THE latest Mercedes SLK roadster looks much better value for business car buyers and those taking contract hire leases thanks to an improvement in forecast residual values, reports CAP Monitor, which provides the industry benchmark guide to future residual values.
AGGRESSIVE styling and across-the-board improvements have given the new Mercedes-Benz SLK roadster a significant forecast residual value premium over the outgoing model.
This should help small business buyers get better value out of an SLK purchase, and with revised residual values, help lower contract hire lease rates.
The third generation of the model – first introduced in 1996 – also sees the introduction of some AMG branding to the range, adding more weight to its sporting credentials.
The SLK 200 AMG Sport Auto is forecast to retain 49.5% of list price after three years and 60,000 miles. This represents a major premium over the outgoing SLK Roadster which is currently forecast to retain 39% of cost new.
CAP Monitor editor Jeff Knight said: “Historically the SLK has suffered something of an image problem, sometimes unkindly described as a car for the more well-heeled hairdresser. The new more aggressive design removes that image problem and ensures it will appeal to a broader spectrum of buyers.
“This new SLK is vastly improved in all areas. The design cues of the interior, borrowed from the high performance SLS, add significant appeal in particular. Every other aspect of the car has been enhanced too and all of this is reflected in a very strong forecast residual value.”
How the outgoing and new Mercedes SLK compare on residual values is illustrated below:
Mercedes SLK 200K 2dr Tip Auto Sports Pack (2008-11)
P11D value £34,740
Value after 36 months/60 miles £13,575
% of P11D value retained 39%
Contract hire lease rate £620.49
New Mercedes SLK 200 BlueEFFICIENCY AMG Sport 2dr Tip Auto (2011-)
P11D value £35,280
Value after 36 months/60 miles £35,280
% of P11D value retained 49%
Contract hire lease rate £537.16
Sources: CAP Monitor (values), Concept Vehicle Leasing (lease rates) – correct at time of posting.
Further information
Editor’s note: Concept Vehicle Leasing tells me that there are even keener contract hire lease rates that Business Car Manager readers might be interested in on the following models in the new Mercedes SLK range – quoting on the same 36 months/60,000 mile terms.
Mercedes SLK 200K BlueEFFICIENCY automatic, including leather, Air Scarf, heated front seats and metallic paint – £462.53
Mercedes SLK 250K BlueEFFICIENCY automatic, including leather, Air Scarf, heated front seats and metallic paint – £537.16
Ralph Morton, editor
