Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG

SLK 55 AMG Review

Mercedes Benz, the German luxury car manufacturer has launched the much awaited roadster model Mercedes Benz SLK 55 AMG in India. The launch of this roadster marks the eight product launch by the company in the year 2013 and it has a very expensive price tag. The company claims that this four wheeler is the most powerful SLK ever as it is powered by a V8, 5.5-litre petrol power plant. Mercedes also claims that the vehicle requires only about 4.2 seconds the break the 100 Kmph speed barrier and it has the electronically limited top speed of 250 Kmph, which is remarkable. This roadster is built on the sophisticated AMG platform and it is equipped with AMG Sport suspension system along with torque vectoring brakes and AMG Direct-Steer system. This will only improve the handling and responsiveness of the vehicle and enhance the overall driving experience. The all new Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG looks stunning with striking exterior features and it represents the third generation of the SLK family. The German automaker installed several advanced and sophisticated features inside the cabin such as attention assist system, PARKATRONIC aid function, COMMAND ONLINE system and lots more. This latest roadster has achieved a 5-star rating in the Euro NCAP Crash ratings, which makes it an epitome in safety standards.

Exteriors:

The exterior style and design of the Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG is magnificent. It comes with the sophisticated AMG package that enhances its sporty looks and style. To begin with, its front profile is absolutely stunning and it will catch the attention of the enthusiasts for certain. The headlight cluster is bold and it incorporates projector style Bi-Xenon lamps along with LED turn indicators . In the center, the radiator grille is very stylish and it has a lot of perforations and incorporates only one chrome slat with Mercedes logo on it. The front bumper has a dual tone color scheme with chin guard painted in black, while the rest of the bumper is painted in body color. This bumper houses a large air dam, two air ducts and LED fog lights that adds to the striking appeal of the frontage. The side profile of this roadster comes with a curved body design where the wheel arches are fitted with 18-inch, 10 spoke alloy wheels. These alloys have been painted in matte black and its sporty appeal is further accentuated by the silver garnished brake calipers. This latest model sports a panoramic vario-roof with magic sky control that represents the technological advancements achieved by the company. The rear profile of this roadster has a stylish boot lid that is fitted with a spoiler and has a lot of chrome accentuation. The rear bumper is painted in body color and it is fitted with a protective cladding along with four chrome exhaust pipes.

Interiors:

The all new Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG has very stylish cockpit with futuristic design. You can find sports seats, a stylish dashboard, beautifully crafted central console inside the cabin. The AC vents are well placed on the dashboard and have been accentuated with chrome surround. Apart from AC vents , you can also see the chrome accentuation on the door handles, instrument cluster and gearshift lever. The steering wheel comes with three spokes and it has a flat bottom and mounted with control buttons. Most attractive aspect of the cockpit is the central console where the company has installed some of the mind blogging features and functions. The panoramic vario-roof with magic sky control switches to light or dark as required with a press of a button. When it is in light mode, it looks virtually transparent and offers an open-air experience for the occupants in cold weather. In the dark mode, it will prevent the interiors from heating up because of the intense heat of the sun. In both these light and dark states, it will offer a feel-good atmosphere to the occupants inside with a touch of a button.

Engine and Performance:

The newly launched Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG comes fitted with a commanding V8, 5.5-litre petrol power plant. This engine comes incorporated with a AMG Cylinder Management cylinder shut-off system developed by the Mercedes-AMG. This will reduce the fuel consumption and emission by the engine when the vehicle comes to a stop. The power produced by the engine is about 421bhp at 6800rpm that is converted to a commanding torque of about 540Nm at 4500rpm. This superior torque is delivered to the rear wheels of the vehicle through an AMG SPEEDSHIFT PLUS 7G TRONIC transmission gearbox. This sophisticated transmission system offers three drive modes such as Controlled Efficiency, Sports and Manual for the convenience of the driver. The company claims that the vehicle has a top speed of about 250 Kmph and it can accelerate towards 100 Kmph from the standstill in just about 4.6 seconds.

Braking and Handling:

This latest roadster from Mercedes SLK family is built on AMG platform and incorporated with top level braking and handling aspects. The company engineered these aspects at top level precision, which will help the driver to gain full control with utmost ease. This roadster comes with AMG handling package that includes AMG high performance Braking System , AMG rear axle differential lock and AMG sports suspension system. The wheels of this four wheeler are fitted with ventilated and perforated disc brake calipers that collaborate with high performance braking system and offers a precise control over the vehicle at all times.

Comfort Features:

The newly introduced roadster is one of the most luxurious four wheelers in the Mercedes SLK family and it offers seating for two passengers. This new vehicle is being offered with some of the top rated equipments, functions and features that will create a luxurious environment inside the cockpit. Some of the most sophisticated features include Panoramic Vario-roor with Magic-Sky control , a Harman Kardon surround sound system, Attention Assist system, ambient lighting system, PARKATRONIC parking assistance system, and lots more.

Safety Features:

The all new Mercedes Benz SLK Class 55 AMG has achieved 5-star rating by undergoing the rigorous conducted by the Euro NCAP crash ratings. This makes it as an exemplar in safety standards and makes a statement of leadership in technological advancements. The company is offering this model with sophisticated protective features such as PRE-Safe functions, adaptive brakes with ABS and ASR , pedestrian safety feature with active bonnet are just to name a few.

Pros: Commanding engine performance, Panoramic vario-roof with Magic Sky control.

Cons: Very expensive price tag, poor mileage.