drive, while a Porsche Boxster is more compromised but remains the best driver’s choice.
| P11D Value: | £33,980 |
| Monthly Rental: | From £437 (3yrs/30,000 miles) |
| Tax Bands 2011/12 to 2013/14: | 23%, 24%, 25% |
| Benefit in kind 2011/12 to 2013/14: | £7,815, £8,155, £8,495 |
| Engine: | 1.8 4 cyl turbocharged petrol |
| CO2 Emissions: | 153g/km |
| Power/torque: | 204HP/310Nm |
| Economy: | 42.8mpg |
Business Car Manager Road Test Verdict
The SLK 250 is the best all-rounder in the line-up, with some useful extra performance over the SLK 200 but not the high running costs of the flagship SLK 350. Touches like the Magic Sky Control roof are really neat and the SLK mixes refinement with pace and quality. But as a business car comparison, the SLK isn’t as much fun as a BMW Z4 or a Porsche Boxster or as comfortable as it should be.
